#NationalSigningDay2021: Eli Etzler joins Spartan lacrosse at Aurora University

On November 10 2021, Eli Etlzer signed his National Letter of Intent to Aurora University in Illinois to play for the Spartan Lacrosse team. Each student athlete gets the opportunity to be recognized in front of their peers, coaches, teachers, and family members for their athletic achievements. Eztler was accompanied by his family to welcome this new chapter of his life. 

Aurora University men’s lacrosse team finished 11-6 last season with a total of 217 goals and 123 assists. “He is going to have great success, he’s a hardworking and dedicated player. Eli will make such a positive impact on the team and coac

h Mayberry is quite the steal,” said head lacrosse coach Richard Thompson.

Etzler chose Aurora University over several others where he was offered scholarships because he felt the atmosphere, team, coaches, and academic life is the best fit for him.

“I value playing time over a big university name. It is important to me to have a strong team where my skills can shine through,” said Etzler. 

Etzler will be attending Aurora University on the Highest Honor Academic Scholarship. He plans to major in Exercise Science, “Aurora offered many different career pathways that interested me but Exercise Science is one of my favorites. In the future I may go on to graduate school for physical therapy,” said Etzler.

His primary position on the field is face off, one that requires both skill and aggression. He has been part of the lacrosse team for all four years of high school. He also ran track and cross country.

“Aurora has a nice strong team but it just got stronger today. Eli took his wide share of face offs and got close to 70% success last season to help lead the team. If you’ve seen the game, you know that is an incredible statistic,” said Thompson. 

While it is a big transition from high school lacrosse  to college lacrosse, Etzler is ready for the challenge. He is excited to be a starting player at a university that sees his potential and ability to improve the team. 

In addition to his attributes to the Linganore team, Etzler plays on the Team Maryland Lacrosse Club and coaches an 8th grade team. “Club lacrosse has helped me grow my skills and love for lacrosse. In addition to playing I also coach a younger group of student athletes which is really fun,” said Etzler.

Both on and off the field, Etzler is joined by peer and fellow signing day athlete Sean Mulineaux. Mulineaux’s dad, Tim Mulineaux, is one of the head coaches for Etzlers team Maryland Lacrosse Club and has helped him get to this point in his athletic career.

Find more of Etzler’s statistics and past season highlights here.