University of Virginia graduate Matt Ward wants to lay down the law, both in the courtroom and on the field.
The Oakton, Va. native will start law school at the University of Baltimore in the fall, but currently the fourth overall pick in the Major League Lacrosse collegiate draft is enjoying his summer job playing for the Baltimore Bayhawks.
“I certainly wanted to play [professionally],” Ward said. “I have been playing for 13 years and did not want to give up on that part of my life.” The Landon School graduate was happy to be taken by the Bayhawks because of the proximity to his home and the caliber of his teammates.
“I am playing with the some of the best attackmen that have ever played,” Ward said, referring to Mark Millon and Tom Marechek.
By no means is Ward a slouch, however, as the rookie finished his career with the Cavaliers by winning both a second national title and the Tewaarton Award, which goes to the top player in the country.
“That whole week was hectic,” Ward said. “We won the national championship on Monday, on Tuesday I had to drive to Connecticut for the draft, and I got into D.C. at 3 a.m. Thursday for the Tewaarton Award.”
“He is a phenomenal shooter and a great feeder,” Bayhawks coach Scott Hiller said. “I was impressed with how quickly he wanted to get on the field.”
“They both have a passion for the sport, and that is encouraging,” Hiller said of Ward and teammate Kyle Dixon, who also played at Virginia. Drafting college teammates can create a “comfort zone” for young players, Hiller said.
Dixon drove to New Jersey to support his new team last Saturday but was not in uniform. He suffered a broken thumb against Notre Dame in the playoffs, but Hiller expects him back in three to four weeks.
