Jake Hwier, a senior at West Bloomfield High School, recently committed to play lacrosse at Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. Believe it or not, he is the first lacrosse player to sign with the Crusaders. 

Background Info on Hwier 

The star lacrosse player at West Bloomfield did not pick up a stick until he thought to try the game as a sophomore. During that season, Hwier recorded his first career goal in his very first game and went on the start on varsity his junior and senior year. 

High School Achievements 

The 6-foot-3 defenseman earned a total of six varsity letters in basketball, football, and lacrosse. He was the 2015 Team Defensive Most Valuable Player and the 2015 Most Improved Player. Hwier logged 10 ground balls vs. Avondale High School in his junior year and managed one assist as a defender that same year. 

The Interview

Evan Petzold (EP): What made you decide to sign with a team that had no players and a brand new program?

Jake Hwier (JH): On my visit, I had a nice, long talk with head coach Mike Walter, I felt like I could help build this team from the ground, up. I was hoping after a lot of other student-athletes across the state of Michigan saw the first step I made to commit, they would gain some interest in Madonna Lacrosse, and want to join the Crusader family.

EP: Where do you see this program going in the next few years? What are your personal goals for the program from your freshman to senior year in college?

JH: I see this program winning the WHAC, if not 2017 than 2018. We have a great coaching staff, and new recruits coming in slowly. My personal goals for this program would be to first, win the WHAC. Second, eventually, win the NAIA tournament down the road.

EP: What are you planning to major/minor in? Why?

JH: I intend to enter Madonna University as a Biology major. After my four years of undergraduate, I plan on attending Physical Therapy school.

EP: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

JH: I see myself in graduate school, somewhere in California or Florida in 5 years.

EP: What is one aspect of your game that you need to work on? What is one aspect that you have best perfected?

JH: One major aspect of my game that I will be working on this summer, will be my left hand. I will be focusing on making my left as dominant as my right. I have perfected my right hand in the summer of 2015.

EP: How will you help Madonna succeed?

JH: I will help Madonna succeed on the defensive end, defense wins championships and I am here to win ball games.