Meet Drew Snider, the Walax.com Player of the Year 2006

 After becoming a two-time all-American, doing everything possible to get his team to the state finals, representing Washington well in the Senior showcase, and demonstrating his ability to play against DI players in Sonoma with the Starz, Drew Snider was chosen the Walax.com Player of the Year.

A member of the Queen Anne middle school team that may have led to more superstars in Seattle Lacrosse than the ’93 Bulls did for the NBA, Drew singled out- is the most accomplished. We interviewed Drew to get his thoughts on Lacrosse, life and the shadow he is stepping out of.

Drew, tell us about being a 2x high school all-American, and what that means to you-

Being an All-American is a great accomplishment in itself. When I found out that I was selected All-American at the end of my junior year I was shocked. I began to get a little nervous for the next lacrosse season because everyone would be holding such high expectations. But knowing that only made me work harder. As my senior season flew by the thought arose that I might become a 2x All-American. When I found out I was selected again I realized that only one other person in the history of Washington lacrosse, Jordan Bayly, has done what I have. It was an honor, and great to be recognized for all the hard work. I also know very well that lacrosse is a team sport and my personal achievements are just a reflection of the help and challenges my team gave me…and it certainly didn’t hurt shooting against Jason every day. I also owe a lot to my great coaches.

A lot of people have set expectations of you based on your dad, and what you are supposed to be, can you describe your expectations of Lacrosse for you and how that fits into the rest of your life?

The expectations I have for myself are basically to never stop trying. I also live my life understanding that I’m going to go through highs and lows and it is up to me to take something positive away from those experiences. I always try to learn from my mistakes. Even though it is hard sometimes, I try not to let my dad’s reputation affect me. To me he’s just my dad; I have a lot of respect for him. He pushes me to do my best, just like any parent would, but he has never taken the fun out of lacrosse.

Tell us about the Senior Showcase, you were the only person chosen to go, and you did really well there. How about some details?

The competition was amazing; there were four teams created from top players all around the nation. I was on the West team, with players from places like Colorado, Arizona, and California. We played two games; our first game was against the North team, they had players from around the New York area, we lost 9-11 but played well. Our second game was against the South, with players from the Carolinas and Maryland, we lost that game 13-11. At the end of the tournament I wasn’t angry that we lost I was happy and proud that I had the opportunity to play with such great players. It was a great honor to be recognized as one of the best players from the West.

Recently, you went down to Sonoma for the Shootout. You played better Lacrosse than I have ever seen you play. What do you attribute that to?

 As I went down to the Sonoma tournament I realized that this would be the last time I would play with this team and many guys that I’d played with for years. So it meant more to me. I decided to play with the highest intensity I could, to win the team championship. I didn’t want to let them down. I played for them and I hope that they saw that.

I also know several of the top DI schools have you in their recruiting file, how does this impact you, and how are you dealing with the options?

 Right now I’m dealing with it relatively well, I’m trying to keep my options open so that I can get a full view of what schools have interest in me. I want to make sure that the school is a right fit and not go there just for their lacrosse program. When colleges call me, no matter which program it is, I feel so honored because out of all the lacrosse players in the nation they want me to come to their school.

If you had to distill your Lacrosse experiences down to a few moments, can you describe one of your best?

My best lacrosse experience was probably this year during the semi final game against Issaquah. We had played a great game with several of our regular players missing that day…as time was running out, we were down by one but had the ball on offense. I remember vividly being behind the cage and yelling to Danny (Hoffman) to shoot, he lets a desperation shot go and it goes in. The crowd erupted and a few seconds later time expired and we went to overtime. Even though we ended up losing, I came away from that game knowing our team did everything possible to win that game.

Can you name some of your Lacrosse mentors, or folks who have helped you to where you are either as a coach or player?

To name a few, my dad and my Garfield coach, Ryan Kelly, were great mentors. I was lucky enough to practice with them every day. Over the four years on Garfield’s team they taught me so many things, not only about lacrosse but about life. Another mentor is Trip Goodall. He’s a great friend of my dad’s and he started the Bainbridge team years ago. He has been in my life since the very beginning, always telling me stories about lacrosse. He has a great ability to put complex things about lacrosse into words, and his advice still helps me on the field today.

What is it that drives you on the field to play like you do?

I have played in a lot of lacrosse games and I like the competition against other players and teams. I don’t get nervous, I don’t get scared, but I do get anxious to get the game started. Before the game, during line drills, everyone has their emotions high, but I like to calm myself and wait to use all of my energy during the game. When I step onto that field I have a clear idea of what I have to do, and every emotion goes away. I have played in plenty of lacrosse games but after each of them I realize that I have had fun. I enjoy playing lacrosse no matter how intense it is. I love lacrosse, and I think it is the love for the game that drives me to play like I do.