By Michael Willson
It is the dream of many collegiate athletes to one day play at the professional level. For senior lacrosse player Josh Currier that dream is reality. In addition to playing attack for the Marlins, Currier also plays for the Canadian box lacrosse (indoor lacrosse) team the Peterborough Lakers.
“I love being a part of two lacrosse teams. Sports have always been a huge part of my life, and it’s nice to have a team to hang out with whether I’m at home or at school,” Currier said.
Currier started playing for the Lakers in 2011. At the time, he was attending the Hill Academy, a prestigious private school in Vaughan, Ontario specifically designed for student athletes. It was through this program that Currier found out about the lacrosse program at Virginia Wesleyan.
“One of my coaches (at Hill) knew Coach Riley (a former assistant coach). He got in contact with him, then asked me if I was interested in going to school in Virginia Beach. Because I have always lived in such cold weather, it seemed like a no-brainer,” Currier said.
In early September, Currier and the Lakers had the opportunity to travel to Vancouver, British Columbia to compete for the Mann Cup, a box lacrosse championship in Canada. The regular box lacrosse season usually takes place during the summer. Because the team made it to the Mann Cup, the season ended up overlapping with the Virginia Wesleyan academic year. Currier was excused from classes for a week and received permission to submit late assignments.
“That is a very special circumstance that the Lakers advanced to the Mann Cup. It’s a big, big deal up there in box lacrosse in Canada. Josh worked with his professors here to get the opportunity to go up there. His professors were fantastic in giving him the opportunity to work outside the classroom. That’s the only time it’s ever been a conflict,” head coach JP Stewart said.
Currier closely followed the Lakers from the time he was young and is still amazed to be part of the team.
“I grew up watching the Lakers play, and to be a part of the team, and competing for a Mann Cup with them now is a dream come true,” Currier said.
The Lakers played six games against the Victoria Shamrocks. The Shamrocks won four out of the six games, and ultimately won the championship. Despite the loss, Currier was happy that he was able to compete and is already looking towards the next Mann Cup.
“Due to the fact that we didn’t win, I would say just being in (British Columbia) for my first time was a highlight. It was a good learning experience and I’m excited for the next one,” Currier said.
Stewart expresses that in addition to being a strong player, Currier also serves as an inspiration for the younger players.
“Starting with his work ethic, he’s one of our hardest workers. That’s a neat combination when your best players are your hardest workers. I think that rubs off on the younger guys,” Stewart said.
Currier accumulated numerous awards in his past seasons with the Marlins. He made the All Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) First Team every season he has played with the Marlins so far and was named the ODAC Player of the Year in 2014.
“Thinking back, there are just so many neat moments for him. Some of the best stuff has been on the practice field. . . If we had ESPNU or ESPN following us these past few years, Josh Currier would be all over SportsCenter Top 10. Some of the stuff he can do is ridiculous,” Stewart said.
