Editor’s note: We’re back with another installment of our Wolf of the MCLA series! Thanks to the support of Wolf Athletics, we’re selecting, interviewing, and honoring impressive student-athletes who are competing in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association throughout the 2015 college lacrosse season. Each new member of the “Wolf Pack” will receive a Ghost shaft as an award for his accomplishments. We hope you enjoy!
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The next Wolf of the MCLA to join The Pack in 2015 is the young buck tearing up the competition and the stat books down in SoCal, Alex Kowalski.
If you’re looking for Alex, I would start by heading to the beach. This California kid is built for Cal State Fullerton and he’s already accomplished some big things with only one year under his belt.
He was pretty much the best all around lacrosse player that Fullerton could have hoped for, 47 goals in 12 games is absolutely absurd. It was no wonder Alex got named SLC Freshman and Offensive Player of the Year, the dude can really ball.
Check out this nasty stinger on the run from Alex that made TLN’s plays of the week…
Back for round two, Alex is ready to drive the squad to even further heights in 2015, looking to take the Fullerton boys to the national tournament after winning the SLC.
The entire state of California has eyes on this kid, so how could we not invite him to join the Wolf Pack? Get to know one of the best in the west, Mr. Alex Kowalski
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Alex Kowalski – Wolf of the MCLA
Full Name: Alex Kowalski
Number: #20
Position: Midfield
Key Stats: SLC 1st Team All-Conference Midfield, SLC Freshman of the Year, SLC Offensive Player of the Year, MCLA All-America Honorable Mention
College: Cal State – Fullerton (MCLA Division II)
High School: Huntington Beach High School (CA)
LAS: When you aren’t playing lacrosse, what are your hobbies off of the field?
Kowalski: I enjoy surfing, snowboarding, skating, and sponging wedge. I spend most of my time at the beach whether it’s just relaxing or being out in the water.
Do you play any other sports?
I currently only play lacrosse at Fullerton, but I played hockey for 5 years when I was younger.
Favorite shoes in your collection?
My favorite shoes in my collection are my all black Air Janoski running shoes.
What’s your idea of a perfect meal?
A perfect meal for me would be a fresh bowl of rice with some General Tsao teriyaki chicken and if I’m feeling like Jenny Craig, I’ll throw some steamed veggies on top.
What’s your main source of transportation?
My main transportation is either a skateboard or bike because I live close to campus. I only use my car for work on the weekends.
What is your pre-game ritual (if any)?
For my pre-game ritual I arrive at the field and get some tosses in and some rips. Then I get my gear on and as soon as I step out of the locker room I don’t say a word to anyone.
I only focus on what I am doing and my plan for the game. Then right before the game starts, I get hyped and get everyone else hype to go out on the field.
What is one thing you wish the world would understand about lacrosse?
I would like the world to know that lacrosse is an underrated sport. Pro lacrosse players do not get the recognition that they deserve. They are some of the most athletic players in all of sports. Lacrosse can easily contend with the top sports of the world.
Do you consider yourself a lone wolf, leader of the pack, or committed teammate?
I consider myself a committed teammate. When I get to practice I put in all my effort and work as hard as possible.
I listen to my other teammates that are telling me what I am doing wrong or if I should try something new. In return I help all my teammates with their play and give them advice.
How many years have you been playing lacrosse and where did you find your start?
I have been playing for 10 years, I started in the 5th grade. My first season was trying beach lacrosse in Long Beach because that was the only lacrosse club around my area at the time.
What made you choose to go to play lacrosse at Fullerton?
Originally I was committed to Adam State University a DII NCAA team in Colorado. I later decided I was not interested in that school.
A week later I was contacted by Mike Ansel, the head coach of Fullerton, and asked if I would be interested in their school. I looked into it and decided it was a good fit for me and I liked how close it was to the beach.
You received some pretty high honors after a breakout freshman season, what are the goals you’ve set for yourself and for your team in 2015?
My goals are to improve on assisting and to increase my goals per game average. Our team goals are to win the conference championship and get to nationals this year.
After quickly becoming the backbone of the Fullerton offense, how do you plan to help lead the team in 2015?
Since we lost a lot of seniors last year, I am planning of being more vocal and becoming more of a leader for the team.
I have just been nominated as captain this year so I will have to step up my game and contribute more to the team.
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Congratulations to Alex, and a special thanks to Coach Ansel and the Cal State Fullerton Titans for nominating him as our latest Wolf of the MCLA!
