On July 19, Luke Spaide announced his commitment to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Tampa in Florida via Instagram.
This commitment is the culmination of 12 years of experience playing lacrosse for Spaide. His journey began in kindergarten, playing soft-toss alongside peers and high school athletes. Through springs playing with Westfield lacrosse and summers practicing with his Leading Edge club lacrosse team, Spaide has seen steady development.
Spaide’s physicality has always been at the forefront of his game. Rising senior and teammate Ben Seward said, “He is a scrappy player who will put his body on the line for the team and is not afraid of any opposing player.”
During his junior season, Spaide recorded 28 ground balls, many of which resulted from him forcing his opponent to turn the ball over, showcasing his grit and physicality.
As a senior, Spaide looks to complete the dynasty with a third State Championship win and finally mount the Kirst Cup trophy in the Westfield locker room.
Spaide has had three years of experience at the varsity level which has contributed to his preparation to play at the collegiate level. Spaide said, “The competition we play against as a public school is a major help.” This past season WHS boys lacrosse played a whopping 14 of the top 20 teams in the state and finished in the No. 7 slot.
Westfield Lacrosse head coach William Wertheimer proved to be a helpful asset to Spaide throughout the long and grueling recruiting process. Spaide said, “Coach Wertheimer was able to coach the team to success while always having time to help with complicated recruiting issues.”
Wertheimer has coached Spaide for three years and has seen his development firsthand. “He has grown tremendously- he’s become a stronger and smarter player,” said Wertheimer.
Furthermore, Wertheimer attributed Spaide’s success to his versatility, saying, “Spaide may call himself a defensive midfielder, but he’s far more than that. He can play offense, take faceoffs and run the break on clears.”
Spaide’s versatility, consistency and physicality have made him a standout player to college coaches. Spaide landed on the University of Tampa due to their “advanced athletic facilities and campus.”
Tampa is one of the most decorated Division II lacrosse programs in the country, and Spaide is eager to set on his collegiate path with the Spartans of Tampa.
