Boys Lacrosse Goalie Senior Jake Parco is an outstanding student-athlete, with big plans ahead of him. One of Parco’s biggest accomplishments in high school has been maintaining over a 4.0 GPA while playing a multitude of varsity sports all four years. Now with his high school career almost over, Parco will be attending Cal Poly SLO (California Polytechnic, San Luis Obispo) to pursue a degree in engineering. Although Parco will be attending college for academics, he stated that sports will never leave his life.

   Parco just started playing lacrosse last year but manages to leave a lasting impact on the team. “Jake is an absolute dream to coach: he is respectful, hard-working, and a leader both on and off the field. We wouldn’t have the winning record that we are enjoying right now without him in the goal,” said Littlewood. The coaches count on Jake to help carry and develop the team. Coach Joe Satriano said, “The goalie is the most important position on the field. Everyone on the field knows if they make a mistake or get beat, Jake’s got their back. The team rides on his shoulders.”

   It’s clear that his coaches have respect for him and he for them. He explained, “My lacrosse Coach, CK Littlewood, really taught me how to play with pride, and Coach Joe Satriano really helped me with my skills.”

   Senior Brennen Beith said, “I think he’s helped the team by bettering the team’s sportsmanship. He plays to have fun and has lots of respect for everyone on our team, and the teams we play against.” Beith can see that some of the freshmen have picked up on Parco’s sportsmanship. Parco’s teammates believe that he has brought a new love and respect for the team and has helped the UC High Boys Lacrosse Team bond and play better together. Senior Trent Bassler said, “Playing with Jake has been a blast. He always has a positive attitude and makes sure everyone is having a good time. He has helped our team as a solid player, and by being a consistently dominant goalie.”

   Parco has many strengths that help him on and off the field. His coaches emphasized how he uses his strength, agility, competitiveness, and “sports I.Q.” on the field. “[Parco] is likable, coachable, and just a terrific athlete, and human being,” Littlewood continued. Satriano added onto Littlewood’s comment, stating that Parco’s strengths include his quick reflexes, tenacity, and hard work ethic. Littlewood emphasized on his complete lack of fear in goal, and above all, his defining, calm intensity.

   In addition to being an admired athlete, Parco has outstanding academics and plans to create a career for himself. He will be attending Cal Poly SLO as a bioresource and agricultural engineering major. Parco hopes to pursue an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) and a Masters in Genetic Engineering after completing his undergraduate education. Parco said, “I hope to one day start my own company called ‘The Par Co.’”

   Parco is known for his personality, all-around athleticism, leadership skills, and outstanding academics. While he leaves his high school career behind, Parco will be moving forward to accomplish great things.