Austin Minnich '14 was a do-it-all player for the Dutchmen men's lacrosse program during his LVC career. A team captain for multiple years, Minnich was the natural leader of the squad.
 
He really made an immediate impact his first two seasons, appearing in 31 games with 10 starts. Minnich scored 12 goals in his first two years before taking that next step in his career in the latter half of his time as a Dutchman.
 
As a junior, Minnich was the team captain and earned a MAC Commonwealth First-Team honor to reward his solid season. Minnich's postseason accolades were not finished as he would be named to the IMLCA All-Region Second-Team.
 
Minnich's senior campaign was absolutely stellar. Statistically, he scored 15 points while also leading the team with 58 ground balls and fourth with 17 caused turnovers. He would earn another First-Team All-MAC Commonwealth selection and another IMLCA All-Region Second-Team honor. Minnich also earned USILA/Mike Scholar All-American distinction and earned a spot in the USILA/Nike North/South All-Star Game.
 

What made you decide to attend LVC?

I chose LVC because of their strong science programs and incredibly dedicated professors. Additionally, I wanted the chance to play lacrosse competitively for four years. I was impressed by Coach Haus and the 2014 senior class, who were truly a special group of people. I also wanted to be in close proximity to my family so that they could be involved in the tailgates and watch me play.

 
What's your favorite memory from playing lacrosse at LVC?

My favorite on-field memory was when we played Widener in the playoffs in my senior season. It was a very physical and fair matchup, but we ended up losing a hard-fought contest 12-11. Knowing that it would potentially be the last time I put on the number 6 jersey, I tried to take in as much of the moment as I possibly could. However, there are unlimited memories off of the field at team gatherings, in the locker room, and on road trips to away games that I will remember forever.

 
What does it mean to you to be a part of the LVC community?

Being a part of LVC means being in an environment that is actively committed to inclusive excellence and developing leaders in the community. The institution is dedicated to service, immersive learning experiences, and forward-thinking with the purpose to empower students for a life of learning and success. I will always be thankful for my talented science professors who set me up for success in medical school. Students that graduate from LVC will be prepared for life beyond the dorms and ready to tackle any challenge in their pursuit of lifelong learning and service.
 

How did competing as a student-athlete at LVC prepare you for life after college?

There are several parallels between athletics and life. Preparation and practice are essential in winning games and achieving success in life after college. Recovery is an important component in sports, but often is overlooked or lost in the shuffle of the adult lifestyle. Being a student-athlete taught me how to work diligently to maintain a busy schedule, but also how to relax and to enjoy life outside of work. I believe that having a healthy work-life balance is the foundation for a productive and happy future.
 

Individually, your junior and senior seasons were impressive. What can you attribute to that individual success?

From the minute I stepped on campus, people like Ryan Lanigan and Scott Travers showed me how to work hard on a college level to achieve success. As each season passed, I gained more experience and comfort playing at the defensive midfield position which blossomed into success for me in the later stages of my athletic career. Having to defend people every day in practice like Koty Keefer, Klayton Garman, Matt Torrence, Mason Hoff and others pushed me to be a better player. Additionally, I had great roommates who were always willing to shoot or play one on one in our free time.
 

Are you currently in graduate school? What are you studying and what are your plans for work?

I will graduate with my medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in May of 2021. I am currently interviewing for various emergency medicine residency programs in hospitals on the east coast. I will be an emergency medicine physician with hopes to practice in an emergency room in one of the local hospital systems after residency.
 

What advice do you have for current LVC student-athletes?

Take it all in. Enjoy your time playing the sport you love with your friends. Like athletics, life is full of opportunity. You can take full advantage of life's opportunities through working hard and chasing your goals and dreams.
 

What advice to you have for prospective men's lacrosse players looking to attend LVC?

By attending LVC, you will have the unique opportunity to pursue an exceptional education while continuing your competitive athletic career. LVC is excellent in developing students into professionals prepared for any career choice. If you are considering a career in science, physical therapy, or healthcare, I especially recommend choosing LVC because you will be learning from the best professors that the institution has to offer.
 

Anything else you'd like to add?

I'd like to thank Coach Haus and Coach Kieffer for pushing me to be the best person and athlete that I could be. I'd also like to thank Coach Frantz for always bringing the juice and working with me every day to improve my skill set and mindset.