Jacksonville University men's lacrosse announced 24 players signed National Letters of Intent to join the Dolphins in the fall of 2018. Under the direction of second-year head coach John Galloway, Jacksonville continues the upward trend of elevating its program by bringing in the best and the brightest from around the nation. The group hails from 10 different states, along with the Canadian province of Ontario.
"The Class of 2022 is one of my proudest accomplishments in my coaching career. This will serve as our first full cycle recruiting class in my time here at Jacksonville University. We spent the last 18 months on the road identifying players that we know can help us become the most respected program on campus while also striving for championships both in the SOCON and nationally. These players believe in our vision and are prepared to go on a mission to create the culture we have outlined. I couldn’t be prouder to welcome this group of young men and their families to Jacksonville University and our #DUVALMISSION!" --Head coach john galloway
BO BOWHUNTER
ATTACK // OHSWEKEN, ONTARIO
COACH GALLOWAY ON BOWHUNTER: "Bo is one of the most prolific scorers to ever come to Jacksonville. He has a background in the box game, and a knack for the flare. I think Jacksonville fans are going to enjoy Bo on our attack for the next FOUR years. I am thrilled to have him down in Florida."
GRIFFIN CORBETT
MIDFIELD // 5-11 // 180
ELLICOTT CITY, MD. // MOUNT SAINT JOSEPH
at Mount Saint Joseph: Four-year starter at midfield for head coach Stephen Berger at Mount Saint Joseph … Led the Gaels in goals as a junior … Named MVP in 2017 … Earned Offensive MVP honors as a freshman ... Played club lacrosse for the Baltimore Breakers (2014-17) and the Chesapeake Rock (2009-14) … Off the field, earned Honor Roll accolades … Participated in Future Business Leaders of America
Personal: Born January 14 … Son of Jessica and Mark Corbett … Has one sister … Father, Mark played lacrosse at Army for three years … Sister, Grayson played lacrosse at both Hofstra and UMBC … Intends to major in aviation management
COACH GALLOWAY ON CORBETT: "Griffin is a tremendous athlete that can play on both sides of the ball. Griffin plays in one of the best high school leagues in the country in the MIAA. Those experiences will serve well for Griffin as he makes the transition to Division I."
CARSON DASPIT
LONG STICK MIDFIELD/DEFENSE // 5-7 // 160
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS // THE WOODLANDS
at The Woodlands: Two-year starter and three-year letter winner as a long-stick midfielder and on defense for head coach Keith Tintle at The Woodlands High School … Two-time All-State selection … Helped the Highlanders finish 28-1 as a junior … 2017 Regional Champions … Named All-District as a sophomore … Played three years of club lacrosse for Stick Stars and one year for Iron Horse … Off the field, made Honor Roll … Served on a mission trip … I9 youth coach
Personal: Born November 16 … Son of Jennifer and Laurence Daspit … Has two sisters … Intends to major in business
COACH GALLOWAY ON DASPIT: "Carson makes up for his lack of size with tenacity and toughness. His stick is fantastic off the ground and he has a motor to play all game. Carson is a high honors student and will continue to help build our culture on and off the field."
ZACK DEAKEN
MIDFIELD // 5-10 // 160
ORANGEVILLE, ONTARIO // THE HILL ACADEMY
at The Hill Academy: Played midfield for head coach Brodie Merrill at The Hill Academy … Played for the Orangeville Northmen of the Ontario Jr. A Lacrosse League since 2008 … 2016 Founders Cup Champions … Off the field, earned the Merit Award
Personal: Born October 20 … Son of Alanna and Dan Deaken … Has one sister … Sister, Alexis is a junior on the women’s lacrosse team at Siena … Intends to major in business
COACH GALLOWAY ON DEAKEN: "Zack is a well kept secret in this class. He doesn’t jump off the page with this size or speed, but he gets the job done. His Canadian background will be welcomed to enhance our high powered offense. I am thrilled to have Zack in our family."
WILL FILIAULT
MIDFIELD // 6-3 // 185
MOORESVILLE, N.C. // PROVIDENCE DAY SCHOOL
at Providence Day School: Four-year starter at midfield for head coach Bobby Thompson at Providence Day School … Also played football for the Chargers as a quarterback and safety … His 130 career goals rank in the top five in school history heading into his senior season … Two-time team captain as a junior and senior … Named All-Conference and All-State after posting 43 goals in 2017 … Also served as a team captain for the Chargers’ football team as a senior … As starting safety, earned All-Conference accolades after leading the team to a 12-2 finish capped by a runner-up finish in the NCISSA State Championship game … Played club lacrosse for several teams, including Team Carolina Elite (2014-15), Duke’s Lacrosse Club on the Duke’s One National Team (2015-17), and was named to the All-Star Team in the 2015 Denver Shoot Out … Off the field, volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Everyone Loves Lacrosse
Personal: Born December 12 … Son of Tammie and Richard Filiault … Has two sisters … Mother, Tammie swam in the 1992 Olympics … Great-grandfather William Kaae played football at Michigan State … Intends to major in business
COACH GALLOWAY ON FILIAULT: "Will is a multi-sport athlete with unlimited potential. Will is a star HIGH SCHOOL football player and utilizes that athleticism on the lacrosse field. He will immediately impact our midfield on both sides of the ball. Will is also going to be in the honors program here at JU."
NICK FULGENZI
LONG STICK MIDFIELD // 5-10 // 175
WOODBRIDGE, ONTARIO // THE HILL ACADEMY
at The Hill Academy: Two-year starter as a long-stick midfielder for head coach Brodie Merrill at The Hill Academy … Helped the Pride to the No. 1 team ranking in the country … Undefeated in the King of the Spring Tournament … As a freshman, won the athletic award and citizenship award … Played club lacrosse for Edge Lacrosse for five years … 2015 NSCLA Champions … Also played 10 years for the Caledon Bandits where he was the 2013-14 Zone 10 MVP … 2016 Ryan Huber Memorial Award recipient … Most decorated athlete in Caledon Bandits history … Also played for the Oakville Buzz
Personal: Born May 8 … Son of Valerie and Vince Fulgenzi … Has one brother … Intends to major in sport management
GALLOWAY ON FULGENZI: "Nick may immediately be the toughest member on our team when he enrolls next fall. Nick has a nose for the balL and is fearless in between the lines. I believe Nick will elevate the play of everyone around him because of the way he approaches the game."
KYLE GITTELMAN
DEFENSE // 5-10 // 200
DAVIE, FLA. // ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
at St. Thomas Aquinas: Four-year starter on defense between University HS and St. Thomas Aquinas ... Two-year starter his junior and senior seasons for head coach Terry Crowley at St. Thomas Aquinas … Two-time Florida State Champion (2016, 2017) … Two-time Brine All-American … Helped the Raiders to a 21-1 record with a #1 ranking in the Southeast and the #25 ranking nationally …Three-time All-District 28 honoree, including two-time First Team selection as a sophomore and junior … Two-time All-County pick … As a junior, named to the First Team by the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel … First Team All-Region selection in 2017 … Played club lacrosse for Florida Xtreme, Florida National, and South Florida Prime … Off the field, participated in the Best Buddies Club
Personal: Born September 3 … Son of Marissa and Michael Gittelman … Has one brother … Intends to major in either business or pre-med
COACH GALLOWAY ON GITTELMAN: "Kyle comes to us from powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in Florida. Kyle is built like a linebacker and plays just like it. Kyle embodies who we want to become as a team. He has a fantastic work ethic both on and off the field."
JACK HEED
DEFENSE // 6-0 // 175
BELLEVUE, WASH. // BELLEVUE
at Bellevue: Three-year starter on defense for coach Nick Welton at Bellevue … Two-time 3A Washington State Champions (2016, 2017) … Named team captain for his senior season in 2018 … Helped the Wolverines to an 18-3 record as a junior … Helped Bellevue to a 19-3 record and became a starting defensive midfielder as a sophomore … Finished his freshman season as runners up in the state championship game behind a 20-2 record … Play two years of club lacrosse for Team Washington (2015-16) and a year for the Seattle Starz (2017) … Off the field, participated in Business and Entrepreneurship Club and community service
Personal: Born March 2 … Son of Cathryn and Derek Heed … Has one brother and one sister … Brother, Tom also signed to play lacrosse for the Dolphins … Intends to major in accounting
COACH GALLOWAY ON HEED: "Jack is a diamond in the rough. Coming from Seattle, I believe Jack is one of the best defenders that will come through this program. His potential is limitless and his work ethic matches that."
TOM HEED
ATTACK // 6-0 // 170
BELLEVUE, WASH. // BELLEVUE
at Bellevue: Three-year starter on attack for head coach Nick Welton at Bellevue … Two-time Washington State Champions in 2016 and 2017 … Scored the second most points in the state championship … Posted 20 goals and 22 assists as a starter on the JV team his freshman year … Played club lacrosse two years for Team Washington (2015-16) and for the Seattle Stars Elite (2017) … Two-time Battle of the Hotbeds All-Star in 2015 and 2016 … Off the field, helped start the Business and Entrepreneurship Club
Personal: Born March 2 … Son of Cathryn and Derek Heed … Has one brother and one sister … Brother, Jack also signed to play lacrosse for the Dolphins … Intends to major in business
COACH GALLOWAY ON HEED: "Tom is going to be an incredible asset to our program. We project Tom may provide impact at the midfield and attack with his versatility. Tom has good size, and has proven to be very coachable."
TROY HETTINGER
MIDFIELD/LONG STICK MIDFIELD // 6-2 // 185
ELLICOTT CITY, MD. // MARRIOTTS RIDGE
at Marriotts Ridge: Four-year starter on midfield at Marriotts Ridge … Also played football (kicker/reiceiver) and basketball (guard) for the Mustangs … Named team captain as a junior … Region Champions his sophomore year ... Played club lacrosse for the Roughriders for two years … Off the field, earned the Scholar-Athlete Award
Personal: Born April 5 … Son of Darline and Robert Hettinger … Has two sisters … Intends to major in business
COACH GALLOWAY ON HETTINGER: "Troy is another multi-sport athlete that is a star on the gridiron. I believe Troy is the best overall athlete in the class, and this will allow him to play nearly any position when he gets on campus. Troy is a lacrosse swiss army knife and his value will be immeasurable. He is a special young man that I look forward to working with."
ALEX HOUK
MIDFIELD/FACE-OFF // 5-11 // 180
VERO BEACH, FLA. // SAINT EDWARDS SCHOOL
at Vero Beach: Three-year starter at midfield and served as a face-off specialist for head coach Doug Bailey at Saint Edwards School … Two-time First Team All-District and two-time All-Region selection … Named the Pirates’ team MVP … Led the team in points as a junior … Played club lacrosse for Dukes LC (2018) and Team Maverick … Off the field, participated in church youth group and mission trips
Personal: Born August 2 … Son of Kristen and Bill Houk … Has one sister … Intends to major in business
COACH GALLOWAY ON HOUK: "Alex was a huge pickup for us late in the process. Another Florida product, Alex can play both sides of the field, as well as takE face-offs. He has proven to have the capacity to be a do-it-all midfielder in our team concepts."
BRENDAN McKENNA
ATTACK // 6-0 // 175
CLARKSVILLE, MD. // RIVER HILL
at River Hill: Four-year starter on attack at River Hill … Also played football (running back/slot) and basketball (point guard) for the Hawks … Maryland State Championship runners up and regional finalists … Howard County Champions in both football and basketball … Played club lacrosse for the Chesapeake Rock and Baltimore Breakers … Off the field, earned Honor Roll and Principal Honor Roll accolades
Personal: Born December 15 … Son of Laura and Kevin McKenna … Has one brother and two sisters … Sister, Colleen played a year of soccer at UMBC … Brother, Sean played lacrosse for two years at UMBC and one year at Salisbury … Intends to major in business
COACH GALLOWAY ON MCKENNA: "Brendan is another multi-sport athlete from Baltimore. Brendan has tremendous vision and skill at the attack position, but I believe he could play anywhere on the offensive end of the field. His multi-sport experience will help him in his transition to the college game."
ZACK NELSON
ATTACK // 6-0 // 160
HELLERTOWN, PA. // ALLENTOWN CENTRAL CATHOLIC
at Allentown Central Catholic: Four-year starter on attack for head coach Dan Dolphin at Allentown Central Catholic … 2017 District 11 Champions … 2017 EPC Champions ... Named team MVP in 2016 after leading the team in goals and assists as a sophomore … Played club lacrosse for Big 4 HHH for five years … Off the field, participated in the Central City project
Personal: Born July 17 … Son of Michelle and Carl Nelson … Has one brother and one sister … Intends to major in finance
COACH GALLOWAY ON NELSON: "Zack is a dynamic dodger from X. He has incredible change of direction and plays much bigger than his size. I am excited about this young man not only for his impact on the field, but even more for his ability to help continue to build our culture off the field."
JJ PICKARD
MIDFIELD // 6-0 // 210
PARK CITY, UTAH // THE HILL SCHOOL (PA.)
at The Hill School: Three-year starter on midfield at The Hill School … Named team captain for the Rams as a junior … Two-time All-MAPL selection his sophomore and junior seasons … Led midfielders in scoring twice – as a sophomore and junior … All-Mercury Area selection … Top 5 midfielder in Pennsylvania (PaPreps live) … Named to the Top 50 watchlist for midfielders in Pennsylvania … Played club lacrosse for Dukes LC from 2015-17 and won seven tournaments … Also played club lacrosse for 212 Lacrosse and won five tournaments … Off the field, earned Honor Roll accolades … Also volunteered for Pottstown Cares and the National Ability Center
Personal: Born March 11 … Son of Mary Briggs and Randy Pickard … Has one half-brother … Inteds to major in economics
COACH GALLOWAY ON PICKARD: "JJ is one of the most unique midfielders I have ever recruited. His size and strength allows him to do things at the midfield that most players cannot. His shooting ability and range will help spread opponents. I am thrilled to welcome JJ to our family."
LUKE POLICKE
MIDFIELD // 5-10 // 180
AUSTIN, TEXAS // CEDAR PARK
at Cedar Park: Three-year starter at midfield at Cedar Park … Also was a running back for the Timberwolves’ football team … Totaled 126 goals and 33 assists prior to his senior season, including 60 goals and 18 assists en route to a 13-2 record in 2017 … All-State selection … Three-time All-District selection (twice in lacrosse and once in football) … Led the Timberwolves in scoring each of his three seasons … Named lacrosse team captain … Also helped the football team to an 11-2 record … Played club lacrosse for C2c, Iron Horse, and Team Texas … Off the field, was a member of National Honor Society … Also participated in FCA, Young Men’s Service League, and Young Life
Personal: Born April 30 … Son of Victoria and Paul Policke … Has two siblings … Intends to major in marine science
COACH GALLOWAY ON POLICKE: "Luke is a big time shooter from Texas that has a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net. His athleticism and shooting range will help us early on as we spread a defense and encourage him to showcase his talents."
JACK PUCCI
ATTACK // 6-5 // 240
WOODBURY, N.Y. // SYOSSET
at Syosset: Four-year starter on attack at Syosset … Totaled 167 points in three seasons with the Braves … Registered 47 points as a junior and a career-high 65 as a sophomore to help Syosset to back-to-back trips to the semifinals … Finished his freshman campaign with 55 points en route to the quarterfinals … Played club lacrosse for Express, Team 91, Gladiators, Outlaws, and Sweetlax and led each team in scoring
Personal: Born April 27 … Son of Tara and Mark Pucci … Has one sister … Father, Mark played lacrosse at Geneseo … Intends to major in communications
COACH GALLOWAY ON PUCCI: "Jack is a blue chip recruit with potential to be one of the best players Jacksonville has seen. His size and skill make him a nearly impossible MATCHUP for defenses. Jack is passionate about the game of lacrosse and his love for the game will help continue to push him to his potential. I am looking forward to working with this young man on a daily basis."
SAM PUGLIESE
DEFENSE // 6-0 // 185
WESTFIELD, N.J. // WESTFIELD
at Westfield: Starter on defense as a senior and four-year letter winner for head coach Patrick Tuohy at Westfield … Named the Blue Devils’ Freshman of the Year award … Played club lacrosse for BBL Elite … Named to the Inside Lacrosse All-Tournament Team … 3D Select write up and NXT write up … Off the field, participated in National Society of High School Scholars and the Young Republicans Club … Volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and Walk for Autism
Personal: Born February 23 … Son of Hilari and Paul Pugliese … Has one brother … Has an uncle who played college lacrosse … Intends to major in kinesiology
COACH GALLOWAY ON PUGLIESE: "Sam is a fearless defender from N.J. that doesn’t shy away from covering the top players in the country. He has great feet, an effective stick, and an infectious attitude. He will be an ambassador for Jacksonville for years to come."
ISAIAH RUST
DEFENSE // 5-9 // 180
GOLDENS BRIDGE, N.Y. // JOHN JAY
at John Jay: Three-year starter on defense at John Jay … Helped the Indians to back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Section I Class B Championship game (2016, 2017) … Earned All-League and All-Section I honors as a junior after helping the team to a 13-6 record … Aided the team to a 12-4 record as a sophomore … Started as a freshman on the JV team en route to a 13-3 record … Played club lacrosse for Prime Time Lacrosse (2012-17) and FLG All-Stars (2013-14)
Personal: Born Nov. 17 … Father, Christopher played lacrosse at Syracuse in 1981 … Intends to major in business
COACH GALLOWAY ON RUST: "Isiah may be one the best kept secrets in our class. He may not look like a prototypical D1 defender, but his heart makes up for his size. I love this kid’s approach to the game. He comes from a great family, and it shows with his academic and athletic reputation. He is going to be a privilege to work with."
MATT SAGEDER
GOALKEEPER // 5-9 // 150
MT. SINAI, N.Y. // MT. SINAI
at Mt. Sinai: Two-year starter in goal for head coach Harold Drumm at Mt. Sinai … Helped the Mustangs finish 11-5 in 2017 with an appearance in the playoffs … Earned All-League honors as a junior … Named Suffolk County top 40 rising junior … Named Suffolk County top 20 rising sophomore in 2016 … Helped the Mustangs’ JV team to an 11-1 record as the team’s starting goalie as a freshman … Played club lacrosse for Team 91 from 2011 to 2017 … 2016 Super Sophs All-Star … 2015 LI Laxfest All-Star … 2014 Brine All-American National Champion … Team 91 winner of Crabfeast, NLF, FLG in 3D, LI Laxfest, Philly NXT, Yale Bulldog Bash, and Dicks U11 National Champions
Personal: Born Nov. 3 … Son of Lisa and Robert Sageder … Has one brother … Undecided in intended major
COACH GALLOWAY ON SAGEDER: "Matty is our only goalie in the 2018 class, and we think we found a special one. Matt is from Long Island where he has played against some of the best players in the country, both on his high school and club teamS. I am excited to continue the trend of elite goalies here at Jacksonville."
HAYDEN SCHERR
LONG STICK MIDFIELD // 6-5 // 180
PLANO, TEXAS // PRINCE OF PEACE/PLANO WEST
at Plano West: Three-year starter and four-year letter winner as a long-stick midfielder for head coach Kyle Hartzell at Plano West … Named team captain as a senior … Played club lacrosse for Dallas Select/Stick Star from 2013-16 and for Iron Horse since 2014 … Named defensive MVP in Stick Star All-Star Game … Off the field, participated in YMSL
Personal: Born October 28 … Son of Shannon and Doug Scherr … Has one sister … Intends to major in mechanical engineering
COACH GALLOWAY ON SCHERR: "A 6-6 tower from Texas, Hayden will have an immediate impact on our campus. Hayden plays fearlessly and with a smile on his face. He takes chances that make offensive players re-think what they will do. He is going to be an incredible talent to develop."
DEVON TAVANI
MIDFIELD // 5-8 // 175
FOLSOM, PA. // THE HUN SCHOOL (N.J.)
COACH GALLOWAY ON TAVANI: "DEVON WAS OUR LAST SIGNEE, BUT CERTAINLY ONE OF OUR MOST IMPORTANT. DEVON IS A PITBULL MIDFIELDER THAT PLAYS WITH A TOUGHNESS YOU CAN ONLY FIND IN PHILLY. I THINK IF HE CONTINUES TO DEVELOP, DEVON MAY BE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL."
PAXTON TRAVIS
ATTACK // 6-5 // 235
ROME, N.Y. // BREWSTER ACADEMY (N.H.)
at Brewster Academy: Attended Brewster Academy (NH) … Three-year starter and four-year letter winner on attack for head coach Guy Calandra at Rome Free Academy … As a senior, led the Black Knights in points with 89 … Also picked up 107 ground balls his senior year … Recorded a team-high 13 goals in a single game … Won the Judgement Day Hardest Worker Award twice, as a freshman and senior … As a junior, finished second on the team with 56 points … Played for several club lacrosse teams, including Team United Lacrosse (2014), CNY Roadhawks (2015), Orange Crush Lacrosse Club (2016), Orange Crush Lake Placid Team (2016), Upstate Elite Lacrosse Club (2017), New Hampshire Tomahawks (2017), Empire State Cup Team Central (2015, 2017), and Onondaga Redhawks Box Lacrosse (2016-17) … Off the field, named to the Merit Roll … Earned the Art Award … Participated in STASS Club
Personal: Born July 18 … Son of Laura Gavin and Chip Travis … Has one brother … Majoring in graphic design
COACH GALLOWAY ON TRAVIS: "PAXTON HAS ENROLLED EARLY THIS SPRING AND WILL REDSHIRT THIS SEASON. PAXTON HAS EVERYTHING YOU LOOK FOR IN AN OFFENSIVE PLAYER: SIZE, SKILL, AND IQ. I LOVE HOW THIS KID APPROACHES THE GAME. HE IS FUN TO BE AROUND, AND WILL BE A LEADER IN OUR 2018 CLASS."
JACKSON TRIMMER
ATTACK // 5-11 // 170
GREENWICH, CONN. // GREENWICH
at Greenwich: Previously attended King Low Heywood Thomas School in Stamford, Conn. … Three-year starter on attack for the Vikings … Helped King to their first-ever FAA Championship in school history behind a 13-3 record … Totaled 163 points in his first three seasons … Led the team as a junior with 79 points … Finished third in points his sophomore and freshman seasons with 49 and 35 points, respectively … Played club lacrosse for the Connecticut Chargers for four years … Off the field, earned High Honor Roll accolades … Also participating in fishing
Personal: Born July 19 … Son of Meredith and Todd Trimmer … Has one brother and one sister … Father, Todd played basketball at Yale … Intends to major in business
coach galloway on trimmer: "Jackson Trimmer is a player that our staff is incredibly excited about because of his potential. I believe Jackson will become a heart and soul type player in our program because of the way he plays the game. He has experience both at the attack and midfield, which will prove valuable in our transition game. We are thrilled to get this multi-sport athlete on campus."
TIMMY VAN DER LINDE
ATTACK // 6-2 // 190
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. // CREEKSIDE
at Creekside: Three-year starter on attack for head coach Jason Alford at Creekside … 2017 US Lacrosse All-American … Three-time All-Saint Johns County selection for Knights … Totaled 163 points in his three seasons … Named team captain as a junior … Recorded 63 goals and 13 assists as a junior … Posted 32 goals and 19 assists as a sophomore to help the Knights finish the season 14-4 … Totaled 22 goals and 14 assists in his freshman campaign … Played club lacrosse for Bold City Lacrosse (2015), Team Florida (2016), and Sweetlax Florida (2016-17) … Off the field, participated in FCA, Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy, National Honor Society, Junior Gentleman, Senior Men, and Anonymous Good Deed Society
Personal: Born October 13 … Son of Lora and Matt Van der Linde … Has one sister … Father, Matt played at Goucher College from 1988-92 … Intends to major in kinesiology
coach galloway on van der linde: "Timmy is a local product that was one of the pioneer commitments in this class. A dangerous shooter from the left side, Timmy will impact us everywhere in our program. He is a big time student, an ambassador for our university, and a hell of a lacrosse player."