Alex Pardieu is a senior midfielder for La Costa Canyon High School and NC StarzElite Lacrosse. Alex is currently deciding between his top two colleges. Alex’s coach, Dallas Hartley descibes him as having “a strong work ethic, an infectious good attitude, and he wants to get better…very coachable.” SportsForce caught up with Alex to find out what his recruiting process was like and to ask him a few questions about his lacrosse career and more.
Why do you love playing lacrosse and when did you begin playing?
I love the power I feel as I step on the field. I love the way I can creatively show my athleticism while competing against someone who wants to win almost as much as I do. I started in 5th grade.
What other sports did you play in high school?
I played football for four years.
How would you describe your playing style?
I push transition whenever I can. I take pride in challenging my opponents and backing it up with my play. I always look for the open man who may have a better shot, but I will go for the unassisted goal too.
What colleges have been recruiting you and how has the recruiting process been?
A few D I schools, but mostly D III and D II schools and MCLA schools on both coasts. The recruiting process was fun, but making a final decision is hard.
What has helped you get exposure to colleges and how did you decide on what trips to take?
My parents have always supported me by sending me everywhere from Sonoma to Maryland. I tried to get exposure by playing in front of coaches at recruitment camps. I went to camps that were recommended by families that had already gone through the process themselves.
What college recruiting trips have you taken and how were they?
This fall I went to Florida State and Arizona State. I had a good time seeing how drastically different each place was from my home in Encinitas, while still trying to envision how life would be if I were to choose that school. The football games were probably the highlight. I live for college football!
What schools are you seriously considering and why?
I am choosing between FSU and ASU. I love the big school atmosphere; the way it’s so different from home and the fact that both schools are excellent teams in their league.
What type of college experience are you looking for (athletically, academically, socially)?
I am looking forward to taking my game all the way to the top in college. This was the year I was going to show everyone my real potential, but with my injury I’ll just have to show what I am all about at the next level. Academically, I’m looking forward to gaining the tools that will help me be a successful man. Lastly, I’m not too worried about the social aspect of college. Both schools I am choosing from are fun schools.
How has your family helped in the college selection and recruiting process?
Mom, Dad and brother James have done more than I could have ever asked. They gave me advice and let me travel to the schools to see what they are all about, but they have also given me the power to make the final decision on which school.
What is your intended college major?
I am planning on studying some form of business. Lately, I’ve been interested in Entrepreneurship.
What is your long term career ambition?
I still do not know what I want to be when I grow up. A job with few hours and high pay would be ideal.
What are your goals for lacrosse over the next few years?
I have very ambitious goals and I always have. A four year contributor is first and from there I plan to be an All-American.
What do you do to prepare to be a successful lacrosse player (training, practice, film review, etc.)?
I’m a hard worker and can say that truthfully. I tend to spend a lot of my time in the weight room, but I make sure my stick skills and shot are always in tune. I’m not a big fan of watching games on TV or from the stands, but I am on the field with my club team either playing or watching throughout the off season, depending on whether I’m in football season or not.
What hobbies or interest do you have outside of sports?
With my knee injury, I’ve been trying to keep myself busy and active. I go to physical therapy and the gym with my buddies sometimes for 4-5 hours a day and try and make every practice to support my team.
What advice would you give to an upcoming lacrosse player looking to play college lacrosse?
Get exposure any way you can. Not to try to sell Sports Force too much, but my top two schools first learned about me via my highlight video.
