Shipley’s Luke Grayum is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The senior attack quarterbacked Shipley’s offense last spring, scoring 56 goals and dishing out 52 assists for the Gators (12-6). Noted for his ability to feed, shoot and dodge from anywhere, he received first team All-Main Line boys’ lacrosse honors as well as first team All-Friends’ Schools League section. In the fall, he be heading to the University of Richmond, where he will play lacrosse.
Q: What were your goals for this spring season?
A: My biggest goal was to win a Friends League championship. I feel like we had been working towards this for three years and this was finally our year. Personally, I wanted to be an All-American and limit my turnovers. Also, I wanted to continue working on my leadership skills.
Q: What do you think is the best part of your game, and what are you working on most at the current time?
A: I think the best part of my game is being able to win my 1-on-1 matchups. Right now, I’m working on my righty on the run shot a lot and continuing to work on new moves on the lefty wing. Also, I’ve been working to gain weight during quarantine.
Q: What are your thoughts about the cancellation of the spring sports season because of the COVID-19 pandemic? How did you view your leadership role on the team during the weeks leading up to the cancellation?
A: It’s really hard to deal with but it was definitely the right decision for the safety of everyone. I’ve tried to take this cancellation in stride and use it as a time to try and really develop my game. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to try and build relationships with all the players on our team, from the best to the bottom of the roster and make each guy feel like he had a role in our team’s success.
Q: What has been your favorite experience with the Shipley boys’ lacrosse team?
A: My favorite experience would definitely be the Florida trips every year. From the team dinners to the van rides, these trips were some of the best moments I’ve had in my life. The bond that we created as friends and teammates on these trips was amazing. I’m grateful for Shipley giving us the opportunity to take trips like this.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in lacrosse. 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 started playing lacrosse in 4th grade because all my older cousins were playing and I think the speed of the game is what attracted me to lacrosse originally. The most important mentor I’ve had would be Kevin Crowley. He has coached me for five years for Shipley and I would not be where I am today without the support and guidance that he has given me. Also, I’ve always looked up to my cousin Colin, who played Division 1 lacrosse at Saint John’s and inspired me to want to try to play Division 1.
Q: Mark Duncan was the Shipley boys’ lacrosse head coach during your freshman, sophomore and junior years, and recently stepped down as head coach and athletic director. What were the most important things you learned from Mark?
A: I learned to have fun with lacrosse. Coach Duncan always seemed to have a smile on his face and his creativity is something that was special. He taught me many valuable lessons in his three years of coaching me.
Q: Did you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Shipley other than lacrosse, basketball and DECA?
A: I was in the Help for the Homeless Club, which helped to give supplies to families in Philadelphia. I also just completed my senior service project, where we did a 24 hour Fortnite stream to raise money for the American Nurses Association.
Q: What do you think you might want to major in at the University of Richmond?
A: I think I will probably major in something related to business.
Fun facts – Luke Grayum
Favorite book: Heart of Darkness.
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds.
Favorite movie: American Sniper.
Favorite athlete: Lebron James.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Saint John’s.
Favorite pre-game meal: Pasta.
Person I most admire, and why: “My dad, he is such a great role model.”
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
To view a gallery of the Main Line Boys Athletes of the Week from 2013 to present, click here
