Interview with Brodie Merrill:

For anyone, in any professional sport, to be given the title of "Best Player in the World" is a tremendous accomplishment. You quickly realize how much of an impact player one must be to be considered in such high regards. Now image being called that after only one year as a pro player. A very small select group of athletes have ever been able to accomplish this in their sport. When you think of players who revolutionized their sport you think of Michael Jordan, Bobby Orr, and Walter Payton. Well now, you can add to your list Brodie Merrill.

At age 25, Brodie is just beginning his professional career. He was drafted first overall by the Portland Lumberjax in the 2005 National Lacrosse League draft, and immediately established himself as a force in the NLL. 2005 was a break out year for Brodie. He won Rookie of the Year and Defenseman of the Year in the NLL, Rookie of the Year in the MLL, and was instrumental in Canada's victory over the US in the World Lacrosse Championship in London, Ontario, which earned him Best Defender of the tournament and All-World honours.

Q: How does it feel to be named the best player in the world?
A: I have to say that I was pretty surprised. It was a bold statement for the magazine to make and it puts a lot of pressure on me heading into this season, but I'm extremely honoured that anyone would think of me in that regard. I also realize that you can't pay too much attention to both good and bad press.

Q: There are a lot of amateur lacrosse players who aspire to play professionally. What do you think is your most valuable asset as a lacrosse player?
A: I play the game with a great deal of passion and intensity. I think the most valuable asset that I have as a lacrosse player is my strong work ethic on and off the floor. I'm a firm believer in being very prepared. I think preparation leads to confidence.

Q: Who were your role models growing up?
A: I have had a lot of influential people who have had a positive impact on my life. My family have always provided me with an unbelievable support system. I have always admired both of my parents and continue to learn from their compassion and loyalty. My sister Tory has an incredible work ethic that I am constantly feeding off of. My brother Patrick has always been there for me, supporting me unconditionally. I have learned a great deal from his toughness and perseverance. I also feel very fortunate to have met Farell Duclair. He has not only been influential on my athletic career through his training, but also personally, through his commitment and dedication. The Sanderson family has also had a positive impact on my athletic career. They have not only been influential in my personal development, but they have also set the standard of lacrosse in the entire town of Orangeville.

Q: Along with success come opportunities. Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what opportunities would you like to follow?
A: Ideally, I would still like to be working at The Hill Academy. By that time, I strongly believe that The Hill will be the premier training ground in North America for dedicated athletes and I want to be a part of that development. Hopefully I will still have the opportunity to be playing lacrosse. I love the game and want to continue playing it for as long as I can.

Q: Now I would not be doing my job if I didn't ask this very important question: Are you single?
A: No, I am not single. My girlfriend's name is Alex. She works in the fashion industry and lives in Toronto, so I'm constantly monitored by the fashion police!

Q: What are you up to these days?
A: After teaching a business management class in the first semester at The Hill Academy, I have shifted over to the administrative side of things. I currently act as the director of lacrosse and the assistant athletic director. I also continue to play lacrosse for the Portland Lumberjax of the National Lacrosse League, and the Rochester Rattlers of the Major Lacrosse League.

Q: What would you say to up-and-coming lacrosse players?
A: I would suggest focusing on the things that you can control. Ultimately, there are things that are going to be out of your hands. For me, I always gravitated towards the defensive side of the game. I realized pretty early that playing defense is a strength of mine. I have recognized the fact that I'm not the most skilled player offensively. Consequently, I aim towards consistently playing good defense, and continuing to work toward improving my offensive skills. Work towards highlighting your strengths and improving your weaknesses.

Q: How do you prepare for the season?
A: Being a part of The Hill Academy has allowed me to train at a high level with our student-athletes. This has proven to be very effective preparation for the season. I also try to keep my stick in my hands as much as possible, maintaining and improving my stick skills.

Q: Describe your most memorable lacrosse event.
A: It is hard for me to pick out one moment as being my most memorable. When I look back over my lacrosse career winning and losing ultimately does not mean that much to me. I don't want to devalue the importance of winning, because it certainly drives me to become better. But for me, it is the relationships that I have built and the connections that I have made that will stick with me for the rest of my life.

Q: How do you think you are changing or affecting today's game?
A: My goal is to try to make young lacrosse players see that playing defense can be a lot of fun. In Canada, there is more of an emphasis on developing the offensive side of the ball. Hopefully, through my experience in the game, more Canadian kids will recognize that we can be successful on the defensive position. Also, that defense is a position where you can be creative and have a big impact on the dynamics of the game.

The bottom line is that very few professional athletes are able to have a great impact on their sport. With the few that did, we recognized their talents and followed their careers closely with excitement and anticipation. Brodie is one of those rare superstars, franchise player. His overall contribution to the game of lacrosse is yet to be seen. But if 2005 is a preview of things to come, brace yourself! Lacrosse fans everywhere will look forward to following his career with excitement and anticipation.