Senior Evan Watanabe has committed to play lacrosse at North Central College in Illinois. The Friars’ midfielder shared, “I chose North Central because of the feeling I felt when I first walked on campus. The city of Naperville is amazing, the campus is beautiful, and the new science center was very attractive as well.”
A four-year varsity letterman for lacrosse, he earned 2nd Team All-Trinity League recognition as a sophomore. Watanabe also played three years of football as a running back for the Friars.
Lacrosse Coach Tom O’Leary, shared, “Evan has been a cornerstone in this program as a four-year starter. As a freshman, his work ethic, character, and tenacity in between the lines yielded him a defensive midfield position. He made some huge plays for us as a freshman on a 2018 stacked roster. That carried over in his sophomore year as well.”
He continued, “Despite a season ending knee injury in the fall of 2019, even before the cancellation of the 2020 season, Evan’s presence was constantly felt. From becoming our impromptu box coach, to warming up goalies, to managing JV fundamental progress, Evan has always been a huge component of this program and an example of what he expects from his peers. Coach Farrell has gained a humble, selfless, hard working young man in Evan Watanabe. Congratulations to Evan and his parents Andrea and Greg. Best of luck in your new endeavors!
Watanabe, who is also involved in the Admissions Ambassador program at Servite, plans to study Biology at North Central before moving on to medical school.
He is the second Friar from the lacrosse senior class to announce his college decision joining Nick Sheremetta who is headed to play and study at Bellarmine.
In closing Watanabe shared, “Thank you to everyone who have helped me in this process. To my coaches, thank you for pushing me like no other. You made me trust and believe in myself even when I did not. To my family, thank you for sacrificing all the time, money, and effort to get me where I am today. To all my brothers, thank you for being there when times were both good and bad. I appreciate all who have helped me through this process, from the bottom of my heart thank you.
The 2021 lacrosse season is currently scheduled to begin in mid March.
