Who is Will Frisoli and what are his achievements in lacrosse. How has he contributed to Duke University’s lacrosse program. What is Will Frisoli’s background and family history in sports. How has Will Frisoli’s performance evolved throughout his college career.
Will Frisoli’s Impressive Lacrosse Journey at Duke University
Will Frisoli has emerged as a standout player in the Duke University men’s lacrosse program. His journey from a highly-touted recruit to a key contributor for the Blue Devils showcases his dedication, skill, and impact on the field. Let’s delve into Frisoli’s remarkable collegiate career and explore the factors that have shaped his success.
Academic and Athletic Honors
Throughout his time at Duke, Frisoli has demonstrated excellence both on and off the field. His academic achievements include:
- All-ACC Academic Team (2023)
- ACC Academic Honor Roll (2021, 2023)
These accolades highlight Frisoli’s commitment to balancing his athletic pursuits with academic excellence, a testament to his work ethic and time management skills.
Will Frisoli’s Impact on Duke’s Lacrosse Defense
As a longstick midfielder, Frisoli has been instrumental in solidifying Duke’s defensive unit. His contributions have been particularly noteworthy in the 2023 season:
- Played in all 19 games
- Picked up 37 ground balls
- Registered 11 caused turnovers
- Scored three goals and one assist for four points
Frisoli’s versatility and ability to contribute on both ends of the field have made him a valuable asset to the team. His presence has been crucial in helping Duke’s defense rank second in the ACC.
Standout Performances
Several games in the 2023 season showcased Frisoli’s impact:
- Win at No. 1 Virginia (3/31): 4 ground balls, 2 forced turnovers, 1 goal
- Win over Loyola (3/10): 4 ground balls, 1 caused turnover
- NCAA Quarterfinal win over Michigan (5/20): 3 ground balls
- NCAA Championship game against Notre Dame (5/29): 2 ground balls, 3 caused turnovers
These performances highlight Frisoli’s ability to elevate his game in crucial matchups and contribute significantly to Duke’s success.
The Evolution of Will Frisoli’s Collegiate Career
Frisoli’s journey at Duke has been marked by steady improvement and increased responsibility. How has his role evolved over the years?
2020 Season: Freshman Year
Frisoli’s collegiate career began with promising glimpses of his potential:
- Played in five games
- Scored his first career goal against High Point (2/8)
- Finished the season with 2 ground balls and 2 caused turnovers
2021 Season: Sophomore Year
As a sophomore, Frisoli saw increased playing time and began to establish himself as a reliable defensive presence:
- Played in nine games as a longstick midfielder
- Picked up 8 ground balls
- Secured 4 ground balls in the win over Robert Morris (2/7)
2022 Season: Junior Year
Frisoli’s junior year marked a significant step forward in his development:
- Played in 15 games with 4 starting assignments
- Collected 19 ground balls
- Forced 11 turnovers
- Scored a goal in the win over North Carolina (5/1)
His increased playing time and production demonstrated Frisoli’s growing importance to the team.
Will Frisoli’s Pre-Duke Lacrosse Achievements
Before arriving at Duke, Frisoli had already established himself as a top-tier lacrosse prospect. What accolades did he earn during his high school career?
High School Honors and Recognition
- Five-year letterwinner at St. Sebastian’s
- Ranked No. 14 incoming freshman by Inside Lacrosse
- Four-time All-Independent School League selection
- USA Today All-American (2018)
- ISL Player of the Year (2019)
- Named to Under Armour All-America team as a senior
Impressive High School Statistics
Frisoli’s high school career was marked by impressive defensive statistics:
- 206 career ground balls as a defenseman
- 20 goals scored over four seasons
- 21 caused turnovers as a senior
These numbers highlight Frisoli’s well-rounded skill set and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
The Frisoli Family’s Rich Athletic Heritage
Will Frisoli’s success in lacrosse is part of a broader family tradition of athletic excellence. How has his family background influenced his sports career?
A Family Steeped in Sports
The Frisoli family boasts an impressive athletic pedigree:
- Father, Mike, played football at Tufts University
- Mother, Kerry, was a member of the women’s lacrosse team at Tufts
- Older brother, Jack, plays lacrosse at Harvard University
- All five Frisoli siblings play football and lacrosse
This family environment, rich in sports tradition, has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Will’s athletic career and fostering his competitive spirit.
The Influence of Sibling Rivalry
Growing up in a household with four brothers, all of whom play lacrosse, has likely contributed to Frisoli’s development as a player. The friendly competition and shared passion for the sport among siblings can often drive individual improvement and foster a deep understanding of the game.
Will Frisoli’s Versatility: Beyond Lacrosse
While lacrosse has been Frisoli’s primary focus at Duke, his athletic abilities extend beyond a single sport. How has his multi-sport background contributed to his success?
Football Career
In addition to his lacrosse achievements, Frisoli also excelled in football during his high school years:
- Played three years of football at St. Sebastian’s
- Earned All-ISL honors as a senior
This multi-sport experience likely contributed to Frisoli’s overall athleticism, agility, and field awareness, skills that translate well to his role as a longstick midfielder in lacrosse.
The Benefits of Multi-Sport Athletes
Many coaches and sports scientists advocate for young athletes to participate in multiple sports. This approach can lead to:
- Enhanced overall athleticism
- Reduced risk of burnout
- Improved cognitive skills and decision-making abilities
- Greater adaptability to different game situations
Frisoli’s success in both football and lacrosse exemplifies the potential benefits of this multi-sport approach.
Looking Ahead: Will Frisoli’s Future in Lacrosse
As Frisoli continues to excel at Duke, questions naturally arise about his future in the sport. What potential paths lie ahead for this talented player?
Continued Collegiate Success
With his consistent improvement year over year, Frisoli is well-positioned to continue making significant contributions to Duke’s lacrosse program. His senior season could potentially see him taking on an even larger role and possibly earning additional accolades.
Professional Lacrosse Prospects
Given his skill set and success at the collegiate level, Frisoli may have opportunities to pursue lacrosse at the professional level after graduation. The growing popularity of professional lacrosse leagues such as the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and National Lacrosse League (NLL) could provide avenues for Frisoli to continue his lacrosse career beyond college.
Potential Coaching Career
With his deep understanding of the game and experience playing at a high level, Frisoli could also consider a future in coaching. Many former collegiate players find rewarding careers sharing their knowledge and passion for the sport with the next generation of players.
Regardless of the specific path he chooses, Will Frisoli’s lacrosse journey is far from over. His contributions to Duke’s program and his continued growth as a player suggest a bright future in the sport, whether as a player, coach, or in another capacity within the lacrosse community.
The Impact of Will Frisoli’s Success on Duke’s Lacrosse Program
Frisoli’s emergence as a key player for Duke has implications beyond his individual achievements. How has his success contributed to the overall strength of the Blue Devils’ lacrosse program?
Defensive Dominance
Frisoli’s contributions have been crucial in establishing Duke as one of the top defensive teams in the ACC. His ability to disrupt opponents’ offensive flow, cause turnovers, and transition the ball effectively has helped solidify Duke’s reputation as a formidable defensive unit.
Recruiting Impact
The success of players like Frisoli can have a positive impact on Duke’s recruiting efforts. Prospective student-athletes may be more likely to consider Duke when they see the development and success of players in the program. Frisoli’s journey from a highly-ranked recruit to a key contributor on a top-tier team serves as a compelling example for future recruits.
Team Culture and Leadership
As an upperclassman with significant playing experience, Frisoli likely plays a role in shaping team culture and mentoring younger players. His work ethic, demonstrated by his success both on the field and in the classroom, sets a positive example for his teammates.
Will Frisoli’s story is one of steady growth, consistent improvement, and significant impact. From his early days as a highly-touted recruit to his current status as a key contributor for one of the nation’s top lacrosse programs, Frisoli embodies the dedication and skill required to succeed at the highest levels of collegiate lacrosse. As he continues to develop and refine his game, the lacrosse community will undoubtedly be watching with interest to see what heights he can reach in the sport he has dedicated himself to mastering.
Will Frisoli – 2023 – Men’s Lacrosse
2023 Men’s Lacrosse Roster
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Biography
Honors: All-ACC Academic Team (2023) … ACC Academic Honor Roll (2021, 2023).
2023: Played in all 19 games as a longstick midfielder … Picked up 37 ground balls … Registered 11 caused turnovers … Scored three goals and one assist for four points … A key member of the defense that ranked second in the ACC … Collected at least one ground ball in 17 games … Grabbed four ground balls and forced two turnovers in win at No. 1 Virginia (3/31) … Also had a goal versus the Cavaliers … Picked up four GBs and caused one turnover in win over Loyola (3/10) … Grabbed three ground balls in NCAA Quarterfinal win over Michigan (5/20) … Had two GBs and three caused turnovers in NCAA Championship game against Notre Dame (5/29) … Corralled four ground balls and one caused turnover in season-opening win over Bellarmine (2/4) … All-ACC Academic Team … ACC Academic Honor Roll.
2022: Played in 15 games with four starting assignments … Collected 19 ground balls … Forced 11 turnovers … Scored a goal in win over North Carolina (5/1) … Picked up three ground balls and caused three turnovers in win over Virginia (4/14) … Compiled three caused turnovers and collected two ground balls at Notre Dame (4/9) … Picked up three ground balls and a caused turnover in season-opening win over Robert Morris (2/4) … Scooped three ground balls against Notre Dame (5/7).
2021: Saw action at longstick midfield in nine games … Picked up eight ground balls … Secured four ground balls in win over Robert Morris (2/7) … Had two GBs versus North Carolina (5/2) … ACC Academic Honor Roll.
2020: Played in five games … Scored his first career goal in win at High Point (2/8) … Also picked up a ground ball and forced two turnovers versus the Panthers … Finished the season with two ground balls and two caused turnovers.
Prior to Duke: A five-year letterwinner for Adam White at St. Sebastian’s … Tabbed the No. 14 incoming freshman by Inside Lacrosse … Played eighth grade through senior year … A four-time All-Independent School League choice, earning honorable mention notice as a freshman … Collected 206 career ground balls as a defenseman … Also scored 20 goals in his four seasons and caused 21 turnovers as a senior … … USA Today All-American in 2018 and ISL Player of the Year in 2019 … Named to Under Armour All-America team as a senior … Also played three years of football … All-ISL as a senior … Was a member of the National Honor Society.
Personal: Son of Kerry and Mike … Has four brothers … Father played football at Tufts University … Mother was a member of the women’s lacrosse team at Tufts … Brother, Jack, is a junior on the Harvard men’s lacrosse team … Born August 20, 1999.
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Player Spotlight – Will Frisoli
We welcome Will Frisoli to the BostonLax Recruiting Spotlight!
What town are you from?
Westwood, MA
How many family members do you have and do they play sports too? Do your parents play lacrosse?
I am one of five children. I have four other brothers, one older and three younger. All of my siblings play football and lacrosse. My older brother, Jack, is now in college and plays lacrosse at Harvard. My mother played lacrosse in high school and college at Nobles and Tufts University respectively. My father never played lacrosse. He played football and did Track and Field and Tufts as well.
Why St. Sebastian’s?
I choose St. Sebastian’s because I had family members who had gone there and had many great things to say about the school. My uncle went to St. Sebastian’s, played lacrosse for the school, and ended up graduating college and coming back to teach at the school for a few years. Also, my older brother was an 8th grader at Sebs when I began the application process. Both my uncle and my brother had given me very good reviews on the school and I was very excited to attend. I went and watched my uncles lacrosse games at the school when I was just a toddler so I really grew up with a good knowledge of the school and I knew it was the right place for me. I am incredibly happy with my decision to attend St. Sebastian’s. Sebs is really a special place with amazing people within the community. St. Sebastian’s has allowed me to grow infinitely as a student and athlete.
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How has the transition been from a young star to a captain? What responsibilities have changed?
Going from a young guy on the team to now being a senior on the team is an interesting transition. I realize now that as a senior I have to really have to be a leader on the team. All the younger players all look up to the older returners of the team so as an older player I have to be conscious of always playing hard and setting the tone for each practice and game. I have been very fortunate to have been on the team to witness many great leaders and captains come through this program. The alumni of the St. Sebastian’s lacrosse program are the ones who have paved the way for how this team is run and how we do things. I hope to be a good role model to younger players on the team this year as the past leaders of this team were to me.
Who else is captain with you and what makes them great leaders?
The other captains are Peter Blake and Brian Piatelli. Peter Blake is a great player and one of the leaders of our defense. Peter is great at directing players where to be and is a great communicator on the defensive side of the ball. Brian Piatelli has an incredibly high IQ when it comes to the sport of lacrosse. Brian is a great attackman on the team and has the ability to help younger players on the team reach their full potential as players. Brian also is great at leading by example; he’s always doing the little things correctly and to the best of his ability.
Most influential coach in youth sports? Why? High School? Why?
I would say in youth sports my father was my most influential coach. My father always coached me in Pop Warner football as I was growing up. My dad taught me so many great lessons that have shaped who I am as a person and a competitor. My father taught me how to push myself, compete hard, and give 100% effort at all times.
In high school sports I believe my most influential coaches have been Adam White, my head lacrosse coach, and Bob Souza, my head football coach. Both coaches have been tremendous role models and friends throughout my high school career. Coach White has been on the St. Sebastian’s lacrosse staff throughout my entire high school career. He has shaped me into the player I am today and I really appreciate all the hard work he has put into this program. Coach White has fully committed himself to St. Sebastian’s lacrosse program and is great at forming relationships with his players. Jack Reid and Ben Smith are also two coaches that have been very helpful to me with skill specific work. Both guys were great players and have taught me so many things about the game.
What are you looking forward to most this spring season?
This spring I am really just looking forward to competing in such a talented, strong league. The ISL has been a great league for many years now and I look forward to taking on great competition alongside all of my teammates.
Any games on the schedule that stand out?
I am looking forward to our first game of the season against Malvern Prep. This game should be a great test for our team before heading into league play. In terms of ISL play, every game is a big one with championship implications so all ISL matchups are huge.
Any players on opposing rosters that you look forward to matching up with?
The great thing about the ISL is that every team really has a lot of good players. Each game I will be matched up against a very good player so I’m really just looking forward to playing such great competition and players throughout the season.
What are the goals for St. Sebastian’s this spring?
Our goal this season is to take every game one at a time. As a team if we are able to do this I think great success and many wins will come.
Recruiting
What was your process like with Harvard? When did you commit?
I initially committed to Harvard the summer after freshman year. Harvard was one of a couple of schools that reached out to me and I really enjoyed the school and liked many of the coaches on the staff at the time.
Why the transition in commitment from Harvard to Duke? What made you choose Duke
Although I really would’ve enjoyed playing with my brother at Harvard I believe that this was the best decision for me. I visited Duke a few times and really got a good sense for the school, the people, and the program. I think the proven success and the culture around the Duke team was very attractive to me. I really hope to be in a position to compete for a National Championship one day and I believe Duke is a great place to do such a thing.
Anyone else recruit you in the first process and who came knocking during the second process?
In my initial recruiting process I spoke very seriously to coaches from Penn, Harvard, Duke, and Notre Dame. During the second half of my recruiting process I spoke to coaches from Duke, Yale, UVA, and Harvard.
What advice would you give to a young player about the process?
I would tell a young player to take the process slow. This is obviously a large decision in a young man’s life so I would suggest that you really make sure you love the school and can see yourself going there. I would also suggest that a player does not commit to a school solely for the lacrosse; you will be spending 4+ years at this place so you want to make sure you will enjoy the overall experience of being a student as well as an athlete at the school.
What is your favorite club tournament or showcase you attended and why?
My favorite club tournament I attended is the Vail Shootout. This tournament always has unbelievable competition from all over the country. Also, playing in Colorado at that time of year is awesome.
Training – How often are you in the gym a week during the season and out of season?
Out of season I am in the gym anywhere from 4-5 times a week. In season as a team we will be in the gym 2-3 times per week.