NC commits: Andrew LaPierre’s unique style

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief

December 3, 2024

With camaraderie, teamwork and a Division Two (D2) lacrosse opportunity in his future, senior and NC varsity men’s lacrosse attackman Andrew LaPierre (15) faces an excitable future as he heads toward North Greenville University in the fall. As an offensive leader and beacon of light for his teammates on the field, LaPierre brings a certain finesse to the sport through his character and playing style. With college-level ball on his horizon, LaPierre can not wait to continue improving in the sport he has loved since childhood.

November 13, senior and NC varsity men’s lacrosse attackman Andrew LaPierre (15) officially signed to play Division Two (D2) lacrosse at North Greenville University (NGU). In a ceremony filled with roars from his teammates, smiles from his loved ones and well wishes from his coaches, LaPierre boasts a significant support system on the heels of his commitment to play college lacrosse, as well as his final season as a Warrior this upcoming spring.

After his father introduced him to the sport in elementary school, LaPierre joined NC’s junior lacrosse program, immediately gaining an interest. As his skills and time with NC lacrosse grew, so did the bonds LaPierre created with the coaching staff and fellow teammates. Now, as he enters his fourth year on varsity and continues his runs as an offensive leader, the young athlete anticipates honing in on his skills before he heads off to South Carolina.

“[In lacrosse], you don’t need to be the best player. You don’t need to be the most aggressive, or the best dodger on the team. You don’t need to be the best at what you do. You just have to be confident and know that you can grow and get better and you can be coachable. A coach would rather have a seven out of 10 player who can listen, rather than a 10 out of 10 guy who can’t listen to a coach to save his life. Just be coachable, have confidence and focus on yourself,” LaPierre said.

At the November signing day, Head Lacrosse Coach Kyle VanKuawenberg (VK) recounted how, throughout his time as a player for NC, LaPierre created his own unique style of playing lacrosse. In contrast to the stereotypical aggression the majority of attackers show in the sport, LaPierre decides to stay back during plays and opts to weave through players on the field to score goals. The patience that LaPierre embedded into his movements provides a space for him to attain points for the Warriors, potentially unbeknownst to his opposing team.

Looking forward to his time in college, LaPierre excitedly anticipates living, playing and interacting with the community at NGU. The school, which holds a reputation as a Christian-centered college, promises strong connections to both faith and collaboration within its student body. Additionally, LaPierre can also experience opportunities such as paid playing, frequent travel and team bonding that he can not find at different school campuses. Amidst his sincere excitement for the advancement in his lacrosse career, LaPierre deeply cherishes his time spent with NC lacrosse and holds significant optimism for his senior season.

“ I keep playing [lacrosse] because I care about the friendship, and I’ve had the same group for a long time. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten involved with more of the sport every day, and I just go out there and do it. It’s more fun. [The team is] definitely like a brotherhood, no matter what, you have someone like who wants to be with you. NC has given me opportunities, obviously for college, but also to meet more people than I would have. Like I never would’ve known these people if it weren’t for lacrosse, and if I wasn’t on the team. And when we go out and do, like fundraiser nights or we go out and do car washes for people, it is a nice way to get out into the community,” LaPierre said.

The Chant wishes LaPierre success during his time at NGU and remains proud of all of his accolades thus far. Go Trailblazers!

About the Contributors

Ciara Whimbush, Editor in Chief

One fateful day in 2013, Ciara Whimbush wrote a story about two girls visiting a witch’s house in the woods. Throughout the process, she stumbled across the thing that made her feel most like herself: writing. As Whimbush nears the end of her high school career, she excitedly looks to see how her writing and creativity can push her to new heights. In her new role as The Chant’s Editor in Chief, Whimbush aims to spread her adoration and appreciation for journalism to all students, both in and outside of NC. Alongside being published in The Chant, Whimbush has also been featured in the Marietta Daily Journal, The Legal Pad, and The Georgia Recorder. Alongside The Chant, Whimbush holds the field of social studies in high regard, as she actively participates in organizations such as Rhizome, She Cares International, and Students 4 Ashwin that serve to uplift youth voices in civic engagement. Aside from typing away on her keyboard, her other interests include spinning her flag and rifle on the NC Color Guard, baking sweets, scrapbooking, and indulging in the latest reality television shows sweeping streaming services. During her third and final year at The Chant, Whimbush aims to become a better writer, an impactful leader and a conscious citizen of the world; through interviews, articles, and exploring outside of her comfort zone, Whimbush hopes that by the end of her time at NC, that she can make her first-grade self proud of how far she has come. Find her on Instagram: @c1araaaaaa.

Addie Hill, Lead Page and Media Team Liaison

Advancing into her second year on The Chant, Addie Hill’s love for writing has only grown. Now serving as the Page Lead and Media Team Liaison, Hill hopes to expand her abilities as a writer, communicator and editor, all while still striving to reach her main goal for this year: worshiping Jesus. As co-leader of NC’s Collective Hope Bible Study Club and attendee of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Hill aims to spread God’s love through writing. Outside of reporting, Hill loves to dance, listen to indie-folk music, read, crochet, spend time with her family and friends, and attend church. She cannot wait to finish her final chapter at NC by reporting for the school’s publication, and she strives to write for a newspaper in college and beyond! Find her on Instagram @addielhill.