WASHINGTON, DC - Zach Kjeldsen, Matthew Marrett and Tom Yancheski have been selected as the co-captains for the inaugural 2014 University of the District of Columbia men's lacrosse squad, head coach Scott Urick announced Tuesday.
Kjeldsen (Political Science – Salisbury, MD/Hobart College), who captained his high school varsity lacrosse, soccer and basketball teams, is a sophomore defenseman playing his first season of collegiate lacrosse. He is also a representative on the UDC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
"Zach has been a vocal leader since his first day on campus. He is quick to volunteer to do anything that will benefit the team," Urick said. "He has also been around the game for a long time and is a very versatile and skilled player. His experience is invaluable to our team and he will do a great job keeping us focused on the task at hand."
Marrett (Business Management – Nantucket, MA/Dean College) is a talented midfielder who transferred from Dean College of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Last season, he played in 12 games and registered nine points on seven goals and two assists to help Dean to a 7-5 overall record.
"Matt is an outstanding student-athlete who sets a great example on and off the field. He is one of the best all-around athletes on the team and a throw-back two-way midfielder for sure. He will be an impact player for us both offensively and at the defensive end of the field," Urick said.
Yancheski (Health Science – Phoenix, MD/Harford CC) has played two years of collegiate lacrosse prior to his arrival at UDC. Last year while playing at Harford, he was named NJCAA 2nd Team All America and Region 20's Defensive Player of the Year.
"Tom is a leader by example, and his work ethic is second to none," Urick said. "He plays with intensity and has command of the defense. Tom also has big play potential and is one of the best athletes I've ever coached at the goalie position."
The Firebirds have begun pre-season practice and the UDC Lacrosse era will begin on Saturday, February 22nd with the season-opener at Marymount.