Friday, October 24, 2014

One Quaker's Unconventional Route to College Lacrosse




For many high school student-athletes, the dream of playing college athletics is a highly sought after goal.  These aspiring college athletes see their hard work and dedication culminate with the commitment to play at the next level.   This common route manifests itself over the country, year after year.  However, for some student-athletes, the road to college athletics is not as conventional.  A sophomore middie for the Quakers has taken one of the more unique routes to arrive on the Guilford College lacrosse team.
Larry Nichols is not your average “lax bro”, having served four and a half years in the United States Army.  His time in the Army was not spent working in an office or working behind the scenes of the military.  Quite contrary, Nichols’ time was spent on the front lines of Afghanistan during America’s War on Terror.  Throughout the course of two tours, Nichols’ heroically served our country while rising to the rank of sergeant.
While most lacrosse players spent their summers worrying about which coaches would be present at their lacrosse tournament, Larry was patrolling the streets of Afghanistan, conducting their “hearts and mines” objectives.  During these patrols, Larry and his platoon would have regular contact with the Afghani people vying towards assimilation into a life without the fear of the Taliban.  Nichols said his time in Afghanistan “had its ups and downs, and that you would have to take the good with the bad.”  
All of these experiences have shaped Nichols into the person he is today, both on and off the field.  He left the military and rejoined civilian life when he was 23.  At that age, most college athlete’s careers are winding down and are preparing to enter the real world.  However, he was determined to get back to the sport he loved.  
“It was something I had always wanted to do.  Even when I was younger, I had a dream of playing college athletics,” Nichols adds.  
While deployed, Larry and fellow solider, Pfc. Marcus Tynes, both had ambitions of going to the same school and competing in college athletics together.  
“I was going to play lacrosse and he was going to play football. It would have been the fulfillment of something really special,” said Nichols.
Unfortunately, the realization of that dream between the two soldiers would have to be completed by Nichols alone.  Sadly, Tynes was killed in Afghanistan after being struck by an enemy IED.  The loss of his good friend and comrade pushed him even more to get back to the game he loved.
Through his determination, drive, and passion, Larry wound up on the Guilford College campus.  After meeting with the coaches, who immediately felt the kind of presence he possessed, Larry also became a college lacrosse player.  
One memory that stands out above the rest happened during a fall evening at my house Larry’s first semester at Guilford.  I had just recently been named captain of the team.  As a junior and a new captain, I wasn’t exactly sure the right way to lead a college lacrosse team.  Larry sat down with me and shared some of the most insightful knowledge I have ever received.  Through that conversation I learned that I am apart of something bigger than myself.  As he pointed out, the best leaders are the ones not concerned with personal accolades and success, but rather, the success of the team as a whole.  He challenged me to leave the team in a better position than what I had come into it as.  
A player with a background like Larry’s brings a new angle to the team that is felt both on and off of the field.  The Quaker’s head coach, Tom Carmean, recognizes the impact that Nichols is able to have on the team.
“Beyond the fact that he’s a good guy and a good teammate,” Carmean said. “He adds an additional level of leadership and perspective to our team.  Larry comes with experiences that are completely unique.”
While he continues to develop his game every day and push himself both academically and athletically,  Larry has embraced his route to college.  The transition he faced from being an active duty solider to student-athlete is one that not many people can relate.   It is one that has motivated many players on our team to be better students and athletes.  The perspective that Larry Nichols brings is a truly invaluable in realizing how remarkably lucky student-athletes are to have the opportunity to play.  Whether it be the conventional or unconventional route, playing a college sport is truly an accomplishment.  Yet for one sophomore midfielder, the feat is almost unbelievable.  

Thomas Deane


Nichols during his second deployment in Kandahar, Afghanistan

Nichols outside of his Forward Observing Base (FOB), Outpost Easy Bear


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