Aliso Niguel’s Varsity Lacrosse team relies on the contributions of Luke Ewert (12) this year, as he holds the position of team captain due to his impressive athleticism and the exceptional stick skills he displays on the field.
Ewert started his lacrosse career during middle school following his participation in a summer camp after being introduced to lacrosse by a neighbor. Ever since, Ewert has remained dedicated to lacrosse and proven to uphold his athletic trajectory through the sport. His biggest role model in lacrosse is the head coach of the boys varsity team, Zach Henderson, due to his unique coaching techniques and his ability to enhance the team’s skill set.
In terms of the team’s dynamic, Ewert shared that the team connects with each other on and off the field. He also informed that there are a lot of experienced and young players that make up the team. Meaning that a lot of the younger players require guidance from their captains.
For Ewert, the position of team captain means that you are required to foster the growth and strategy of the other players. Ewert provided insight saying that it is truly important to support the younger players on the team and that you have to be willing to provide aid and uplift them when they need it.
Ewert provided perspective on what keeps him motivated as a player, expressing that it has a lot to do with the team. He emphasizes that having a lot of people relying on him pushes him to perform to his best capabilities, knowing that he is not just doing it for his own benefit, but for the benefit of the team.
Friend of Ewert, and co-captain of the varsity team, Ayden Sanchez (12), highlighted Ewerts influence as a friend and a teammate, sharing, “Luke plays a bigger role in my life than he even knows. We’ve known each other since middle school and have a great friendship. Being captains, I feel like we are closer than ever before.”
During his sophomore year, Ewert played with the varsity team when they won the 2022 CIF Division II Championship game. Ewert views this as the most memorable game he has participated in.
Ewert elaborated saying that, “The semi final or final game my sophomore year was the most memorable. Winning CIF in overtime was really cool. The semi final was also cool because it was basically like a football game, we had packed stands.”
Ewert says that although lacrosse and academic work require a lot of commitment, that aspect has allowed him to develop a better sense of time management and prioritization skills. The commitment and conditioning he has displayed has developed his skills as a player and an athlete. Through his hard work and determination, Ewert has proven himself to be capable of driving himself to success through grit and ambition.
Reflecting on his experiences as a lacrosse player, Ewert shared the most pivotal lesson he has learned: “Good things take time; they don’t happen overnight. It’s important to be along for the ride and not get too hard on yourself, especially when you’re losing or not doing well.”
Regarding his personal accomplishments, Ewert highlights making the varsity team his freshman year and securing a starting spot on the team as his biggest achievement.
Recalling this milestone enhances his confidence when faced with challenges. Ewert emphasized that it serves as an important reminder of his progress and impressive achievements during the past four years.
In January, Ewert announced his commitment to play Division I lacrosse at the University of Detroit Mercy. Ewert does not plan on playing lacrosse professionally and instead plans on pursuing a degree. Ewert plans on taking an accelerated 5-year bachelor’s to master’s program in psychology then go on to pursue a career with that degree. He shared that he is looking forward to the forthcoming season and is proud to be leveling up his athletic career to a collegiate level going into spring of next year.
