After playing at Genesee Community College in New York for two years, Mat Anderson (GHS ’17) has accepted a scholarship to play for the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers University, becoming the first Gorham High School graduate to play D1 lacrosse in college.
Playing lacrosse wasn’t one of Anderson’s original sports. In his younger years he was really excited about soccer and as he got older he played hockey. It wasn’t until his family was preparing for a move from Wisconsin to Gorham, prior to his freshman year, that Mat decided to pick up a lacrosse stick.
“My mom and I went to the local sports store and picked up a cheap $30 stick just so I could mess around with it. I would play wall ball with a tennis ball up against our barn in Wisconsin,” he shared. It was the move to Maine and the fact that Gorham had a lacrosse team that led him to the sport. “It was the first time I had the opportunity to play it, and once I started playing, I never wanted to stop.”
Anderson has some incredible memories of playing at GHS, but being with his team everyday ranks among the highest. “They become a second family,” he said. “We succeeded together and we struggled together, as one, through our ups and downs. I made a few of my best friends and life long friends playing lacrosse at GHS.” Beating Scarborough for the first time and making it to the Western Maine finals rank among his proudest moments with the team.
Photo credit Lauren HullMat Anderson played lacrosse at Genesee Community College in hopes of preparing for a spot at the Division I level.
When Anderson was trying to decide on colleges, he didn’t feel he was getting the looks he was hoping for and ultimately decided a junior college would be his best opportunity for exposure.
“I emailed three junior colleges with my highlight reel. All three responded, but Genesee was the first to offer a scholarship. I went out for a visit then committed shortly after.” Genesee had won the National Championship the year prior which played into Anderson’s decision.
During his time at Genesee, Anderson “met some incredible people,” and though they didn’t win, he helped his team get to its eighth NJCAA Region III championship. Most of all, he said it was a stepping stone to get him where he wanted to be, academically and athletically. Both were areas that Anderson worked very hard at.
It took a lot of work on and off the field. “Mentally and physically I had to push myself to reach my goal of going D1. Academics were the main focus. You can be the most talented kid, but if you can’t pass your classes, a lot of schools won’t even bother with you,” he shared. “I knew from the start of college that my grades mattered in the long run, so I made sure I did well.”
Anderson also knew he would need to get stronger and become a more sound player. “There is always room for improvement on the field and in the weight room,” he said.
Anderson’s coach at Genesee sent an email to the Rutgers coaching staff and the head coach (Brian Brecht) was able to attend a few of his games. Anderson’s hard work and determination paid off as Brecht offered him a scholarship to play at Rutgers.
Anderson is looking forward to competing at a very high level. “Getting the BIG 10 experience whether it’s athletically, academically, or socially is a dream come true. I also feel this will put me in a position to succeed to the best of my ability,” he said.
Anderson credits his family, friends, and coaches for all of the help and support they have given him and thanks Brecht and his coaching staff at Rutgers for giving him the opportunity to play for the school.
Currently Anderson is working a summer job, working out and playing wall ball when he has the chance. Fall ball will start soon and there will be some scrimmages as well, but his dream of playing D1 ball is now within his grasp.