Terriers' Highly Touted Recruiting Class Fitting in Nicely at BU
November 4, 2019 | Men's Lacrosse
by Kevin Edelson, BU Athletic Communications
As Boston University men's lacrosse enters its seventh season at the Division I level, the program sits at a completely different spot than it did in the fall of 2013 when head coach Ryan Polley and his team of almost entirely freshmen prepared for the Terriers' inaugural season.
Back then, the goal was to begin building a program. The athletes that later became All-Patriot League and All-America selections were often not the most heralded kids out of high school, and BU was not among the programs thought to have one of the best recruiting classes in the country.
Now, that narrative has changed. For the second time in three years, BU has a top-20 recruiting class according to Inside Lacrosse. Also for the second time in three years, the Terriers boast a top-100 player overall in Collin Loughead. In addition to Loughead, four other freshmen – Vince D'Alto, Michael Gottlieb, Roy Meyer and Louis Perfetto - were listed among the best at their respective positions.
In addition to the five newcomers recognized, four others were named US Lacrosse All-Americans. From top to bottom, the Class of 2023 has the tools to make an impact.
"We're extremely excited for this year's incoming class," Polley said. "We believe this is our best recruiting class that we've ever brought to BU."
While many highly touted recruits have played at BU, this class is the program's best yet. That's the case on paper, at least. But games aren't won on paper. You don't get better in the fall on paper. That work is done on the field, in the weight room, and at a school like BU, in the classroom.
"It's an honor for our class to be recognized like that," Perfetto said, "but at the end of the day it doesn't mean anything until we go out there and prove it on the field."
"Being a part of such an amazing class this year has really motivated me this fall," Gottlieb said. "We are building something very special here, and I'm just excited to see what our class can do over the four years we have here."
The first look at what the class could do came in the Terriers' lone fall scrimmage, a victory over the visiting Israeli National Team in which D'Alto was among the standouts. More important than the score, however, was the fact that the 18 true freshmen got their first taste of competitive lacrosse at the next level.
"College is a completely different level than high school in terms of skill, speed and strength," Loughead said. "My high school team prepared me a great deal for my transition into college, but fall ball is intricate into bringing newcomers up to pace with the D1 level."
"You are forced to make quicker decisions and play at a faster speed," Perfetto said. "Fall ball is extremely important in the transition. It gives you the experience you need and it also gives you tons of reps - whether it is shooting, passing or dodging - to improve your game."
Just as important as the on-field work is for these newcomers is the off-field experience. Whether it's navigating the campus and the city, getting adjusted to classes, meeting new people and forming bonds with new friends and teammates, the first fall as a student-athlete is an exciting one, especially at BU.
"Figuring out how to balance academic, athletic and social life is tough at first, but we are surrounded by amazing resources and people that want to see you succeed," Perfetto said. "They have definitely helped me a great amount so far and have made my time at BU get off to a fantastic start."
While each player has access to numerous resources on campus, it's up to each of them to put in the time to make those resources count. That accountability and work ethic in all facets of the program has echoed throughout the incoming class.
"An emphasis from the coaches this fall has been accountability," Perfetto said. "Whether it is in the weight room or on the field, everyone is expected to work their hardest with no exceptions. It doesn't matter if you are first or last on the depth chart; you are expected to give it your all and bring energy each and every day."
"The emphasis from our coaches so far has been creating a family within this team," Gottlieb said. "Each player needs to keep each other accountable and bring the best out of each other every time we step onto the field or into the weight room."
The culture that these players and coaches build in the fall will pay dividends in the spring. If BU wants advances to its first-ever Patriot League title game after three straight semifinal appearances, the accountability and work ethic developed now will be a major reason why.
"I couldn't ask for a better environment," Loughead said. "Our coaches here always support us and want the best for us and the best from us," Loughead said. "We have a big emphasis on putting in work in the weight room and being able to play as fast as possible."
Fall ball is beginning to wind down and the focus will soon be on the spring season. BU has one goal in mind – win a Patriot League championship. It's what Polley and his coaching staff has been building towards since arriving in Boston. This crop of newcomers, combined with a core group of returners, has the potential to make that happen.
The journey begins on Feb. 1 against Providence. The Class of 2023 will be ready.
As Boston University men's lacrosse enters its seventh season at the Division I level, the program sits at a completely different spot than it did in the fall of 2013 when head coach Ryan Polley and his team of almost entirely freshmen prepared for the Terriers' inaugural season.
Back then, the goal was to begin building a program. The athletes that later became All-Patriot League and All-America selections were often not the most heralded kids out of high school, and BU was not among the programs thought to have one of the best recruiting classes in the country.
Now, that narrative has changed. For the second time in three years, BU has a top-20 recruiting class according to Inside Lacrosse. Also for the second time in three years, the Terriers boast a top-100 player overall in Collin Loughead. In addition to Loughead, four other freshmen – Vince D'Alto, Michael Gottlieb, Roy Meyer and Louis Perfetto - were listed among the best at their respective positions.
In addition to the five newcomers recognized, four others were named US Lacrosse All-Americans. From top to bottom, the Class of 2023 has the tools to make an impact.
"We're extremely excited for this year's incoming class," Polley said. "We believe this is our best recruiting class that we've ever brought to BU."
While many highly touted recruits have played at BU, this class is the program's best yet. That's the case on paper, at least. But games aren't won on paper. You don't get better in the fall on paper. That work is done on the field, in the weight room, and at a school like BU, in the classroom.
"It's an honor for our class to be recognized like that," Perfetto said, "but at the end of the day it doesn't mean anything until we go out there and prove it on the field."
"Being a part of such an amazing class this year has really motivated me this fall," Gottlieb said. "We are building something very special here, and I'm just excited to see what our class can do over the four years we have here."
The first look at what the class could do came in the Terriers' lone fall scrimmage, a victory over the visiting Israeli National Team in which D'Alto was among the standouts. More important than the score, however, was the fact that the 18 true freshmen got their first taste of competitive lacrosse at the next level.
"College is a completely different level than high school in terms of skill, speed and strength," Loughead said. "My high school team prepared me a great deal for my transition into college, but fall ball is intricate into bringing newcomers up to pace with the D1 level."
"You are forced to make quicker decisions and play at a faster speed," Perfetto said. "Fall ball is extremely important in the transition. It gives you the experience you need and it also gives you tons of reps - whether it is shooting, passing or dodging - to improve your game."
Just as important as the on-field work is for these newcomers is the off-field experience. Whether it's navigating the campus and the city, getting adjusted to classes, meeting new people and forming bonds with new friends and teammates, the first fall as a student-athlete is an exciting one, especially at BU.
"Figuring out how to balance academic, athletic and social life is tough at first, but we are surrounded by amazing resources and people that want to see you succeed," Perfetto said. "They have definitely helped me a great amount so far and have made my time at BU get off to a fantastic start."
While each player has access to numerous resources on campus, it's up to each of them to put in the time to make those resources count. That accountability and work ethic in all facets of the program has echoed throughout the incoming class.
"An emphasis from the coaches this fall has been accountability," Perfetto said. "Whether it is in the weight room or on the field, everyone is expected to work their hardest with no exceptions. It doesn't matter if you are first or last on the depth chart; you are expected to give it your all and bring energy each and every day."
"The emphasis from our coaches so far has been creating a family within this team," Gottlieb said. "Each player needs to keep each other accountable and bring the best out of each other every time we step onto the field or into the weight room."
The culture that these players and coaches build in the fall will pay dividends in the spring. If BU wants advances to its first-ever Patriot League title game after three straight semifinal appearances, the accountability and work ethic developed now will be a major reason why.
"I couldn't ask for a better environment," Loughead said. "Our coaches here always support us and want the best for us and the best from us," Loughead said. "We have a big emphasis on putting in work in the weight room and being able to play as fast as possible."
Fall ball is beginning to wind down and the focus will soon be on the spring season. BU has one goal in mind – win a Patriot League championship. It's what Polley and his coaching staff has been building towards since arriving in Boston. This crop of newcomers, combined with a core group of returners, has the potential to make that happen.
The journey begins on Feb. 1 against Providence. The Class of 2023 will be ready.
Players Mentioned
A
/ Men's Lacrosse
M
/ Men's Lacrosse
D
/ Men's Lacrosse
A
/ Men's LacrosseBU Terriers Unleashed - Season 7, Episode 2
Saturday, February 14
Highlights: Men's Lacrosse vs. Sinea (2/6/26)
Saturday, February 07
Rhett's Holiday Card - Boston University Athletics Holiday Video 2025
Tuesday, December 16
Boston University Athletics - 2025 Holiday Reading Program
Saturday, December 13
