Lacrosse doesn't have a long storied history in Greater Grand Forks, although the sport has generated more interest in recent years.
Without a sanctioned high school level or college team in the area, it's rare to see a local high school lacrosse athlete sign a National Letter of Intent to play at the next level.
East Grand Forks Senior High's Jake Potter is one of the unique exceptions.
Potter recently signed a letter of intent to play lacrosse at Felician University, an NCAA Division II program located in Lodi, N.J.
Potter is a returning captain this spring for the Grand Cities Predators program. He plays primarily defense and long-stick middie.
ADVERTISEMENT
Potter, who's 6-foot-2 and 170 pounds, took college recruiting into his own hands, uploading a profile to the website Next College Student Athlete, an online connection for preps and college athletic recruiters.
After uploading his information and highlights, Felician coach Brendan Bonacum sent a text message to Potter, setting up a relationship that eventually led to signing with the program.
"Jake's ability to handle the ball in transition and his one-on-one skills will be of tremendous assistance to our defensive unit," Bonacum said. "He will come in behind several upperclassmen but we expect him to push them for immediate playing time."
Felician competes in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. The Golden Falcons (1-11 overall last season, 1-4 CACC) completed the program's inaugural season in 2018, earning their first-ever victory on April 17 with a 9-7 win over Post University.
Potter signed with the school, although he doesn't plan to visit the campus until March.
He didn't consider playing college lacrosse until he figured out he could go into the military and play college lacrosse at the same time.
"I never thought I'd be able to do it," Potter said. "Once I realized I could do both lacrosse and the military, I fell in love with that idea."
Potter started playing lacrosse at about 12 years old after his youth hockey coach suggested the sport.
ADVERTISEMENT
"There was a huge adjustment for the rules with hockey and lacrosse," Potter said. "It definitely developed over time. I thoroughly enjoy lacrosse. I don't plan on quitting anytime soon."
