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08/30/2024 11:14 AMMichael Lelyo did not pick up a single lacrosse stick until just over two years ago. Still, he jumped right into the fray and made up for lost time, and he has championed himself as someone who embraces all outcomes of one of the fastest-moving sports for the better.
The Valley Regional senior started out by playing soccer and baseball, but then he decided to take a hiatus from both entering high school as a freshman. Yet the next year, he was encouraged to get back into athletics, when his friends pushed him to test his might with lacrosse. From there, it was an instant connection for Michael, and the midfielder has worked his way up into a leadership position and will be a senior captain next spring.
“I love how unique it is. It is a very fast-paced sport, and you have so many chances to improve yourself and make up for mistakes on the next play,” says Michael. “When I started, I of course didn't know how to play at all. I practiced by myself a lot at first because I was so behind my friends in learning the game. But I worked hard and put in the time every day to get to a competitive level.”
For someone who truly enjoys the work and progress of the sport of lacrosse, midfielder is a position well-suited for Michael. He loves the chance to make a dual impact on both planes of the turf, and while it is a grind in terms of the endurance required for the ride, it is still exhilarating.
“I love seeing both sides of the field as a midfielder. I like that I get to make a difference on both offense and defense,” Michael says. “You act as a bridge between the both of them, and you can make a difference. It is a demanding and tiring position with running back and forth, but it is also so rewarding.”
Michael stays so even-keeled when things may not be going the best for him on a given day. He sticks to his principles when it comes to the game. Michael soothes any anxieties by knowing the chance to atone for any prior miscue is only a heartbeat away.
“I make sure I keep a smooth head,” says Michael. “I also make sure I am not beating myself up and to also be there for the team. It is because the game is so fast that you have so many opportunities to make up for your mistakes. It really helps me both on and off the field with things.”
From the get-go two years ago, Michael took an extra pride on his defensive prowess and gravitated towards mastering those skills. Moving to the offensive side, he knows he wants to become a better ball facilitator and shooter, along with making himself a little smoother when switching gears on the field.
“I feel my defensive skills have always been there,” Michael says. “I have been more heavily a defensive player, and so I excelled at defense early on. I think I need to work on my stick skills and shooting, but those are skills that always need time. I will keep working towards improving those things, along with my transition plays.”
Michael looks to see a collective effort by the Warriors’ squad in 2025 to assume his mentality in applying knowledge from past mistakes to fuel future successes. As he looks to continue his education, he is also optimistic about the club’s future.
“For the team, I want us to take what we learned last year and use it to push everyone to be better next year,” says Michael. “But I do think the team will shape up well next year. I would also like to go to college next fall.”
Valley Regional boys’ lacrosse Head Coach Colby Hawkins explains that Michael’s motor never experiences any slow down. He is also someone who is the ultimate opportunist on the field and looks to make an impact in any instance.
“Michael is a workhorse midfielder who has developed a passion for the game over his three years on the team,” says Hawkins. “He leads by example with great character, work ethics, and coachability. He fights for ground balls, is physically tough, and was in the right place at the right time for some impressive quick-stick goals on the crease last season. We can't wait to see what he does as a senior and a team leader.”
Valley is taking an initiative to get a leg up in becoming more seasoned and acclimated to the pace of the game ahead of the spring. As they look to get themselves primed for the campaign, Michael is ready to become the best captain he can be by imparting the same knowledge to underclassmen that he was blessed with years earlier.
“We actually are starting an indoor lacrosse program this winter, and so we want to try to get everyone to come out for it,” says Michael. “It will be a good bonding experience in the offseason, along with training for the upcoming year. We will have a young team next year, so the winter lacrosse will really help others with learning the basics. As a leader, I want to teach the game to the younger players the same way I was taught. I want to keep pushing the same kids that are just starting to play to keep doing better.”