MICHAEL SOWERS | THROUGH X with Paul Carcaterra

Summary

Michael S, a standout Princeton lacrosse player, has quickly become one of the most formidable attackmen in college lacrosse. With incredible speed, creativity, and a sharp mental approach, Michael has developed into a key player for Princeton's offense. From his early struggles in college to earning the trust of his coaches, Michael's journey highlights his growth both on and off the field. Focused on team success, Michael aims to help Princeton win an Ivy League Championship, contributing to the rich legacy of the program. His story is one of perseverance, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Michael Sowers recorded 400 assists in high school, showcasing his incredible vision and playmaking ability.
• 😀 The 1990s and 2000s were a golden era for Princeton lacrosse, winning six national championships during that time.
• 😀 Princeton's current lacrosse star, Michael Sowers, is seen as a game-changing attackman, similar to past legends like Kevin Lowe and Jesse Hub.
• 😀 Sowers’ speed on the field is one of his greatest assets, making him a huge matchup problem for defenders in college lacrosse.
• 😀 Coaches and teammates credit Michael for his mental toughness, which has played a critical role in his development into a standout player.
• 😀 Sowers has improved his shooting ability since his high school days by learning different techniques for shooting under pressure.
• 😀 As a freshman, Sowers quickly earned the trust of his coaches and teammates, commanding huddles and leading the offense despite being new to the college level.
• 😀 Michael Sowers attributes a significant part of his development to his work ethic and his mentorship under teammate Gavin McBride.
• 😀 Confidence is key in lacrosse, and Sowers believes the mental aspect of the game plays a crucial role in performance on the field.
• 😀 Sowers’ primary goal is to help Princeton win an Ivy League Championship and make a deep run in the tournament, valuing team success over individual accolades.

Q & A

What made Michael Sower a standout player for Princeton Lacrosse?

Michael Sower's standout qualities include his exceptional speed, creativity, and ability to change the game offensively. He was described as a matchup problem for defenses, with comparisons to Jordan Wolf in terms of elite speed and skill. He became a key offensive leader for Princeton Lacrosse.

How did Michael Sower transition from high school lacrosse to college lacrosse?

The transition was challenging for Michael Sower, particularly with shooting and finishing. He initially struggled but improved significantly through extensive film study and coaching. With help from coaches, Sower honed his shooting technique and became more effective in college lacrosse.

What did Michael Sower learn about his shooting ability while at Princeton?

Michael Sower improved his shooting technique by learning to shoot from different leverages and points of contact. He adapted his game, making him more dangerous as he moved around the cage and faced defensive pressure.

What leadership qualities did Michael Sower display during his time at Princeton?

Michael Sower earned the respect of his teammates through hard work and commitment. He didn't assert himself immediately but instead focused on learning the system, building relationships, and contributing in a way that led to him commanding the offense by his sophomore year.

How does Michael Sower describe the mental aspect of playing lacrosse?

Michael Sower believes that lacrosse is 100% a mental game. He emphasized that confidence is crucial in the sport, and players must trust their abilities to succeed. Mental toughness is key to overcoming challenges in the game.

What impact did Gavin McBride have on Michael Sower's development?

Gavin McBride had a significant impact on Michael Sower’s development. Sower attributed his belief in himself to McBride's unmatched work ethic, which motivated him to push himself further and improve his skills on and off the field.

How did Michael Sower adapt to more physical defenders in college lacrosse?

Michael Sower countered stronger defenders by using his agility and physicality. He demonstrated a move similar to a wide receiver in football, using a jab step and split moves to get past defenders, creating space and maintaining his speed.

What specific skills does Michael Sower focus on improving in his game?

Michael Sower focuses on improving his mid-range shooting and accuracy. He spends time practicing these shots, even though he doesn’t get many opportunities during games. He also emphasizes the importance of creating space and being unpredictable on the field.

Why is Michael Sower's ability to work the corners of the field crucial to his game?

The corners offer Michael Sower the most opportunities to use his speed. By racing along the edges, he can force defenders to make quick decisions. If a defender tries to take away his speed, Sower counters by getting physical, creating space, and reattacking from different angles.

What are Michael Sower’s long-term goals for his lacrosse career at Princeton?

While Sower has had impressive individual statistics, his primary goal is to help the team succeed. He wants to contribute to Princeton’s success, particularly by making it to the NCAA tournament and winning an Ivy League Championship. He values team success over individual accolades.