By: Josh Balcarcel
It is hard to put into words how much the sport of lacrosse has done for me throughout my lifetime. My fifth and final year being a part of the Marist Men’s Lacrosse program has finally come to an end, which feels crazy to even read out loud. My experience throughout my career here has been extremely rewarding, thanks to a variety of memorable moments with highs, lows and amazing people.
Growing up around Milford, Pennsylvania, lacrosse was a sport that was early in its development, with limited competition. I began playing in sixth grade after one of my best friends convinced me to give it a shot, and I immediately fell in love. I can’t pinpoint one particular thing that differentiated the sport from all the others I played, but what I can tell you is that the more I played, the more it became a part of who I was. A natural passion and competitiveness grew in me and drove me to become the best version of myself on and off the field.
My development wasn’t a solo mission by any means. From youth coaches who saw potential in me, to high school coaches who pushed me to improve every day, to now, my college coaches who gave me the proper tools needed to excel in the sport, I’ve always been fortunate to have people in my corner who taught me what it takes to make it to the next level. My family has been EVERYTHING for me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Starting off with my parents, the number of hours they put into driving me to and from lacrosse practices, tournaments, training and everything else is truly mind boggling. That alone is something that I will always appreciate because it showed how much they were willing to sacrifice in order to allow me to work towards my dreams.
Now, onto my siblings, who helped create the competitor that I am today. Being a family full of athletes and the youngest of four children meant constantly facing defeat in any game-related activity we took part in, especially from my brother and twin sisters. Although at the time it was miserable losing, losing is what put that competitive spark in me, which is a major reason I became successful as an athlete.
My family as a whole has been a steady source of support. I could not tell you one game that they’ve missed. They genuinely went to every single one of my Marist lacrosse games – home and away – and always greeted me with love no matter what the outcome of the game was. Their belief in me carried weight, especially during tough stretches and I am forever grateful to have them constantly by my side.
2020-2021 – Freshman Year: An Abnormal Start
My freshman year was in 2020, which was the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It wasn’t your stereotypical first year of college, especially when it came to lacrosse. Our team that year had to deal with a lot of hurdles just to practice, let alone play games in the spring. There was constant uncertainty around whether we’d even have a season, but I was still grateful to be part of a Division I program.
Even with limited playing time, that first year was about absorbing everything: learning the speed of the game, finding my role and earning the respect of the coaches through consistency. It was a year of quiet growth. All in all, we finished that year playing only three regular season games, and I was left not fully knowing what the next few years would hold. Even so, I knew I was ready to earn my place for the next seasons to come.
2021-2022 – Sophomore Year: Transition
With a bit more normalcy returning, I found myself getting more comfortable and confident. I began to get meaningful minutes and understand what it truly meant to compete at this level. Towards the second half of the season, I ended up starting at X attack after veteran Jamison Embury suffered a season-ending injury.
Although Jamison was physically unable to play his role on the field, he still made his presence felt through his leadership. He was a huge mentor for me during the remainder of the season and helped me navigate the growing pains of changing from being a second-line midfielder to a starting attackman. Unfortunately, that was the year we lost in the MAAC semifinal against Manhattan. It was a devastating way to end the year, but that year helped me build a solid foundation for myself as a college lacrosse player.
2022-2023 – Junior Year: Figuring It Out
This was a turning point year for me. On the field, I began to emerge as more of an offensive contributor. I played in all 18 games, finished with 21 goals and 12 assists, and started to feel like I was making a real impact. More importantly, this was the year that we won the MAAC Championship as a team.
There were so many contributing factors that allowed this year’s group to reach the top of the conference, but I personally believe that the fifth and sixth year class players were the game changers. We had so many impactful veterans on both sides of the ball that year. Guys like James Lyons, Hunter and Jamison Embury, Jojo Pirreca, Kyle Stofko, Tyler Ammirato, etc., who all made us better. When you have that type of experience, it helps the younger guys on the field, like me, play with more confidence and effort. That was easily one of the most memorable years for me, and I am grateful that I was able to share those moments with that 2023 team.
2023-2024 – Senior Year: Career Highs
This year was when I first took on a leadership role for the team. I was elected to be one of four captains, and I was chosen to be the one to wear the number 34 jersey for the program that season. The number 34 represents Edward Taylor Coombs, who was a Marist lacrosse player who tragically passed away in a car accident back in 2011. The number is given to a senior who best exemplifies Eddie’s attributes of leadership and community, both on and off the field. That senior then wears the number proudly for that season and represents Eddie and his family to the best of their ability. Knowing the importance and the legacy of Eddie Coombs, it was without a doubt the biggest honor of my career to be able to wear that number on game days. I, and current head coach and former Red Fox, Dave Scarcello, both wore that number.
In terms of the season, this was my best statistically: 30 goals, 21 assists, and some of the most complete lacrosse I’ve ever played. I was named to the MAAC First Team in the conference, but beyond the accolades, I knew I was leading by example and showing up for my team every single day. We ended up falling short that year in the MAAC quarterfinals against Siena at home, a heartbreaker at Tenney that really stung.
2024-2025 – Graduate Year: One Last Dance
I chose to return for a fifth year because I felt I wasn’t done after the early exit senior year. I also decided to stay at Marist because of the coaching staff (Scarcello’s first year) and my teammates. I have so much love for them, and I wanted to finish my career wearing a Red Foxes jersey and Marist across my chest.
I was blessed with the opportunity of wearing the number 34 again for the season and was chosen to be a captain for the second time. Being in that veteran role now, I felt a responsibility to help guide the team, provide continuity, and support the younger guys as they found their footing. I came back not just to compete, but to lead with purpose. This season we finished strong, made it to the playoffs, got past the quarterfinals, but lost a one-goal heartbreaker to Siena in the semifinals.
As I write this and look back, there is so much emotion that I feel, but the one emotion that isn’t present is regret. This program, my coaches and my teammates will always be considered family to me, and I thank God for allowing me to be a part of something bigger than myself. I will never forget the bus rides, the game day speeches, the celebrations and the emotions. Every bit of it will stick with me forever. I have been so blessed with opportunity throughout my five years here, and I am truly going to miss Marist.
Edited by Ryan Eichem and Ben Leeds
Graphic by Quinn DiFiore
Photos from Marist Athletics
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