Darius Reeder

Mr Reeder has come a long way with playing sports. Believe it or not, lacrosse wasn't his first choice. His mom signed him up for multiple sports just so he has something to do. Darius has played basketball, baseball, and football; he also boxed. Those sports made him feel worthless but with lacrosse everything came easily and naturally. We had the honor to talk with Mr. Reeder about how everything began.

What made you start playing lacrosse in the first place?

Back in elementary, I was in the third grade and I visited my first lacrosse game at Loyola, although I didn’t know much about it. I had a great time and enjoyed the game. My mom used to sign me up to play a lot of sports such as football, basketball,  baseball, and boxing.  But most of them made me feel like I didn’t belong or wasn't good enough. Lacrosse never made me feel nervous or scared, so I knew that was the sport I wanted to take seriously. At that time I played for a team called Charm City. I went and played for them to figure out and learn what lacrosse even meant and it just made sense. 

Do you believe that playing sports in college will be different from playing in high school?

Yes. In high school, I’m playing with people who are younger than me. I have years of experience with lacrosse, and most of them are just starting or have only been playing for such a short time, but in college, I believe the competition will be different. Everybody knows how to play lacrosse in college for the most part. Everyone will be there for a reason.

Do you feel like you're prepared for the next step?

No, I don’t believe my skills are necessarily ready to play in college just yet. I feel like my skills are good enough for the level of lacrosse that I am playing right now. In college, there will be people who are much bigger than me which makes me feel like I will have to work harder and put on more weight. I still have work to do such as critiquing my techniques to become a better defender and overall better player. 

Who or what has motivated you to get this far?

My mother, it was always just me and her. She did the best she could for a woman to raise a man. I want to be able to do the things I say I want to do. I know I want to give my mother everything she deserves. I want to make sure she has everything regardless of what it is.

How do you balance your athletic career with other aspects of your life?

The everyday schedule that I have set for myself is school which comes first, then lacrosse which takes place after school and I work on weekends. 

How do you maintain focus during high-pressure situations?

I work better under pressure so I don't lose focus during situations like that. But what I can tell someone else is that whenever you feel like you're under pressure just slow down. It may seem like you're running out of time but just think, focus, and do better. 

Have you ever experienced performance anxiety or mental blocks? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes, sometimes when I go to play in tournaments and I play against higher-level competition I get nervous. People will be a lot bigger and stronger which means I have to display my skill a lot.  Sometimes I do have other things going on that affect me but I try to get myself together because when I have something set in front of me, I don't let whatever is on my mind affect my performance.

What sacrifices have you made to reach your level of success?

Losing friends. I had to realize that some people aren't on the same path as me and some don't always have the same mindset, Which can affect those goals that you have set for yourself. I had to tell myself I wanted better for myself but I had to understand the sacrifice that comes with following those steps. 

Biggest accomplishment coming out of high school?

Getting through high school and saying that I did it. Also being a captain of a successful lacrosse team from start to finish. I can tell someone that I helped create a family and build such an amazing team and finished off strong.

What is some advice you would give someone?

Work hard, because while you're laying in bed procrastinating there could be someone right now who could be fighting for the same spot you are trying to be in. Even if you take little steps it still adds up to something. Every step and plan is worth something and there will always be an outcome. You will improve no matter what you’re doing but only if you dedicate yourself and try.