Kyle Formanczyk, Macomb junior, has been named the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week for each of the first three weeks of the lacrosse season. He attributes this accomplishment to his consistent play, strong team defense and talent across the roster.
At the age of 12, Formanczyk became inspired to play lacrosse by his brother.
“He was an offensive player and needed a goalie,” Formanczyk said.
In eleventh grade, Formanczyk was first approached by Albion College. He agreed to play for Albion because he knew he would be given a great opportunity to continue playing competitively.
“Kyle brings great energy and enthusiasm to the team,” said Jake Decola, men’s lacrosse head coach. “He works hard in his position, but also he never quits on a play…so his enthusiasm becomes contagious. We are lucky that we have some outstanding players in his position, and he is always working as hard as he can. His work ethic rarely goes unnoticed by his teammates.”
A loose and confident mentality on the field is a primary factor in Formanczyk’s success on the field.
“I always have to forget about the previous goal I allow because dwelling on the past will only make saving the ball harder,” said Formanczyk. “Trusting my instincts is best for me and being relaxed is key.”
This mentality and work ethic has not gone unnoticed by teammate Tim Urso, Novi junior.
“Kyle’s been playing great the past couple weeks and definitely deserves those awards,” Urso said. “He just has the ability to take over a game and change the outcome for us.”
Formanczyk inspires his teammates through his tenacity and passion for the game in spite of any adversity he and his team may face.
“Kyle may not be our most football-playing, weightlifting, 40 yard dash running athlete that we have, but no one questions his ability to do the job,” DeCola said. “He does a great job embracing his role and has the respect of his teammates because he does a thorough job handling his responsibility.”
Formanczyk plans to continue his stellar play and hopefully receive the award for a fourth week in a row, but above all, his expectation is to have his team qualify for the NCAA post season tournament.
Photo via gobrits.com
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