Interview With the Seniors of Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Team

The district Boys’ Lacrosse team had officially started their season, featuring many of our dedicated North athletes. Among them, the senior players stood out, not only for their exceptional skills on the field but also for their commitment to the sport. Over the years, they have demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and a deep passion for lacrosse, inspiring many young players, and have contributed greatly to the team's overall success.  

I had the opportunity to sit down with some of these seniors to learn more about their experiences, both in lacrosse and beyond. We talked about their journey with the sport, their goals for the season, and even a little about who they are off the field. It was great to talk to them and get a glimpse into their lives as both athletes and individuals. Here is what they had to share: 

Imran Paul 

Paul plays as a short-stick defensive midfielder (SSDM), but he also takes on the offensive middie position when needed, making him, as he describes, “more like a two-way” player. What initially drew him to lacrosse was “the contact, because I wanted to do something in the offseason that involved contact. I didn’t wrestle because I ran track in the winter, so I started playing lacrosse.” Even before joining the team last year, Paul was already familiar with the sport, having grown up on Long Island, where lacrosse is widely popular. “I started picking it up just from being around it,” he says. 

Paul admits that when he first started playing, he “wasn’t definitely as confident, especially with the stick work,” but over time, with more practice and game experience, he felt himself improving. “Once I started practicing more and got used to playing in games, I definitely became more confident. And now I’m pretty excited for the season!” Looking back, he wishes he had known just how much stick work matters, rather than relying solely on physicality. “You can’t just try to run through people. You also have to use your stick work and kind of have it as an extension of your body,” he explains, noting how mastering this skill was a game-changer for him. When it comes to handling nerves, especially in high-pressure moments, he focuses on staying locked in. “During close games, you kind of have to keep playing and not let the nerves get to you—just find your state and stay within it.” 

One of Paul’s favorite memories on the field was last season’s rainy game against Freeport. “It was great for lacrosse. We were sliding all around, and we won, too. I did pretty good in that game—I think I had like three goals and one assist. Yeah, so it was definitely a fun game!” As an athlete, he takes pride in his physicality and strong work ethic. “I’m a pretty physical player in terms of contact sports, and I also think my work ethic stands out. When I get tired, I’m really good at keeping myself going and not giving in to that.” If he could give his freshman self any advice, it would be to take chances and step outside his comfort zone. “Be open to trying new things. When I was a freshman, most of the stuff I did was because my sisters did it. It wasn’t until last year that I started playing lacrosse, and now I realize I would rather play lacrosse than do anything else. So definitely try new things.” Looking ahead, Paul hopes to make this season one to remember.  

What is your favorite type of play or move in lacrosse? 

Imran: “Roll dodge, it’s pretty effective.” 

What is one part of your training routine that you think helps you the most? 

Imran: “Probably dodging drills and ground ball drills because especially as a D-Meddie a lot of your roles picking up ground balls and especially in a scrum. The ground ball drills we do like in the beginning of games or in the beginning of practices really help a lot and gets me ready to play.” 

Do you prefer practice or games? Why? 

Imran: “Definitely games because in practice we are still told to go 100% but like you don’t want to go full force on your teammate like try to knock them down but in games it’s definitely more fun cause you could be more physical.” 

What is your jersey number and why did you choose that number? 

Imran “My jersey number for all numbered sports is #5 and it’s because my mom and I were born on the 5th.” 

Who is your favorite athlete? (In general, and for lacrosse) 

Imran: “In general Saquon Barkley (football running back) and for lacrosse I will definitely say Lyle Thompson (lacrosse attacker), he’s really good.” 

What is a non-sports-related activity that you enjoy? 

Imran: “Making bracelets is fun.” 

Favorite TV show? 

Imran: “Naruto: Shippuden, that show is life changing.” 

If your team had to compete in a different sport, which one would you guys do well in? 

Imran: “Football, because a lot of us are football players.” 

What is your definition of success? 

Imran: “Being happy with yourself; with who you are. As long as what you are doing is good for you and everybody around you. Just not being comparative and figuring out what’s best for you.” 

Leden Sarmiento  

Sarmiento plays attack and takes on the role of a FOGO (Face-Off Get-Off), explaining, “FOGO is basically face-off, and then I switch my stick and move to attack.” He first got into lacrosse through his older brother, who’s three years older, and even had the chance to play alongside him during his freshman year. His brother played a big role in getting him to join the team, and since then, lacrosse has become a big part of his life. When he started, he didn’t pick it up right away, but the more he played, the faster he improved. As he puts it, his progress came naturally over time, and with more experience, his skills developed at a much quicker pace. 

When it comes to nerves before a game, Sarmiento does not let them affect him. He rarely gets nervous, and even when he does, he does not focus on it too much. Instead, he just goes with the flow and stays in the moment, making sure to enjoy the experience rather than overthink it. If he could give his younger self any advice, it would be to put in the effort year-round. “Work hard in the offseason. Don’t slack—that’s how you get the starting position.” It is a mindset he still follows today, always looking for ways to improve and grow as a player. 

As for what makes him stand out as an athlete, Sarmiento credits his speed and agility. “I’m small, so I don’t really have strength. I have to make up for it by being faster and more agile,” he explains. He also believes his ability to stay composed before a game gives him an edge. Over the years, lacrosse has taught him the importance of discipline, especially the value of staying committed during the offseason and always putting his best effort on the field. 

Do you have a favorite meal or snack before or after a game? 

Leden: “After the game, our home field is right by a bagel shop. I usually get a bacon, egg, and cheese after the game.” 

What is your jersey number and why did you choose that number?  

Leden: “#2 or #18; Number 2 just because I have always worn #2, and #18 for Peyton Manning (Football quarterback) but officially #2.” 

What are your favorite drills or plays? 

Leden: “My favorite drill is the usual 6 on 6 halfcourt or half field. We don’t have plays but another one of my favorite drills would be downhill attacking and passing and shooting.” 

Do you watch NCAA or PLL games? Any favorite team?  

Leden: “From PLL my favorite team is Atlas, obviously because of New York. 

Who is your favorite professional athlete? (In general, and for lacrosse) 

Leden: “I don’t know any lacrosse players, but my favorite athlete is Daniel Jones.” 

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? 

Leden: “Probably that I like it paint, the models (from Dungeons & Dragons).” 

If you could live in any fictional world, which would it be and why? 

Leden: “How to Train Your Dragon, 100%” 

What is your favorite movie and TV show? 

Leden: “Favorite movie is The Sandlot and favorite tv show is Gravity Falls.” 

What is your definition of success? 

Leden: “Achieving your dreams, as long as you achieve your dreams, you’re successful in life.” 

Luke Tartamella 

Tartamella plays an attacking role for the team, where his main responsibility is to "pass the bowl around and keep it moving." His journey in lacrosse began at a young age, around four years old, thanks to the encouragement and support of his parents, who introduced him to the sport and signed him up. Reflecting on those early days, he shares, "I enjoyed playing it, so I stuck with it," adding that he quickly caught up and developed his skills.  

One of the aspects Tartamella values most about his lacrosse experience is the camaraderie and fun he shares with his teammates, especially the moments spent "messing around after practice" that help create lasting memories. Although nerves can sometimes creep in before a game, he reminds himself to "have fun" and to always give his absolute best when stepping onto the field.  

Among his greatest strengths as an athlete, Tartamella cites his confidence, particularly his willingness "to try something new. As he enters his final season with the lacrosse team, his goals are clear: to enjoy every moment, build lasting memories with his teammates, and "win a bunch of games" before his time with the team ends. 

What is your jersey number and why did you choose that number?  

Luke: “I chose #20 and it’s just a good luck number that I have been using since I was 4 or 5 years old.” 

Do you watch NCAA or PLL games? Any favorite team?  

Luke: “I don’t watch a lot of games; I do watch college, and my favorite team is Navy.” 

What is your favorite movie and TV show? 

Luke: “My favorite movie is Epic, and my favorite TV show is SpongeBob.” 

Who is an athlete that you admire? (In general, and for lacrosse)? 

Luke: “From any sport, I’d say Matt Ryan (football quarterback) or Julio Jones (football wide receiver) but for lacrosse Paul Rabil.” 

If you could have dinner with any famous person, past or present, who would it be? 

Luke: “I’d have dinner with Tom Brady” 

If you could learn a new skill outside of sports, what would it be? 

Luke: “I’d learn how to do a backflip; I think that would be pretty cool to do.” 

What is the most random fact you know? 

“I might be wrong, but I think Genghis Khan got rid of like 70% of carbon emissions.” 

How would you describe lacrosse to someone who has never heard of it? 

Luke: “It’s like a mix of soccer, hockey, and football I'd say. It’s the physicality of football and then the conditioning and athleticism of soccer and hockey.” 

What is your definition of success? 

Luke: “If I had fun, if it was a good day and I consider it successful! I think just getting what needs to be done, done.” 

Thank you so much to these wonderful athletes and I hope they make North proud! Go Spartans!