McGoogan

JACKSON TWP — Evan McGoogan certainly had his share of suitors, but a visit in September made his choice an easy one.

The Seneca Valley senior knew he would be playing lacrosse in college.

He visited Ohio State University, Colgate and Hobart College.

Towson State, Stony Brook and Army also expressed interest in the Cranberry Township resident.

But they all lost out in the end.

"I visited (the Naval Academy) and, once I got on campus, I just fell in love with the atmosphere and camaraderie," McGoogan said. "I felt that kind of lifestyle best fit me."

McGoogan has been playing lacrosse since seventh grade and will start at midfield for Seneca Valley for the third straight season this spring.

He was named a WPSLA Division 1 North all-star last year, recording 18 goals and 12 assists. The performance earned him team MVP honors.

"It was at the end of my sophomore year that I realized if I worked hard enough, I could really go somewhere," McGoogan said. "I've definitely matured and I've put a lot of work into (lacrosse). I have pushed myself past a lot of other players that way."

"Evan's dedication to excellence, his leadership and loyalty to his team — that is what sets him apart," said SV assistant coach Mike O'Rourke.

McGoogan's talent and work ethic caught the eye of Navy assistant coach Ryan Moran.

"I was able to see him play at some top lacrosse camps, and I noticed that he's a great athlete," said Moran. "You can't teach 6-foot-2, 200 pounds."

Before going to Annapolis, McGoogan will spend a year at the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, R.I.

Though the main reasons for going to the Rhode Island school are to prepare freshmen mentally and academically for what they will encounter at Annapolis, McGoogan will play lacrosse against junior college teams there.

"Sixty-five to 70 percent of players who end up in Annapolis start at NAPS," said Moran. "It's going to better prepare players and it doesn't take away from their eligibility, so Evan will still have four years to play once he leaves NAPS."

And once he arrives in Annapolis, McGoogan has clear goals.

"They have a freshman, junior varsity and varsity team," he said. "It's like a developmental program and you have to work your way up the ranks.

"I want to get down there my first year and learn the system as fast as I can. I want to get on the field by the end of my freshman season. That might seem unlikely, but at that point, I'll be a 20-year-old freshman."

The academic end will last for five years, including NAPS, which means McGoogan will have at least five years of active service in the U.S. Navy.

And that is when he hopes to shine the brightest.

"I am going to have the chance to make a difference in the world," said McGoogan.