Class Three, An Inside Look: Parker McKee & Shawn Smith
10/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Oct. 3, 2014
The University of Michigan men's lacrosse team inked 14 student-athletes as members of the team's 2014 recruiting class last spring, and the group was ranked as the No. 19 recruiting class in the country by Inside Lacrosse.
MGoBlue.com will sit down with each incoming freshman on an individual basis as the full class is released.
Midfielder Parker McKee and defender Shawn Smith are the focus of this installment.
Parker McKee • Midfield • Dedham, Mass./Noble & Greenough
On what he has learned from being at Michigan so far ... "Obviously, it's been an adjustment coming from a small prep school in Boston. The team has been really welcoming, and everyone at the University has been really helpful in helping me adjust to the differences here. Overall, it's been a great transition. All the team and athletic resources have been great. Between the academic support I get and the support from my coaches and advisors, I'll be able to transition very well."
On what he is looking forward to this season? ... "The biggest thing I'm looking forward to is getting on the field and play against someone else as a team. We have a great group of guys here and to have the opportunity to see how we come together this winter, it's going to be awesome. There is new talent coming in, as it's a growing program, and I'm curious to see where that puts us this winter."
On where he sees himself fitting in this season ... "As a freshman, I'm trying to get on the field any way I can and help get wins. Whatever coach thinks I can do, I'll do that. Just going to put in the work every day to try and get those wins."
On how playing other sports helps his lacrosse game ... "The biggest crossover is definitely the conditioning and the training. I had a soccer coach in high school who really pushed that, and as a result I feel like I've been able to adjust really well to the conditioning program here. Overall, competitiveness is built into every sport, and as long as you've been preached that in the past, it'll carry over into the future."
On what type of player he is ... "I would describe myself as a player who leaves it on the field, isn't afraid to take risks and loves to be on the field with the guys."
On why he chose Michigan ... "I chose Michigan for a lot of reasons but most importantly the connection between strong athletics and strong academics. It's a very storied athletic program with a great history, and on top of that, it's one of the best academic schools in the country. It has a great business program and economics program, and I'm very interested in pursuing those. Overall, that cross between the two is rare at such a great university."
Shawn Smith • Midfield • Cross River, N.Y./John Jay
On adjusting to college life ... "I've definitely picked up time-management skills. It's a whole different atmosphere that high school. In high school, you go to school and immediately after you have practice. Here, you really have to put in the work every day and make sure you get your schoolwork done so you can play your best at practice."
On how hockey and lacrosse cross over ... "The biggest part is the hand-eye coordination. You need good stick skills in both sports. Also, the speed of the game crosses over, as you're doing everything at a quick speed. You're making quick decisions and reacting to the game."
On where he sees himself fitting in ... "I see myself trying as hard as I can to get healthy, and when I get back to full-strength, doing whatever I can to find playing time on the field and help the team any way I can."
On what he needs to accomplish this season to consider the year a success ... "The schedule this year is tougher than years past and the foundation of the Big Ten Conference has changed. One of our big goals is trying to compete in the conference and get a couple of wins. The competition is tough, but if we come out with some big wins this year, we can prove to people that we're a top program."
On why he chose Michigan ... "It's one of the best academic and athletic schools in the nation. As soon as I stepped on campus here, I knew it was the place I wanted to be at, and surrounded by the people I wanted to be with."
• Previous Entry: Mike McDonnell & Liam Bourke
Contact: Scott Kemps
