By Spencer DuPuis
LoCoSports Staff Writer
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Leesburg (April 8, 2016) — Heritage High School senior Tyler Daily has made a commitment to continue his lacrosse career at Lenoir-Rhyne University starting the 2016-2017 school year.
“It has not actually sunk in yet that I will be going there next year,” the 6-foot defender said. “It’s a relief though that I don’t have to worry about applications any more. Now the focus is keeping my grades up while pushing senioritis down and to make sure I am ready physically to play lacrosse at the next level.”
The Division II Bears are coached by Greg Paradine — who took over the men’s program in 2011 and has led them to a 29-32 record through four seasons. In 2015, the Bears clinched their first South Atlantic Conference regular season championship with a 12-4 record.
“I was looking for a college that would challenge me academically and where I could play lacrosse,” Daily said. “Lenoir-Rhyne offers me a place where I can be competitive in the classroom and on the field.”
Going to Lenior-Rhyne will also reunite Daily with Tommy Heberer — the former Heritage assistant and now assistant under Paradine. Daily mentioned that having him as a coach will help ease his transition to the collegiate game.
The Bears are currently 7-4 overall and 5-0 in the South Atlantic Conference. They have three games remaining until the SAC tournament starting April 23.
Daily mentioned that one of few things he will bring to the Bears is how vocal he is since he has called out the defense at Heritage for a couple years.
“I bring sound fundamentals, physical play and a big voice,” Daily said. “I also bring an intense passion for the game and a strong competitive spirit that I hope will bring out the best in the team.”
The Newport Beach, California-native mentioned that ever since he was in middle school, he dreamed he would get the opportunity to play lacrosse collegiately.
“I started playing lacrosse in fourth grade when a friend got me into it. Since then I have absolutely loved the sport,” said Daily who played his club lacrosse for Team Maryland. “I have wanted to play collegiate lacrosse since middle school, so committing is a dream come true. My coaches, teammates and parents have always encouraged me and pushed me to do well and to set my goals high. I would like to thank them for all of their support.”
Although Heritage has had some rough seasons in the last four years, Daily mentioned that the he believes the program is on the cusp of success.
“The experience has been amazing,” Daily said. “We have come a long way in four years and I think that we are finally about to turn the corner as a program.”
The Pride are currently 2-3 on the season, they have nine games remaining and seven remain in the Dulles Group. Daily believes that the team can finish the season strong.
“I expect the team to come together as a whole,” Daily said. “I believe that we are going to do well in the remainder of the season. This year we are a team that can certainly do it, we just need to work for it.”
