Murrietta Mesa senior Nick Whittall has committed to study and play NCAA Division 1 lacrosse at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
“I chose UMBC because I feel like I fit in well there,” Whittall said by email. “They have a top tier computer science program and that is what I plan on studying in college. The lacrosse team is very competitive and everyone that I have spoken with that works or attends UMBC has spoken very highly of the university and the lacrosse program.”
Whittall is a returning captain at Murrieta Mesa. Last season he set the school single-season scoring record in 2018 with 87 points (63 goals, 24 assists). His efforts earned him the Southwest League MVP.
Whittall is physical attackman who drives hard to the cage and can score with either hand or dish off to the open man. When he sees his own scoring opportunities closing up he has the vision and lacrosse IQ to find the open man.
“I am very excited for Nick and the Whittall family,” said Murrietta Mesa coach Charlie Arthur. “Nick is one of the best players I have had the opportunity to coach in my 22 years of coaching. I’ve watched Nick play since he was playing youth lacrosse, but never realized just how good he was, until I had the opportunity to coach him and see him everyday at practice. Nick’s lacrosse IQ is off the charts, and he does the little things (those little things that win games) better than anyone I have ever coached.”
Whittall regularly played for 3d San Diego Select in the offseason. Whittall’s 3d coach Zack Burke is a former UMBC captain and four-year starter. So he knows a good Retriever when he sees one.
“Nick Whittall is a do it all kind of attack man,” said Burke. “He can dodge, feed and finish from all over the offensive end of the field. He is a dedicated lacrosse player that works hard at his craft. He is very slick and can do things that other players can’t do. Nick has earned his spot at UMBC and will be very successful at the next level. It’s been a pleasure working with him and his family over the last five years.”
Now that the college decision is settled, Whittall is ready to focus his attention on school and helping the Murrieta Mesa boys’ lacrosse team succeed in 2019.
“I think all successful teams have one key reason in common why they are successful,” he said. “When everyone knows their role on the team and does that role to the best of their ability. I plan on finding my role on the team and doing it to the best of my ability.”
Whittall also wanted to send a shout out to his family and coaches for their support.
“I would like to thank my parents, grandparents, and my aunt and uncles for providing continued support. I’d also like to thank my brother for mentoring me and helping me make difficult decisions not just in lacrosse but in all aspects of life. Lastly I want to thank my coaches, Kevin and Brian Cooper, Tom DeMaio, and especially Zack Burke. Coach Burke has been an amazing coach and I couldn’t ask anything more of him. He has given me a multitude of opportunities and is a big part of making me the player and person I am today. I also am looking forward to playing and learning from Coach Arthur again this season.”
