For the fifth edition of In the Bullpen with Raja Sandhu, Raja speaks with Blake Kuhn, a senior and member of the boys lacrosse team at Montverde Academy. Blake is committed to continue his academic and athletic career at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. In this interview, Blake reflects on his journey as a student-athlete, the experiences that helped shape his development throughout high school, and the preparation required to compete at the collegiate level. This conversation highlights the hard work, leadership, and determination needed to succeed in both athletics and academics while preparing for the next chapter of his career.

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Raja: What originally got you interested in playing lacrosse?
Blake: What originally got me interested in playing lacrosse was how fast the game looked, and once I started playing I really liked how creative you can be.

Raja: What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about that role on the field?
Blake: I play attack and midfield, and what I enjoy most about those positions is being involved in the offense and having the opportunity to score goals for my team.

Raja: What does a typical practice or training session look like for you?
Blake: A typical practice or training session for me usually includes working on my shooting and improving my footwork so I can move quickly, create space, and get better shots on goal.

Raja: What is the most challenging part of playing lacrosse at a competitive level?
Blake: The most challenging part of playing lacrosse at a competitive level is limiting your mistakes and staying consistent every game.

Raja: How do you stay focused during fast-paced moments in a game?
Blake: I stay focused during fast paced moments by keeping my mind calm and just staying locked in on the game so I can react quickly and make the right play.

Raja: What is one skill in lacrosse that took you a long time to develop?
Blake: One skill that took me some time to develop was shooting with my off hand.

Raja: What is the atmosphere like during a big lacrosse game at Montverde Academy?
Blake: The atmosphere during a big lacrosse game at Montverde is really exciting because everyone brings a lot of energy and the whole team is locked in trying to win.

Raja: How do you and your teammates build chemistry on and off the field?
Blake: My teammates and I build chemistry by spending time together off the field, like playing golf or going to the beach, which helps us grow our trust for each other.

Raja: What is one game or moment this season that stands out to you?
Blake: One game that stands out to me this season is when my younger brother gave me an assist, and then I got to return the favor and give him one in the same game.

Raja: How has playing lacrosse helped you grow as a person?
Blake: Playing lacrosse has helped me grow as a person by teaching me discipline, teamwork, and how to stay confident even in tough moments.

Raja: What are you most looking forward to about attending Drew University?
Blake: What I'm most looking forward to at Drew University is the new opportunities and the chance to compete at a higher level.

Raja: How do you recover and stay physically ready throughout the season?
Blake: I recover and stay physically ready throughout the season by stretching, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and taking care of my body so I'm ready to perform every game.

Raja: If you could give one tip to younger lacrosse players, what would it be?
Blake: If I could give one tip to younger lacrosse players, it would be to enjoy the game and have fun every time you step on the field.

Raja: What do you enjoy doing in your free time when you're not playing lacrosse?
Blake: In my free time when I'm not playing lacrosse, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends and playing golf

Raja: What is one fun fact about you that most people at school might not know?
Blake: One fun fact about me that most people at school might not know is that I can juggle.

About Raja: Raja is a senior at Montverde Academy and is a member of its baseball team. Upon graduation, Raja plans to attend college where he aspires to play baseball and study medicine.