*Update (11/18/2015): Stone Bridge High School senior Jake Pehlke has officially signed his National Letter of Intent to play lacrosse Monmouth University.
(December 14, 2014) – Stone Bridge High School junior Jake Pehlke has made an early verbal commitment to continue his lacrosse career at Monmouth University beginning in the 2016-2017 academic year.
“I don’t have to worry about where I’m going to go,” the 6-foot-2 Pehlke said. “Now, I can focus on working in the class room and on the field.”
On the field, Pehlke helped the Bulldogs to a 16-2 record in 2014 after winning the Potomac Group championship, 10-5, on May 22 over Ashburn-rival Broad Run.
Head coach Scott Mitchell and the Stone Bridge advanced to the North zone playoffs before falling to power Loudoun County High School in the North zone semifinals, 9-8.
“We are a hard working team who don’t rest on our laurels, when we practice we are working to get better,” said Pehlke who also plays for the Virginia Lacrosse Club. “This offseason so far has been a preview that we are solid on both ends of the field. Although nothing is guaranteed, I would expect a great season.”
The Division I Monmouth Hawks hope to improve on their inaugural season in 2014. Although the Hawks failed to win a game in 2014, the first year team – led by head coach Brian Fisher – played in several close games including a five-goal loss to ranked Bryant University in mid-March.
“They are a new program on the rise. Going to Monmouth gives me the opportunity to make an early impact on the field,” said Pehlke who will make the near 250-mile journey from Ashburn to West Long Branch, New Jersey in the summer of 2016. “Although being a new program, they have the mindset of a national championship team. I got along great with the coaches when I went up for my visit and geographically it is perfect.”
While Pehlke will play defense for the Hawks, the junior got his start in lacrosse from his dad who was a four-time All-American attackman for the University of Virginia. Kevin Pehlke is fourth all-time on the Division I Cavaliers career goals list (138) and seventh all-time on the assists list (101).
“Growing up seeing his shoe boxes full of recruiting letters from every school imaginable, I knew one day I wanted that to be me,” Pehlke said.
Owen Gotimer is a graduate of Heritage High School in Leesburg and is currently in his senior year at Syracuse University. Follow LoCoSports on Twitter (@LoCoSports) for up-to-date news and scores from around Loudoun County.
