Senior Connor Anderson has been playing lacrosse for six years through Stillwater and other various organizations. Being a dedicated sports player takes a lot of effort; and Anderson displays all of them. Endurance and commitment are heavily pressed onto Anderson as an athlete. From playing [lacrosse] almost every day to balancing school and friends and planning his future, Anderson is busy. But a passion for lacrosse and idea of what he wants in the future shapes the person that Anderson is.

Anderson, playing lacrosse for six years (and spending the last four years as defense) has been a huge aspect of his life. As a senior planning on going to college, lacrosse has been a large factor in all of his decisions. Anderson plans on attending NDSU, playing lacrosse and going into environmental sciences.

Apart from his decision to attend NDSU, Anderson has had multiple offers from other aspiring schools.

“I’ve had multiple offers from other schools including Limestone, Wingate, CSU, Young Harris…which are all D2 (Division Two) schools. There are also a lot of D3 colleges, but I chose NDSU for the great programs and sports,” said Anderson.

As any busy athlete knows, balancing sports and other aspects of life can be extremely difficult. However, Anderson knows that he has learned and gained many valuable skills as an athlete.

“Fortunately, lacrosse hasn’t taken away a lot from my life, with time commitments and balancing what I want to do, but I’ve gained a lot [of skills] on how to be a leader. Also, I’ve learned how to bring someone up when they’re feeling down and have messed up.”

Anderson can see the things he has learned from lacrosse.

Senior Jackson Roush, coworker and friend of Anderson, said, “I think that lacrosse had really helped build his character and confidence. Whether it be at school or at work, I can tell that he takes pride in all that he does.”

Anderson has definitely learned many positive attributes from playing sports. Some are emotional; such as building new relationships and making friends. Enduring in a sport and having people—teammates—to back you up greatly increases success and how far you can push yourself. Anderson has had the opportunity to play lacrosse with people he has been friends with for a long time, as well as attend school with.

“Lacrosse has been something that has changed my life. All of the great people I’ve met, whether it be through summer ball or from Stillwater Lacrosse, have taught me great things and have helped my shape what I am today,” said Anderson.

It would be crazy to say that others have not noticed the success Anderson has had. Teammates, coworkers and friends all realize the dedication Anderson has for lacrosse.

I believe Connor is very committed to his sport and takes great pride in it. It’s his favorite thing to talk about in the locker room… He also attends extra training camps and weightlifting programs to help his performance,” said Roush.

Anderson is a captain of Stillwater’s lacrosse team and is first on the 2015 list of top prospects and players in Minnesota. Being a great lacrosse defensemen and interest and science brought him to the decision to attend NDSU this fall.

“NDSU seemed like a good fit for me. I will be studying environmental science and also playing lacrosse,” said Anderson.

Anderson, top-watched student athlete and dedicated individual, has had many opportunities through lacrosse. Meeting new people and learning new skills has brought Anderson to be the person he is. His plan for the future with studying science and playing lacrosse has been molded by his love for sports and dedication to everything he does in life.