Blake Ulmer '19 came to the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys' Lacrosse program touted about as highly as a high school player can.
In his first season for the Titans, Blake delivered.
Blake was named the Defensive Player of the Year, sponsored by US Lacrosse and awarded by the Western New England Division II coaches.
"It's the first time since I've been here that we've won this award," WMA Coach Mike MacDonald said. "We've had an All-American, we've had guys up for the offensive award, but this is the first time since I've been around that we've gotten someone on the defensive end. I think it's good for the school, too. It shows we're attracting top quality players and these kids are moving on to open some doors and get into college."
"It's an honor," Blake said. "It's cool to get it. Coach Mac told me I'm the first person ever to get it from the school."
Prior to the season, Blake was named the top goalie in the Class of 2019 in the country by Inside Lacrosse. He has verbally committed to Coach MacDonald's alma mater, Syracuse University.
Blake got better as the season jumped from April to May, allowing just 12 goals in the final six games of 2018.
"He did a great job leading the defense," Coach MacDonald beamed. "He did a great job not only stopping the ball but clearing the ball and transitioning the ball, something he didn't do quite well in the first half of the season, which shows his maturity and growth throughout the season."
"I have to credit everything to my teammates and the defense," Blake added. "But mid-season I got into a groove and started seeing the ball better and I was more consistent."
Blake has a busy summer. He has club events throughout the country, including Colorado, New York and Maryland. He will also attend some showcases with his eventual teammates at Syracuse.
"I'll be playing with my future teammates," Blake explained. "I've already set it up with them."
