When senior Alex Kopicki graduated from the University of Pennsylvania on May 19, he was all set to take a vacation in Florida and decide on his plans from there. The former men's lacrosse co-captain had received the 2003 E.T. Clark Award for most valuable player but was trying to keep all options open.
He didn't know that less than two weeks later he would receive news that would alter his plans.
Last Thursday, Kopicki received a call informing him that he was drafted by the New Jersey Pride with the 28th selection in the fifth round of the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) College Draft.
"I was surprised when I found out because I had gone through the day without any word, so I first thought that I wasn't selected," Kopicki said. "It was Thursday night and I was already in Florida when I got the call."
Kopicki completed his final season for the Red and Blue by tallying a career-high 16 goals and adding three assists for a total of 19 points, third highest on the team. His leadership at midfield was a key factor that enabled the Quakers to win six games under first year Penn coach Brian Voelker.
His overall statistics include 47 goals and 21 assists for 68 points. In 2001, Kopicki received second team All-Ivy selection and was a co-winner of the I.W. Burnham II Most Outstanding Player Award.
Twice a Preseason All-American candidate, Kopicki started almost every game by his sophomore year.
But now he will be given the chance to make the final roster for a professional lacrosse team.
"I'm really excited to get the chance to practice with these guys and see if I can make the final roster," Kopicki said.
If Kopicki makes the team, he will join current Red and Blue assistant coaches Peter Jacobs and Chris Malone on the New Jersey Pride roster. While both coaches are still active in recruiting and preparing for the Quakers' next season, they have established themselves as regular players on the weekend for the Pride.
"I am looking forward to get a chance to play with [Jacobs and Malone]," Kopicki said. "They taught me some things at Penn and no doubt I can learn more from them in the professional league."
Kopicki will also join fellow Ivy Leaguer Ryan McClay from Cornell, who was selected fifth in the first round of the Draft by the Pride. Princeton's Damien Davis was the only other member of the Ancient Eight to be selected, as he was taken by the Boston Cannons with the 12th overall selection.
While Kopicki will recognize some familiar faces on the Pride, he will also come face to face with coach Voelker, who is currently a defenseman for the Long Island Lizards.
"I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I don't think I'll be matched up with coach," Kopicki said. "He is one of the best players in the league."
But coach Voelker has already been planning out the entire situation when his team faces Kopicki's.
"We made a pact. He agreed not to blow by me when we play each other," Voelker said laughingly.
A week before the draft, Kopicki and many other lacrosse players tried out at the annual MLL combine, held at the Haverford School in Haverford, Pa. There, Kopicki got a taste for the fast- paced action of the MLL, which is a result of its unique set of rules and regulations.
"The MLL is different from any college lacrosse game," Kopicki explained. "It is much more fast paced, there are spots where you can score two points, and there's a lot more running around. I liked doing that at the combine, it was fun showing all your skills all at once."
