Jack Laganza ’25 was a two-year Senior from Trumbull, Connecticut and co-captain of Boys Varsity Lacrosse. He is committed to play lacrosse at Kenyon College next year.
Teammate Will Hall ’26 said, “From day one, Jack took me under his wing. We play the same position, and he’s been a mentor to me—helping me adjust to a new environment, encouraging me to ignore negativity, and showing me how to be the best version of myself. There was one practice where I kept messing up a complex drill, and the coach was clearly frustrated. I was pretty overwhelmed. Jack pulled me aside, calmed me down, and said, ‘Dude, don’t worry about it. It’s a tough drill.’ Then he broke it down step by step and explained what I needed to do. That’s just who he is—always steady, kind, and there for his brothers.”
How did you start playing lacrosse?
I started in first grade and played on and off. It wasn’t a big part of my life, as I was mainly focused on hockey. When I got to high school, my school didn’t offer hockey, so I picked lacrosse back up. That’s when I started taking it more seriously.
My freshman-year coach helped me fall in love with the game again, and I also saw it as a path to playing in college.
Why did you choose to come to Hotchkiss?
During my freshman year at Hopkins, I realized I wanted to play in college, but I didn’t feel like I was in the right environment to make that happen. I got in touch with Coach D’Ambrosio, who was looking for a player at my position. I toured, applied to Hotchkiss, and got in. I had looked at Choate too, but Hotchkiss was the only school that really clicked for me. Once I saw the school and met the coaches, it felt like the right place.
How has your experience on the team been?
I came in as a new Upper Mid, so I didn’t have the same Prep or Lower Mid experience as some of the other guys. I had to adjust quickly. The Seniors had high expectations, and I had to learn a new system, a new league, and a faster pace of play. This year, stepping into the role of captain, I’ve focused on leading the younger guys and trying to fill the shoes of the Seniors who came before me.
What are some of your favorite memories competing with the team?
Beating Salisbury last year was probably the most special. We hadn’t beaten them in around 25 years, and they are one of the best programs in the country. We played them at home, and even though they probably expected an easy win, we pulled off a four-goal win. Other big highlights were our overtime win against Avon and winning the Westy Cup this year.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I am definitely the quietest of the three captains. I don’t talk much, but I try to lead by example through how I play and how I show up every day. There was a captain named David Burton my freshman year at Hopkins who didn’t say much, but everyone respected him. I’ve always admired that approach, and it’s the one I try to take now.
What has been your biggest challenge as captain?
Helping the younger guys find confidence in themselves. They’re really talented, but sometimes they need that extra push to believe they can do it. I try to hold them accountable when they make mistakes while also supporting them. That balance has been really important.
Why did you choose Kenyon?
Kenyon felt like the best fit because of the enthusiasm their coaches had for me. During my visit, I could tell they were not just interested but excited. They made me feel valued and supported, and the campus itself left a strong impression. It felt like a place where I could continue to grow, both as a player and a student.
What are your goals for college and beyond?
In college, I want to take full advantage of everything that comes with being a student-athlete. One of my goals is to become an All-American at the Division III level.
Off the field, I want to keep building important life skills like time management, leadership, and learning how to advocate for myself. Those things will matter just as much as what I do on the field.
