Senior Cody McClean, a lefty attack on the NHP’s varsity lacrosse team, has made history by breaking the school’s long lasting lacrosse record.
The previous record for goals in a regular season was 55. Cody broke this on May 4 in NHP’s matchup against Carey. He ended the season with 59 regular season goals and 63 goals including both the regular season and playoffs, setting records for both categories.
Cody is known for his fast speed and strong agility on the field as well as his leadership and commitment to the team.
“Cody’s accomplishments contributed to the team’s success greatly,” junior Eamon Griffin said. “His first couple of goals against Jericho allowed us to come back and win in overtime. Although losing the game, his four goals against Mepham in the playoffs helped us put up a great fight. Cody is a great lacrosse player, but more importantly, an extraordinary teammate. When his teammate scores on a play, he sprints over and starts celebrating. Cody celebrates every goal like it’s the last one he will see on a lacrosse field.”
Cody attributes his accomplishments to his defined goal in winning every game.
“My team needed me to be a high quality shooter the entire season, so I just kept shooting high quality shots and they kept going in,” senior Cody McClean said. “That’s the best way to describe how I achieved being one of the highest single season goal scorers in school history. I wasn’t going out on the field thinking I’m going to score this much this game, I just went on the field thinking about how I’m going to help us win. Good stats come with playing the game the right way, and that’s my end goal in a game. Helping my team win by playing the eight way is always what I want to be able to accomplish.”
Coaches complement Cody’s great leadership qualities and his ability to set an example of dedication for the team.
“Cody came back from Kellenberg two weeks into the season last year; he had strong relationships with the players,” Coach Vedder said. “He already had that foundation and blended in with the team. He would play any position we needed him to play and this year he has stepped up and led by example. He is the hardest working player and tough as nails. This helped the team by giving them an example of what hardworking and dedication looked like.”
Cody and the team’s success led to NHP facing tough defense throughout the season.
“Impressive part is that other teams put great attention to their defenses, with him [Cody] and Aiden [Garvey]. With teams looking to actively shut down both Cody and Aiden, his success is that much more special.”
