Shipley’s Luke Grayum is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The junior attack/midfielder and co-captain has scored 16 goals (on 25 shots) and dished out 13 assists as of April 1, and was especially productive on the Gators’ trip to Florida during Spring Break, in which they went 4-0. The University of Richmond commit has been the quarterback of the Gators’ offense the last two years. Last year, Grayum averaged three goals and three assists per game, and received first team All-Main Line lacrosse honors.
Q: Briefly describe for us your pre-game preparation (physical, mental) on the day of a game.
A: Usually on the day of a game I always spend about an hour watching film of our opponent or one of our recent games. Also, I watch people like Pat Spencer and Michael Sowers because I try to incorporate some of their moves into my game. Additionally, I visualize several scenarios and dodges that I know I will do during the game to make sure when I get into the game I do not get overwhelmed by the situation.
Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the off-season?
A: I worked on my off-hand (right) and getting stronger during the offseason because those were two big weaknesses I had.
Q: What has been your most memorable experience on your Florida trip?
A: Beating Riverview 14-5, because we had lost to them for the last two years. We were looking forward to that game since we lost to them last year 11-8.
Q: As a junior co-captain, and the team’s on-field quarterback the past two years, how do you view your leadership role – on and off the field?
A: I think that leadership is a big part of our team’s success this year. I try to set an example by working hard and putting in extra time on the field and the wall to set a standard for our younger players. Off the field, we try to have team dinners every week to bring us closer and make the team more of a family.
Q: You’re following in the footsteps of former Shipley teammate Tate Gallagher, committing to University of Richmond. What attracted you to that school?
A: The excellent academics and opportunities that Richmond provides attracted me. Also, I loved the coaching staff and what they are building for the future.
Q: What originally attracted you to lacrosse? Who have been your most important lacrosse mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: I was originally attracted to lacrosse because my older cousins were all really good players. My biggest mentor has been Kevin Crowley, who is always willing to work with me and he has grown my game so much over the past couple of years. Also, my cousin Colin, who plays at Saint Johns, inspired me to work hard because of all the success he has had through lacrosse.
Q: What is your favorite school subject? What do you think you might want to major in at the University of Richmond? Is there a career field that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: My favorite school subjects are History and English. I am not entirely sure yet what I want to major in but I am interested in pursuing something relating to business.
Fun facts – Luke Grayum
Favorite book: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds.
Favorite movie: American Sniper.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Next Song (DaBaby).
Favorite team: Eagles/Sixers.
Favorite athlete: Mark Duncan.
Favorite place to visit: St. Johns.
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
