Athlete of the Week: Jake Froccaro

In the past two years, Schreiber High School has graduated a student-athlete who goes on to play at Princeton University. Jake Froccaro, a junior, plans to continue the legacy when he graduates in 2012. Froccaro recently made a verbal commitment to play lacrosse for the Princeton Tigers.

"The opportunity to get an Ivy League education, be very close to home and play alongside my brother is something I could not pass up," Froccaro said. "Overall, I think Princeton was jut the perfect fit for me both academically and athletically. I can't wait to be a Tiger in a few years."

"We are so proud of Jake Froccaro on his verbal commitment to Princeton University," said Joe Mascaretti, the Vikings' varsity lacrosse coach. "It was a long hard decision for Jake, but after sitting down with his family, Princeton became the clear choice.  He will play for one of the best lacrosse programs in the country, along side his brother Jeff, all while recieving an Ivy League education.  I couldn't be happier for him."

Right now, though, Froccaro, a junior, stays focused on his time with the Port Washington Vikings. Froccaro is arguably the best lacrosse player Port Washington has seen in two years. And though the Vikings have an established program, the team only finished 9-7 last season and eighth overall in the conference. 

"I think we will have to work very hard in the offseason, so we are organized and prepared come springtime," Froccaro said about his team. "Hopefully, we can fine-tune our stick skills in the fall so we are sharp during the spring."

With high expectations on the horizon, the Vikings will look to Froccaro to step up as a junior. Throughout the offseason, he'll need to step up his game in order to take control of the game.

His brother, Jeff, currently plays for Princeton as a sophomore and scored 15 goals last year as a Tiger. During his senior year as a Viking, the elder Froccaro was named an Under Armour All-American for his lacrosse skills. 

"Very few people have the gift, which enables them to totally dominate the entire field and single handedly take over games, but [Jake] is someone that has that gift," Jeff Froccaro said. "I had the pleasure of playing with him my senior year in high school, and thankfully I'll be playing with him in college instead of against him."

Jake Froccaro does not play solely for Port Washington. Since middle school, Froccaro has played for the Long Island Express, which insidelacrosse.com dubbed "a team to be reckoned with." He also won the gold medal at the Empire State Games in July as an attack/midfielder for the Long Island team. 

For the star player, his ambition for the near future is straightforward. "As a team, my goal is the same every single year," he said."To win a county championship."