Jean-Luc Chetner’s climb in lacrosse continues.
Playing for The Hill Academy just north of Toronto, Chetner accepted an National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 scholarship to the Unversity of Richmond, in Virginia. The Penticton Minor Lacrosse product said it’s a huge accomplishment for him in his lacrosse career and life.
“I am very proud of my accomplishment as the University of Richmond is not only a Division I lacrosse program, but also a school with high academic standards,” said Chetner in an email. “I am very excited to be playing for the University of Richmond at the college lacrosse level and can’t wait to step foot on campus come next fall.”
Chetner described the recruiting process as very long and difficult. He experienced several ups and down, making it intimidating at times. Chetner had a handful of schools show interest from different divisions at the NCAA level but his goal was to play Division I. “Once I began talking with the University of Richmond, the decision process became easier as Richmond is a very good fit for me,” said Chetner, a former South Okanagan Flame.
In a story published on toplaxrecruits.com, Chetner said part of the reason he chose Richmond is because he’s excited to be part of a start-up program.
“I have the ability to compete for a major role on the team starting in my freshman year,” he told toplaxrecruits.com. “The school is serious about building a successful lacrosse program and has all the resources to achieve that goal. I’m looking forward to being a part of the legacy they are aiming to build.”
Chetner has been playing in Ontario since catching the attention of The Hill Academy during the Minto Cup last year with the Coquitlam Junior A Adanacs. Chetner, who has also played for the Burnaby Mountain Selects and Team B.C., said playing in Ontario has been a great experience for him.
“The Hill Academy has really allowed me to develop my field lacrosse game and prepare me for college-level lacrosse,” he said. “With the Hill, I have been able to play against the top high school lacrosse programs in North America, giving me great experience playing at a high level. I have made some great friendships with a lot of my teammates and classmates. I’ve also been living in another province for a year, allowing me to experience big-city life and a different environment.”
He has also become more well rounded with his field lacrosse skills. That is due to being on the field three times a week with top-notch coaches.
“My season has been great so far,” he said. “My team went 12-1 in the regular season, beating multiple top-25 ranked teams. We are playing for the North American Lacrosse Invitational Championship (May 17-19) and we are going in as the No. 1 seed in the tournament. My team is also currently ranked No. 7 in all of high school lacrosse.”