Firebird Spotlight - Tom Yancheski, Men's Lacrosse
Profile:
Tom Yancheski is a junior Sociology major hailing from Phoenix, Maryland. After UDC, Tom hopes to pursue graduate school, and then he is anxious to join the work force and possibly coach lacrosse. One of seven boys (Steve, identical twin Ben, Max, Hunter, Alex and Marcus), Tom began playing lacrosse at the age of four. His dad played football and lacrosse at the former Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College). Tom’s brother Steve played lacrosse and his twin brother Ben was an All-American attack at Essex Community College.
About UDC and the City:
Tom described living in Washington, D.C. as “awesome.” UDC was the perfect choice for him because of its location and the opportunity to play for Scott Urick. “As a goalie, being warmed up by one of the best shooters ever in the sport - a high-caliber player-coach who lived the dream – is incredible.”
Academically, Tom particularly enjoyed a writing course taught by Professor Williams last semester. “We wrote about heroes and were allowed to be creative in our writing. Professor Williams was enthusiastic. The class was fun.”
Favorities:
Tom enjoys spending time with his teammates. “We bond and figure each other out so we play better on the field,” he explained. Tom likes to go to Cleveland Park (a residential neighborhood in the Northwest quadrant of D.C.). “There are some great restaurants and the prices are reasonable.” In addition to going out to eat with friends, “I’ll eat anything in front of me,” he joked. Tom enjoys movies, video games and he likes listening to Reggae music.
On the field:
“My approach to the game is always the same. I am quiet and observe my teammates, taking note if they are ready for the game. When the team is also quiet and has that look of determination, thinking about the game, I know we are ready,” Tom explained. Tom started lacrosse as an attack player, however, at the age of 10 he was asked to play goalie when a teammate was injured. “I said, I’ll step up and try. Everyone told me, and I knew then, that I should be a goalie.” Being a former attack player enhanced Tom’s skills as a goalie. “Most people think of saving, but I have solid stick skills and am willing to carry the ball up the field. I also have a short memory. If a goal is scored, I get over it and get back to a calm mood.”
On the mat:
Tom is also a former wrestler. “There is no tougher sport than wrestling. There is no break trying to match your strength against someone else.” Tom wrestled with his twin brother growing up. “Wrestling teaches quitting is not an option.”
On the 8-7 upset of Mercy:
“The win over Mercy was huge. I did not hold back. To come out of goal and become a fourth defenseman, I was literally all over the field,” Tom said.
On playing for the 1st ever UDC Men’s Lacrosse Team:
“Being on this team has been a blessing. Seeing my teammates go from – ‘we might have a chance’ to ‘we can win’ is a transformation anyone who has watched us all year can clearly see. Our chemistry is outstanding now. I am proud of my teammates. We keep going at it and playing hard.”
Advice for students:
Tom advises students to remember important dates such as quizzes, exams, homework. “Write it down!” he declared. In addition, Tom advises students to maintain a good relationship with faculty.
Coach Urick on Tom Yancheski:
“Tom is an outstanding athlete and a great leader. His work ethic is second to none. He has played great this season and kept us in games with some tremendous saves.”