Who is Alex Paulus and what were his achievements in Denison University’s men’s lacrosse team. How did Alex Paulus contribute to Denison’s success in NCAA tournaments. What was Alex Paulus’s career trajectory throughout his college lacrosse years.
Alex Paulus: A Rising Star in Denison University’s Lacrosse Program
Alex Paulus emerged as a formidable force in Denison University’s men’s lacrosse team, showcasing his skills and leadership throughout his collegiate career. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 200 lbs, Paulus brought both physical presence and tactical acumen to the field. His journey from a promising freshman to a pivotal senior player exemplifies the growth and impact possible in collegiate athletics.
Freshman Year: Laying the Foundation
In his debut season in 2014, Paulus wasted no time making his mark on the team. Despite being a rookie, he appeared in nine games, demonstrating his potential with six goals and two assists. This early performance hinted at the significant role he would play in the years to come.
Key Freshman Year Statistics
- Games played: 9
- Goals scored: 6
- Assists: 2
Sophomore Success: Expanding His Role
Paulus’s sophomore year in 2015 saw a substantial increase in his on-field presence. He appeared in all 17 games of the season, including two starts. His scoring output improved, netting nine goals and providing four assists. A standout performance came in the victory over Oberlin on April 4, where he contributed three points with two goals and one assist.
Sophomore Year Highlights
- Games played: 17 (2 starts)
- Goals scored: 9
- Assists: 4
- Notable game: 3 points against Oberlin
Junior Year Breakthrough: Becoming a Key Player
The 2016 season marked a significant leap in Paulus’s career. He played in 14 games, starting three, and dramatically increased his scoring output with a career-high 16 goals. His performance in the latter half of the season was particularly impressive, with 10 goals in the final eight games. Notably, Paulus started all three NCAA Tournament games, showcasing his importance to the team in crucial moments.
Junior Year Achievements
- Games played: 14 (3 starts)
- Career-high goals: 16
- Late-season performance: 10 goals in 8 games
- NCAA Tournament: Started all 3 games
Senior Year Dominance: Leading Denison to Success
In his final year at Denison, Paulus cemented his status as a team leader. He played in 19 games in the midfield and stepped into the starting lineup during the third round of the NCAA Tournament. His senior year was marked by clutch performances, including a hat trick in Denison’s NCAA quarterfinal victory over Lynchburg and two goals in the semifinal against Salisbury. Paulus concluded his senior season with 19 goals and 3 assists, bringing his career totals to an impressive 50 goals and 9 assists.
Senior Year Milestones
- Games played: 19
- Goals scored: 19
- Assists: 3
- NCAA Tournament highlights:
- Hat trick in quarterfinal win
- 2 goals in semifinal against Salisbury
Academic Excellence and Personal Background
Beyond his athletic achievements, Alex Paulus demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence. He pursued a double major in economics and environmental science, showcasing his diverse interests and intellectual capabilities. Paulus’s academic prowess was evident even before college, as he was a member of the National Honor Society at Morse High School.
Paulus’s lacrosse lineage runs deep, with both parents having played the sport at the collegiate level. His father, Jay Paulus, played lacrosse at Virginia Commonwealth University, while his mother, Kate Bussey, competed for Bowdoin College. This family background in lacrosse likely contributed to Alex’s passion and skill in the sport.
Academic and Personal Achievements
- Double major: Economics and Environmental Science
- National Honor Society member in high school
- U.S. Lacrosse High School All-American
- Two-time all-state selection in high school
- Maine Player of the Year in high school
The Impact of Alex Paulus on Denison Lacrosse
Alex Paulus’s career at Denison University is a testament to his growth as an athlete and his significant contributions to the team’s success. From his freshman year to his senior season, Paulus consistently improved his game, taking on more responsibilities and delivering in crucial moments.
His performance in NCAA Tournament games, particularly during his senior year, highlights his ability to excel under pressure. The hat trick in the quarterfinal win against Lynchburg and his two-goal performance in the semifinal against Salisbury demonstrate his capability to elevate his game when it mattered most.
Career Statistics Overview
- Total games played: 59
- Career goals: 50
- Career assists: 9
- Total points: 59
Analyzing Alex Paulus’s Playing Style and Position
As a midfielder, Alex Paulus played a versatile role that required both offensive and defensive skills. Standing at 6’3″ and 200 lbs, he had the physical attributes to be a dominant force on the field. His size likely provided advantages in both offensive play, allowing him to overpower defenders, and in defensive situations where he could use his reach and strength to disrupt opponents.
Paulus’s scoring record, particularly in his junior and senior years, indicates a strong offensive mindset. His ability to contribute goals consistently, especially in high-stakes tournament games, suggests he was a reliable scoring threat from the midfield position.
Key Attributes of Paulus’s Game
- Versatility in midfield position
- Strong physical presence (6’3″, 200 lbs)
- Consistent goal-scoring ability
- Clutch performance in tournament play
The Legacy of Alex Paulus at Denison University
Alex Paulus’s career at Denison University leaves a lasting legacy. His progression from a contributing freshman to a senior leader exemplifies the ideal developmental trajectory for a college athlete. Paulus’s performances, particularly in NCAA Tournament games, helped elevate Denison’s lacrosse program on the national stage.
His academic achievements, coupled with his athletic success, embody the essence of a student-athlete. Paulus’s ability to balance the demands of a double major in economics and environmental science with the rigors of competitive lacrosse is commendable and sets a high standard for future Denison athletes.
Lasting Impacts
- Role model for student-athlete balance
- Key contributor to Denison’s NCAA Tournament success
- Demonstration of consistent improvement over four years
- Embodiment of Denison’s athletic and academic excellence
Alex Paulus’s journey at Denison University is a compelling narrative of growth, perseverance, and success. His steady improvement over four years, culminating in standout performances during his senior year, illustrates the potential for development within a strong collegiate program. Paulus not only contributed significantly to Denison’s on-field success but also upheld high academic standards, setting an example for future student-athletes.
His legacy extends beyond statistics, embodying the values of hard work, leadership, and clutch performance. As Denison’s lacrosse program continues to evolve, the impact of players like Alex Paulus will be remembered as foundational to the team’s success and culture. His story serves as inspiration for incoming players, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved through dedication to both athletic and academic pursuits.
While Paulus’s collegiate career has concluded, the skills, experiences, and memories he gained at Denison will undoubtedly influence his future endeavors. Whether he continues in lacrosse in some capacity or applies his leadership and perseverance to other fields, the lessons learned on and off the field at Denison will serve him well.
As the lacrosse community reflects on Alex Paulus’s contributions, it’s clear that his impact extends beyond individual achievements. He played a crucial role in elevating Denison’s program, contributing to team successes that will be remembered for years to come. Future generations of Denison lacrosse players will look to his career as a benchmark for what can be accomplished through talent, hard work, and dedication to both athletic and academic excellence.
Alex Paulus – 2017 – Men’s Lacrosse
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Biography
2017 (Senior): Played in 19 games in the midfield . .. moved into the starting lineup in the third round of the NCAA Tournament … scored a hat trick in Denison’s NCAA quarterfinal win over Lynchburg … scored 19 goals and 3 assists … tallied a pair of goals in Denison’s NCAA semifinal against Salisbury … scored 50 goals and 9 assists in his career.
2016 (Junior): Played in 14 games, making three starts … scored a career-high 16 goals … scored 10 goals in the final eight games of the season … started all three NCAA Tournament games.
2015 (Sophomore): Appeared in all 17 games, making two starts … scored nine goals and added four assists …. registered three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in a victory over Oberlin (April 4).
2014 (First-Year): Appeared in nine games as a rookie … scored six goals and added two assists.
Personal: Double majoring in economics and environmental science … son of Kate Bussey and Jay Paulus … father, Jay, played lacrosse at Virginia Commonwealth University .
.. mother, Kate, played lacrosse at Bowdoin College … was a U.S. Lacrosse High School All-American … two-time all-state and Maine Player of the Year in high school … member of the National Honor Society at Morse High School.
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Historical Player Information
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34
2014Freshman
A/M
6’3″
200 lbs
34
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34
2015Sophomore
A/M
6’4″
205 lbs
34
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34
2016Junior
A/M
6’4″
205 lbs
34
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34
2017Senior
M
6’4″
215 lbs
34
Men’s lacrosse dominates and impresses with early season success – The Denisonian
Sports
by The Denisonian
By Julian Howell
Sports Editor
The Denison Big Red men’s lacrosse team made a huge statement by starting the season 3-0 with wins against Mt.
St. Joseph’s, #14 Washington & Lee and #13 Roanoke.
Much of this early season success can be attributed to goalie Chris Thomas ’16, who has stepped up this season.
“It’s obviously a good start for us, winning our first three games,” Thomas said. “The win against Roanoke was especially big because we played Washington and Lee on a Saturday and had to make a quick adjustment for that Wednesday.”
Thomas was recognized for his strong play by the NCAC (North Coast Athletic Conference) after the 11-9 win against Washington & Lee by being named Player of the Week.
“It’s definitely an honor to be recognized by the conference for my play on the field.It’s all about the team but at the same time I really appreciate this honor.”
Thomas does not let the pressure of being goalie phase him.
“Being a goalie, you have to embrace the idea of being under pressure. It’s always great to succeed under pressure, like making a big save in the fourth quarter of a close game.
”
Nine days after the 12-4 victory over Roanoke, the Big Red was slated for a two game weekend against Hope College on Friday night at home and a road game against conference rival Wooster on Sunday afternoon.
Becuase the Hope College Flying Dutchmen are relatively new to collegiate lacrosse, the Big Red were not familiar with the team prior to the game.
“We honestly don’t know a whole lot about Hope College due the fact that they are only in their second year as a collegiate lacrosse program,” Thomas said. “But we go into every game expecting that the opposition will play hard and competitively.”
The inexperience of the Flying Dutchmen was evident on Friday night as the Big Red defeated them, 24-2.
The Big Red scored five goals in the first quarter, three of which were made in the first three minutes of the game. Denison scored 15 out of their 24 goals heading into half time.
Thomas started the first half at goalie, posting one save while facing five shots.
