Every year at the Under Armour Underclass tournament it seems there’s more and more players representing the state of Texas. The Lone Star State is booming with talent and excellent lacrosse programs.
And any chance the Texas area players get a chance to showcase their skills against northeast talent in front of college coaches it’s always a huge opportunity for those student athletes.
Highland Park’s Josie Gooch is thrilled to be apart of this weekends festivities. This is the second year in a row that the 2020 Midfielder has been selected to represent the Southwest in the Underclass tournament.
Gooch is coming off a decent season for Highland Park scoring 29 goals, 9 assists and scooped up 27 ground balls.
A member of the 214 Lacrosse club in the Dallas area, Gooch was named All-State this past season. And the rising junior is already set on what she wants to major in college, Business or Pre-Med and minor in Spanish. That’s impressive!
The PRLB did a Q&A with Josie and got her thoughts on playing this weekend what it means to her.
Questions:
Peace Report Lax Blog: How does it feel to be selected for the Under Armour Underclass event?
Josie Gooch: I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent Texas and the Southwest. This is my favorite event of the year because I get to reunite with so many great players and friends that I’ve met across the country through lacrosse.
PRLB: What’s it mean to you to get some excellent exposure to how you play the game in front of College coaches?
Gooch: I’m thankful for the opportunity to be able to play in front of so many great schools this weekend. Texas clubs can only make it to a few recruiting tournaments a year because of the travel involved, so Under Armour is a key opportunity to hopefully play in front of my favorite schools.
PRLB: How long have you been playing lacrosse?
Gooch: Since Spring of 5th grade. It is awesome to see Dallas girls starting to play at a much younger age now, but when I was growing up we didn’t play that early. The game is really growing in Texas.
PRLB: How did you feel you did this past high school season?
Gooch: We had a break-through season, which was really fun. Our Highland Park team made it to the State Championship tournament for the first time in program history and while I was disappointed not to win it all, it was a great year.
PRLB: What are you trying to improve on skill wise this summer?
Gooch: Left hand shot
PRLB: What kind of sticks do you play with?
Gooch: Crux 600 w mesh
PRLB: Name the favorite song your listening to now.
Gooch: “I Lived” by One Republic
PRLB: What’s your favorite movie?
PRLB: Gladiator
PRLB: In your opinion what’s the best part of your game?
Gooch: Speed in transition
PRLB: Has the new recruiting rules made the searching for college process easier for you?
Gooch: Yes, it has enabled me to meet and work with a lot more coaches and visit more campuses through clinics and camps. I’ve also developed a lot since my freshman year, so (like a lot of girls) I am really a different player now than when I was 14.
