Though the MSD men’s varsity lacrosse team has gotten off to a slow start with a current 2-4 record, they continue to work hard to overcome the struggles that many teams often face. As the team tries to get back to a .500 record, they will need a lot of help from senior and defensive-midfielder Zack Stevens (10).

Stevens was born in Ottawa, Canada and moved to South Florida at the age of seven years old. His love for the game originated from almost being hit by a ball.

“I was walking around Terramar Park after a basketball game, and a lacrosse ball almost hit me while I was walking,” Stevens said. “I stayed with my dad to watch the game, and I really liked it.”

For Stevens, lacrosse served as a sport that had attractive qualities; from there on, he knew what he wanted to do. Stevens’s dad signed him to play for the Parkland Redhawks Lacrosse team and he began his lacrosse story from there.

Stevens has many role models in the lacrosse world. His biggest role model is Casey Powell, who is widely considered the greatest lacrosse player of all time.

“I had the opportunity to play on [Powell’s] travel lacrosse team for a year,” Stevens said. “He taught me so many helpful and beneficial things that I still value and use today.”

Stevens also looks up to his coach, Coach Neil McAdorey. His coach has significantly improved his game and has helped him get to the next level.

“[Coach McAdorey] has helped me significantly improve in lacrosse and has also been my mentor across all of high school. He has helped me get better at what I love and helped me become a better person. Without him, I am not sure where I would be right now,” Stevens said.

Having a chance to play lacrosse in college for Stevens would be an honor, as he would be playing the sport he loves.

“Having all my hard work pay off and then getting to continue playing the sport I love in college is a massive accomplishment,” Stevens said. “It would truly be a dream come true.”

With the hard work and dedication he puts into lacrosse, Stevens has been given great opportunities to learn and showcase his skills at the next level.

Outside of lacrosse, Stevens plays Parkland recreation basketball and flag football and referees for soccer. He is also the head digital media officer and a board member of Parkland’s local B’nai B’rith Youth Organization chapter.

In his free time, Stevens likes to practice Photoshop and design, or play video games to keep himself occupied. However, during the season, he does not have very much free time as he is busy working on his game.

Stevens was named a U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-American last year, which is awarded to students that have excelled in school and on the field.

“It is great seeing my work on [the field and off] pay off, and being named [a U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-American] was truly an honor,” Stevens said.

In the off season, Stevens practices and lifts every day to get better. On weekends, he goes to the fields to shoot some shots at the goal.

“It’s never too late to get started as the sport can easily be picked up and you can have some real fun,” Stevens said.

Stevens plans to continue his great play on the field, along with excelling in the classroom.