JOHN TIERNEY
WILBRAHAM – Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s John Tierney, of Westfield, started going to men’s lacrosse games at the University of Massachusetts when he was in fourth grade.In a few years, Tierney (Class of 2015) will be going to UMass as a student-athlete.
Tierney has verbally committed to attend UMass, which has grown into one of the premiere lacrosse programs in the country.
“I like the campus, and most of all I like the coach and the players,” said Tierney, referring to UMass coach Greg Cannella. “I can’t wait to see how UMass does this year. They’ve been a top 10 program.”
Tierney caught the eye of UMass at the New England Prep School Lacrosse Showcase in Connecticut during the summer. The 2012 WMA Boys’ Lacrosse Rookie of the Year also considered Harvard, Yale, Fairfield, Providence, Boston University, Lehigh, Vermont and Bryant.
“It was tough,” said Tierney, a midfielder. “I was looking at a lot of different schools. But the time came and I’ve wanted to go there since I was younger so I decided to go to UMass. I liked going up to the lacrosse games at UMass and watching them play and watching coach Cannella coach. He’s a great coach.”
UMass has reached the NCAA Division I tournament six of the last 11 seasons. The Minutemen are ranked No. 13 in the 2013 Inside Lacrosse poll, and finished No. 10 a year ago.
“The decision Tierney has made to go to the University of Massachusetts is a great reflection of John and his family, as well as Wilbraham & Monson Academy and the University of Massachusetts,” WMA Boys’ Lacrosse coach Phil Roland said. “He’s an outstanding student, he’s had a great impact on the community, and he’s helped turn around our lacrosse program. Greg Cannella has acquired a nice talent who will contribute to the furthering of the success of the University of Massachusetts.”
Tierney was named a Brine All-American and to the WNEPSLA All-League First Team following his freshman year at WMA. He said the Titans are already looking much better for the 2013 season.
“We’re looking strong,” said Tierney, who led the team in scoring with 45 goals and 24 assists in 2012. “We have a lot of great players and a lot of great recruits. We’re looking strong. We need to work on our depth but we’re building.”
Tierney’s 45 goals in 2012 was the third-highest single-season tally in school history.
COURTESY OF WILBRAHAM & MONSON ACADEMY
