Courageous, driven, fearless and leader are just a few words that can be used to describe junior Mike Carluccio as he begins his first season as captain of the Wittenberg Men’s Lacrosse team.
Born and raised in Bedford, NH, Carluccio was involved in many different activities like playing music, sports and hanging out with friends before finding his passion for lacrosse in the second grade. He began playing the sport because his older brother, and role model, had been very involved with it. What started as a hobby quickly grew into something that would change Carluccio’s life forever.
Carluccio knew all of the long, grueling hours spent practicing and developing his craft paid off when he decided to further his academic and athletic career at Wittenberg University.
“The reason I chose Wittenberg is because of lacrosse,” Carluccio said. “I had no idea Witt even existed until I got an email from Coach Owen and it ended up changing my life. Without lacrosse, I would have never came here and I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
From unforgettable opportunities and friendships, to life lessons and unique skills, lacrosse has played a key role in turning Carluccio into the person that he is today. It has taught him how to motivate and work with others, all while trying to accomplish a common goal. It’s experiences like this that make it such an honor to be named a captain, as a junior, because it allows him to build and grow with his teammates.
“My individual goals are very similar to our teams goals,” Carluccio said. “I want to be the best player and leader that I can be for my teammates. I want to push my team to win the NCAC championship and make the national tournament, all while having fun and learning lessons with my teammates.”
Balancing athletics and academics can be a difficult task for any student athlete, but this has never been a problem that Carluccio couldn’t handle. Although it’s difficult, it hasn’t stop him from getting involved on campus and making the most of his college experience through clubs and student organizations. Currently, Carluccio is the president of Phi Gamma Delta, so when he isn’t learning in the classroom or on the lacrosse field, he can be found leading his brothers and fraternity.
After playing lacrosse for 14 years, Carluccios’s love for the game is only growing stronger. You can see him and the rest of the Wittenberg Men’s Lacrosse team in action on Feb. 3 at Albion University. You can also see them for their first home game on March 17 against the Terriers of Hiram College.
