The sport of lacrosse was introduced to Will and Jack Mandracchia by their father John, who was the founder and president of Melrose Youth Lacrosse. Once Will and Jack picked up a lacrosse stick, they never looked back. They quickly became two of the best players to go through the ranks in Melrose Youth Lacrosse and Melrose High School.
Both boys—Will being two years older—played at Clark University in Worcester. Will graduated this past spring and finished his college career with 157 points, good enough for fourth all-time in school history. He was also named to the NEWMAC 2018 Men’s Lacrosse Academic All-Conference Team. Jack will be a junior this coming school year and currently has 10 points in 19 career games.
The Scoop caught up with Will and Jack to discuss their lacrosse careers, their favorite memories, and why they decided to play together at Clark University.
Why did you first start playing lacrosse?
Will: “I first started playing because of my older brother started playing. I was always interested in watching him [play], but I played baseball. So, it got to the point where I had to decide between baseball and lacrosse, and I think I was in sixth or seventh grade. I just liked the sport so much more. It was fast paced and more of my type of game, compared to baseball.”
Jack: “My dad pushed my brothers to play and me being the youngest, I copied my brothers. I started playing in first grade and after my first practice, I fell in love with the game.”
Will, why did you choose attack?
Will: “I was defense up until U15, when my coach wanted to try me with a short stick. It’s a lot different and I liked it. I liked scoring goals more than trying to stop them. The rush of seeing that ball go into the net, I don’t think there is anything like it.”
Jack, why did you choose midfield?
Jack: “Growing up, I was an attackman, but during my sophomore year of high school, my coach Matt James switched me to midfield. And when I was a freshman at Clark, I was a
midfielder, but I didn’t play that much. Then, my sophomore year, my coach switched me back to attack.”
What was it like growing up in Melrose and playing for Melrose Youth Lacrosse in the MBYLL?
Will: “From a competitive standpoint, it was awesome. We played all these teams that have had lacrosse organizations for so long. Melrose was just starting up during the first few years I started playing. I knew
Where Are They Now?
A Spotlight on Will and Jack Mandracchia of Melrose
by Matt McGuirk
10 The Scoop / Summer '18