Shipley midfielder Amir Fluellen is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week

The 6-foot-5, 215-pound senior midfielder and co-captain was one of the Gators’ leading scorers last year, and dominated during Shipley’s recent week in Clearwater, Fla., with seven goals and three assists in three games. “He is a threat all over the field,” said Shipley boys’ lacrosse head coach Mark Duncan of the Salisbury University-bound senior.

Q: What do you think has been the biggest key to your recent prolific scoring?

A: The biggest key to my success definitely comes from my coaching staff here at Shipley and my teammates. My coaches trust me to make certain plays on the field and gave me the confidence to do so, especially over the last year helping me to develop my game and be a better scorer. My teammates never have a problem delivering me the ball and they trust me to make plays and score the ball. It helps having a mix of talented offensive players who know when to get the ball to an open player.

Q: What (to you) was the highlight of the Shipley boys’ lacrosse team’s time in Clearwater?

A: The highlight was the trip in its entirety. This trip allows us to be a lot closer as teammates and helps us to learn what roles each of us has to play to make our season more successful.

Q: What (to you) is the most important attribute of a good middie?

A: A good midfielder to me is someone who can fulfill all of the roles his team needs him to, whatever that role may be – clearing the ball, playing the wings, scoring, dodging etc. It’s one of the most versatile positions on the field.

Q: You wear No. 36 for Shipley. Was there a reason you chose this number – does this number have any significance to you?

A: The number 6 has significance for me because it was the number my first high school coach gave me at Mastery Charter when my head coach, David Campbell, was coaching. The number 6 was like the equivalent to Syracuse’s 22. So naturally when I came to Shipley after I’d worn 6 for two years, I wanted that number. When I arrived, it was taken, so the next best thing was 36.

Q: What do you think is the best part of your game, and what are you working on most currently?

A: The best part of my game right now is my speed and change of direction. This offseason I dedicated a lot of time to shooting the ball and becoming a threat from 15 yards and under. I am still working on my left and becoming an even better passer.

Q: Who have been your biggest lacrosse mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?

A: I have several mentors and all of them for different reasons. My first coach, Arthur Johnson introduced me to the game and made me want to play more. My second coach David Campbell who taught me the X’s and O’s, he really helped to develop my IQ. Eric Gregg (former Saint Joe’s Prep coach) who helped me meet Mark Duncan at Shipley and ultimately decide going there. My Dukes LC coaches Jason Christmas and Ebe Helm who taught me to play using my size. Finally the Shipley coaching staff who gave me the resources to understand how to play at a high level consistently and within a team concept.

Q: As a co-captain, describe how you see your leadership role on the team.

A: Honestly I’m learning every day, my role changes a lot as a chemistry guy and to help encourage my teammates to make plays on the field. A lot of that comes from watching how my former teammate at Shipley, Chris Verdeur (Gettysburg), and current teammate Tate Gallagher handle their leadership roles.

Q: What (to you) has been the highlight of your lacrosse career outside of Shipley?

A: The highlight of my lacrosse career [outside of Shipley] was transitioning to high-level lacrosse from public league lacrosse.

Q: What do you think you’d like to major in at Salisbury University?

A: I’d like to major in business or sports management.

Fun facts – Amir Fluellen

Favorite book: Catcher in the Rye.

Favorite TV show: Archer.

Favorite movie: The Hunted.

Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Ante Up.

Favorite team: Lakers.

Favorite place to visit: Ocean City, Md.

Person I most admire: “My dad.”

Favorite color: Blue.

Family members: “My mother and father, and three brothers – Sean, Bruce and Saadiq.”

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)