By Henry Palmore

Grayson McNeely (‘25) loves the game of lacrosse. McNeely loves the camaraderie of the lacrosse team at Collegiate. The guys on the team always have team dinners before games during the season, and they also have workouts together during the offseason.

They also have an event called Roast and Toast. Roast and Toast is where a non-Senior gets a Senior partner, and they have to roast them but also say some positive things about them and how they contribute. McNeely says, “After big wins, we have the speakers bumping in the locker room and the occasional El Cap dinner.” He also says, “The guys get gritty. We have to be on time and dialed in at all times.”

McNeely coaching young players with Geronimo. Photo credit: Grayson McNeely.

McNeely’s on-field drip is Jordan cleats, one white and one black, and sometimes a white Nike leg sleeve. He also has tape on his helmet that says “punka,” his Xbox username. McNeely also wears eyeblack, “I’m not too big on the creative creations people do with the eyeblack. I like to keep the drip simple with just the normal lines.” According to McNeely, Charlie Miller (‘24) has the best drip on the team.

McNeely is a faceoff man for the squad, and he says “The mental side of facing off is challenging, not getting frustrated with yourself. Because it’s either you win or you lose; there is no in between.” McNeely loves the friends he has made from lacrosse and also coaching little kids in the Geronimo Lacrosse program during the spring season on Saturday mornings. McNeely’s favorite moment from last season last was when the Cougars beat Norfolk Academy on their home turf, as well as the “rowdy bus ride back and celebrating with the team.”

Featured image courtesy of Grayson McNeely.