Magnet senior and long stick midfielder Andrew (AJ) Auld (8) found his passion for lacrosse during his freshman year when he decided he wanted to engage in clubs and sports at NC. After considering all the different sports NC offers, Auld chose to try out for the NC lacrosse team as he believed he had learned enough skills to join the team. Auld tried out for the team his freshman year and officially joined the lacrosse Warriors. Auld serves as NC’s long stick midfielder (LSM), a position that combines the jobs of a defender and midfielder, which allows him to hold a longer stick than other players to help him defend and control the ball.
“I started my freshmen year because it was the sport for which I thought I had the best chance of making the team. On the team, I have made a lot of friends and my favorite part of playing is hanging out and playing with them. Over the years I have formed a really strong connection with my team and I have a lot of good memories. They have been with me for my first goal against McEachern. I really enjoy playing at NC because I know that a lot of people think you have to be very well off to play lacrosse, but NC does a great job at providing gear and funds for anyone who wants to play,” Auld said
Various lacrosse players have bonded well with Auld and consider him an irreplaceable asset to the team. Serving as not only a significant player on the field, but off the field Auld maintains a positive energy that truly builds the atmosphere. On the sidelines, he works to help coach his team to victory by providing them with good advice before games and during halftime. Auld also inspires other players through his ability to balance his time as he plays lacrosse every weekday and still manages to complete his homework and volunteer at school. Auld decided to partake in various clubs and opportunities such as joining the Magnet Ambassadors Program, volunteering at different events to help underclassmen, participating in tribal connections and others to help his community.
“AJ is a guy who is always a positive influence on the team. He always shows up to where he needs to be and never backs down from what he needs to do. AJ isn’t only a great teammate but also adds value to the team defensively. Having to switch positions multiple times in his lifetime of NC lacrosse, he always adds determination and grit to whatever position group he’s in,” senior teammate Andrew Blatnik (10) said.
Auld hopes to finish his final season by helping his team win games and hopefully advance to the playoffs. Throughout his senior year, he has worked with his team to learn and grow, while still continuing his other activities. Even though Auld decided not to continue lacrosse in the future, he will take the skills, determination, collaboration skills, dedication and drive that he learned from the sport and use them in his future. As of now, Auld plans to attend the University of Georgia (UGA) or Ohio State University (OSU) to gain a teaching degree and eventually work as a history teacher and a basketball coach in the future.
The Chant wishes Auld good luck in his final season at NC and his future ahead.
