St. LEO, Fla. — Anthony Visintin believes the chemistry on this year’s version of the Saint Leo Lions is almost unexplainable.
What the senior lacrosse attacker and forward does know is it’s coming to an end in a few months, and the chance for a special finish is in front of them.
What has happened off the field has taught Visintin more life lessons and left him with friends that will always be united.
“It starts with friendship. You see it translate on and off the field. We’re all good buddies.,” said Visintin. “I think when recruits come, they notice that, too. How tight-knit our team is and how close we all are.”
Visintin believes the chemistry on and off the field a special one, and the group is ready to make one last run.
“I think our goal right now is to win out in conference and win the conference tournament. Then hopefully make the NCAA and make a run,” said Visintin. “(There is a consensus), as seniors, we kind of thought that we underachieved (in previous years).”
Saint Leo is off to a 4-1 start, nearly ideal for these goals, but time will tell whether this group’s chemistry can take them to that next level.
For some NCAA athletes, college sports are just the beginning, but for Visintin, as a Division II lacrosse player, he does not see a potential future in playing competitive lacrosse after this season, besides possibly coaching.
Visintin is not taking these last two months for granted, and placed a strong emphasis on effort.
“I’m looking back at everything and seeing what I did wrong, and wishing that I could get those opportunities back,” he said. “The big thing I realized … is to not take things for granted on and off the field because everything flies by.
“If you screw up once you’re going to regret that. Seizing the opportunity and just knowing that everything does come to an end and make everything worth its while. Go 100 per cent on and off the field.”
Visintin used some of his lessons, and scored a career high 23 goals last season, after not recording over four goals in his previous two years. As a senior, he has continued to progress with 10 goals in the first five games.
He credits the chemistry that the forward group of Jake Gilmour, Kyle Pauwels and himself has developed over the past three years to his success, along with an increase in his role and execution.