Attacking the competition with his highly refined skills, Senior Captain Rami Ghandour quickly proved his status as a key player on the UC High Boys Lacrosse Team.

   Starting his lacrosse journey as a new young player during his eighth grade year, Ghandour quickly fell in love with the sport. “I started playing lacrosse near the end of eighth grade. I originally switched sports when I got burnt out on soccer and I stuck with lacrosse because it was just so much fun to play,” said Ghandour.

   Ghandour also noted, “I became captain of the team at the start of my junior season and I have played varsity all four years of high school.” Not only did he gain the role of being team captain for two years in a row, but he always strives to be his best self.

   While trying to work hard on his own athletic ability, Ghandour also values helping his teammates to improve as well. “Rami is good at communicating on and off the field so he helps out teammates who are new to the sport understand their positions better and how to play them,” said Senior Filip Isakovic.

    Senior Declan Dunne said, “Rami is a team leader, and he helps guide everyone on the team to better themselves.”

   As it is Ghandour’s last season at UC High, he wishes for the program to excel in the following years after he graduates. “As a captain, I try to help my teammates improve and offer advice and help with game strategy. Since this is my last year, I want to try to help the rest of the team develop their skills so they can improve the program even more in the following years.”

   “He is very supportive of his teammates and always looks for ways to help new players improve,” said Dunne.

   Ghandour tends to motivate many of the other players on the team. “Rami always motivates our team before games and always knows the right words to say. Even if we are losing in a game, he always knows how to get everyone going and bring up their spirit. He also helps run a lot of the practices and creates real game situations during them,” Isakovic said. Dunne added, “Rami steps up and leads the team when coaches aren’t there. He is the key to our offense.”

   Isakovic stated, “[Rami] has a really good lacrosse IQ so he always knows how to find open space to either set up a play or score a goal, which makes him one of our best players.” In the sport of lacrosse, one needs to have the right mindset to excel. Knowing the game’s strategies, when to pass and even when to make quick game decisions are many of the talents that Ghandour proves he has on the field.

   Not only does he take a big interest in lacrosse, but he also loves to participate in many other activities and hobbies outside of school. “When I’m not at school or playing lacrosse, I enjoy surfing and hanging out with my friends and I also work,” said Ghandour. He added, “I’ve been able to manage sports and school pretty well over the past few years and keep good grades. I’d like to think I’ve gotten pretty good at managing my free time to balance sports and school while still having a life outside too.”

  The number 24 has always stuck with Ghandour since his freshman year. “For the past 4 years I’ve worn number 24. There’s no real story behind the number; it was just available my first year so I took it. Now I’m attached to it.”

  Eager to continue working hard during his last season at UC High, Ghandour has shown beyond doubt why he is the perfect choice for Male Athlete of the Month.