As an athlete, there is almost no feeling in the world more rewarding than seeing your hard work pay off. This feeling, however, is one that senior Jack LaBarbera is no stranger to. Entering his senior campaign as a captain of the boys’ varsity lacrosse squad, LaBarbera’s work ethic and determination have gotten him to a degree of success many young athletes aspire to reach. As LaBarbera continues his career at the collegiate level, his expertise will only bring him further.
LaBarbera started his lacrosse journey at a young age, but he always had a fire and determination to make the most of every opportunity when he stepped on the field. One person who has been a firsthand witness to LaBarbera’s work ethic is varsity coach Bill Leighley. Since his sophomore year, LaBarbera has been an integral part of the varsity squad on and off the field. Leighley was not shy on words for one quality in particular that sets Jack apart from the rest of his teammates: his leadership. “Jack is the classic example of an athlete who leads by example. He’s not an ‘in your face’ type of leader in any other way than his effort,” said Leighley.
Team sports help a person form discipline, but they also form unbreakable bonds. As a lifelong friend of LaBarbera’s, senior Chris Paladino is no stranger to this concept: “We’ve been playing together for probably 10 years. When lacrosse started [for our age group], we were on a team together.” Playing together for so long, the two have developed an “iron sharpens iron” mentality and competition. “We are always competing with each other, always striving to be better than each other, [thus making] us better,” Paladino explained.
When asked who helped guide him through the continuous twists and turns of athletics, LaBarbera had no second guesses as to who his biggest supporters were: “I would say my parents really [kept] me grounded after losses and wins.” Moreover, LaBarbera praised the importance of his parents keeping him calm and collected on both sides of the emotional spectrum: “They never let me get too down on myself after a loss, or pump me up too much after a win.”
To be a successful athlete, one must go above and beyond to master his craft; LaBarbera recognized this at a young age, and preached the importance of this to young athletes. “Team practice is never going to be enough,” said LaBarbera. “It’s about the work you do away from your team that will separate you from your peers…you always have to keep pushing,” he added.
LaBarbera will be attending SUNY Cortland in the fall, playing for its Division III men’s lacrosse team.
