Liberty University Club Sports Athletics
Elliott will bring speed, scoring threat to Flames' midfield
6/17/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
When Carter Elliott takes the Liberty University Lacrosse Field for his first game as a member of the men's lacrosse team this fall, it won't be his first time playing a competitive contest on the Flames' turf.
His Western Albemarle High School team advanced to the finals of the Virginia High School League's Class 4A state championships the past two years, held at Liberty as part of the VHSL's Spring Jubilee.
"Carter got on our radar by participating in the VHSL state championships last year after he came to our recruiting camp in the fall," Flames Head Coach Kyle McQuillan said. "He's a talented offensive midfielder, which is definitely an area we would like him to have more of an impact on."
He has a high lacrosse IQ, from playing and studying the game, and attending the past two fall recruitment camps and the Flames' Summer Camp last June, when he decided to attend Liberty.
"I really like the atmosphere, the people in general, and the players I met at the camp," said Elliott, who hasn't decided on a major but looks forward to being in Liberty's honors program. "Coach McQuillan and (Assistant Coach Mike) Zumpano have a nice, fast coaching style and Liberty will be a good place for me to play. Whatever I do, I want to make an impact on the team. I hope they have some use for me all four years."
McQuillan compares Elliott's playing style to that of Brett Bernardo, one of Liberty's four graduating midfielders and a two-time first-team All-America selection.
"He's a great athlete, he's got a great shot on the run, and he can get inside and make some plays, too," he said.
As an offensive middie, Elliott has a scorer's mentality, but can set up teammates for goals as well, especially when double-teamed.
"I have a pretty fast shot from the outside, but can also maneuver my way in on the inside and find the open man," he said.
Speed is clearly one of his strengths, as he often accelerates past defenders on transition or on restarts. He grew up playing soccer, like his older brother, but picked up lacrosse in fifth grade and ran with it.
"I'm pretty quick and fast, I have a good first step, and I like to shoot on the run," said Elliott, who's 5-feet-11 and weighs 170 pounds. "I definitely like the speed and the constant action of the sport. I haven't played anything quite like it. I do like the transition game and if I have a transition opportunity, I like to go to the goal."
He assumed leadership responsibilities on the Warriors as a team captain for his senior season.
"My sophomore year, I was a skinny little fast kid who could handle the ball and that was my role," Elliott said. "Definitely, as I got older, I became a more major part of the team and could give help to the younger kids, to take on an offensive leadership role on the team."
He hopes to carry that leader by example focus into his collegiate career at Liberty.
"I'm kind of a natural leader, but I also am willing to listen to other people," Elliott said. "I'll step up when someone needs to step up, but first plan to follow the lead of the upperclassmen. It'll be a challenge to fight for playing time this year, and I'm going to do the best I can to get that."
He could have followed in his brothers' footsteps to the University of Virginia, in nearby Charlottesville, but opted to take a different route.
"Academically, I appreciate the Christian-based education Liberty offers," Elliott said. "My brothers went to UVa and by the end of their four years of school there, they were tired of the secular teaching style. I look forward to the prayer time before practices and games and classes that incorporate biblical teachings."
By Ted Allen/Staff Writer
