over to Blase , who is now the second Head Coach of the GMercyU Men ’ s Lacrosse Program .
FROM STUDENT-ATHLETE TO COACH Blase knew he wanted to call GMercyU his home shortly after his first campus visit . He was intrigued by the small classroom environment , and the willingness of faculty and staff to go above and beyond .
During that visit , he also met Dana .
“ After meeting Coach Lindstrom and immersing myself in the culture he established within the program , I knew it was the place for me ,” Blase said .
Blase graduated in 2017 with a bachelor ’ s degree in Human Services . During his time as a student , Blase was highly active within the
GMercyU community . In addition to being a member of the men ’ s lacrosse program for four years , he also participated in the Work Study program within the athletics department . During the holidays , Blase volunteered to be a part of the live nativity scene after the annual Voices of Gwynedd Carol Nights and also had the privilege of attending the Dublin Pilgrimage in August 2016 .
Upon graduation , Blase was offered the position of Head Coach at Pope John Paul II High School . He also started coaching with Black Bear Lacrosse Club in Montgomery County during the summer , fall , and winter months . During this time , Blase bounced around before landing a job at Victory Event Series . There , he assisted in running lacrosse tournaments and showcases throughout the country . After three years at Pope John Paul II , Blase was approached by Dana to join his coaching staff at GMercyU .
“ The opportunity to coach alongside Coach Lindstrom here at GMercyU was something I have always wanted to be a part of ,” Blase said . “ I now have the opportunity to continue to build upon a truly special program .”
He is excited to work alongside the men in the program , especially helping them achieve what they want in life .
“ I chose to come back to Gwynedd Mercy University because of the impact this place has had on me as a student , an athlete , and a coach ,” Blase said . “ Coach Lindstrom ’ s vote
of confidence in hiring me , and the opportunity it presented , made the decision come easy . Truthfully , I wouldn ’ t want to be anywhere else .”
Blase is excited for the future of the team and he ’ s excited for his first season . Having great young men being recruited to the team by Dana has helped make the transition easier . Dana ’ s mentorship and guidance has molded Blase into the person he is today , and that has tremendously helped his confidence in the transition .
Blase indicated that the ultimate goal is to recruit and retain young men who are highly motivated . His wish is to assist them throughout their time at GMercyU and beyond . Blase says that his hope is to “ one day be able to hang a championship banner in the gym .”
“ I would like to thank Coach Dana Lindstrom and GMercyU ’ s Athletic Director Keith Mondillo for their confidence in hiring me as the second head men ’ s lacrosse coach here at Gwynedd Mercy University . This is truly a special place , and I couldn ’ t be happier to work alongside tremendous coaches , trainers , faculty , and staff ,” Blase said .
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