On Sept. 6, junior Koby Waldman announced his commitment to continue his academic and athletic career at Cornell University via Instagram.
Waldman has been a monumental part of the Westfield lacrosse program during his first two years as a Blue Devil. During Waldman’s freshman year, Westfield won their first state championship since 2014, and then again his sophomore year.
From the beginning of his varsity career, Waldman carried himself on the field as if he’d been there for years. The confidence he displayed in his gameplay was clearly visible as he would never back down from a pressure-filled moment.
Waldman recorded six goals and 11 assists during his freshman year. He elevated his game immensely in his second year as a starting midfielder, tallying 21 goals and 23 assists.
Senior goalie Thomas Holland acknowledged Waldman’s great skill and demeanor. He stated, “He is an all-around team player and when you make a mistake he is always the one to bring you up.”
Waldman was raised in a household where the lacrosse culture was always present. He said, “My dad played lacrosse in college and by the time I was born my whole family was playing lacrosse. I have been surrounded by lacrosse my entire life and ever since I picked up a lacrosse stick, I never put it down.” Waldman’s two older brothers play Division I lacrosse, one at Michigan, and the other at Cornell.
Head coach Boomer Wertheimer has known the Waldman family for many years as both of his brothers passed through the Westfield program. Wertheimer stated, “I have always loved coaching Koby and his older brothers, but what makes Koby so special is his high lacrosse IQ and his determination to win.”
Waldman believes team chemistry is a huge part to building success. He pointed out Coach Akauola, WHS lacrosse fitness and conditioning coach, and how much he means to the team. “We workout as a team and even when someone is throwing up, we fight together like family,” Waldman stated.
Cornell University, located in Ithaca, NY competes in the Ivy League at the NCAA Division I level. Over the 2024-25 season, Cornell held a record of 18-1 and took home the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship for the fourth time in school history.
Before becoming a member of the Big Red family, Waldman still has more he wants to accomplish as a Blue Devil. “My two biggest goals for the upcoming season is to win another state title and county championship. We won both last year which makes the team even more eager to do it again,” he said. Waldman has a bright lacrosse future ahead of him and this is only the beginning.
