Colin Coyle, a junior attack for the Westfield boys lacrosse team, announced his commitment to the University of Massachusetts Amherst on Nov. 20 via Instagram.
Coyle is the first member of the junior class to commit for lacrosse.
Established in 1863, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public institution. With over 28,000 students, UMass is known for their highly ranked programs and professors.
Though Coyle has been on the varsity team since his freshman year, it was not until his sophomore year that it became clear the value he brought to the team. During the 2022-23 season, Coyle was the team’s third leader in goals with 24 goals, and second leader in assists with 22 assists. This led to Coyle’s biggest achievement so far in his high school career, finishing the season with the third most points at 46, leading his class.
In addition to being on the Westfield varsity football team, Coyle plays club lacrosse as well. As a member of the 3D Garden State club team, Coyle spends the majority of his year practicing and playing in tournaments across New Jersey. This increased intensity environment made a huge difference in Coyle’s skills allowing him to improve tremendously from his already impressive past performances.
Coyle’s accomplished lacrosse career thus far, it is no surprise that Coyle received many offers. However, choosing UMass was an easy decision for him. “The bond that everyone there had together is something I was looking for. I loved the coaches, the players and the campus as a whole,” Coyle said. “I knew I wanted to go there because I felt like I could be myself and be comfortable at the same time.”
Coyle’s stats from last season isn’t the only thing he brings to UMass. “Colin is a super hard working and charismatic kid, he’s a good person to have around and he’s coachable. Being coachable is not an attribute everyone can say they have and it’s a very good quality which makes him someone Westfield loves and UMass will learn to love to have around,” said his teammate, senior Michael Marshall.
Ending the season with a successful record, 8-6, UMass ranked third in their conference, the Atlantic 10. This level of play also inspired Coyle with his decision to commit here. “One of the biggest things I’m looking forward to playing at the next level is playing with competition from all around the country and competing at a high level everyday,” he said.
Only being a junior, it is clear Coyle has many successful high school and college seasons ahead of him.
