Jack LaFreniere ’13 is one of the finest male athletes at Saint Joseph’s College. A two-sport participant who plays soccer in the fall and lacrosse in the spring, he has shown the ability to make game-changing plays for both teams with his speed and athleticism. A three-year starter for the Monks’ soccer program, “Jacko” has tallied 11 goals - including six game-winners - and 10 assists for 32 total points and garnered Third Team All-GNAC honors as a sophomore. In two years for the lacrosse team, LaFreniere has played in 32 contests with one goal, five assists, 71 ground balls and 16 caused turnovers.
Head Coach Steve Babineau:
Jack is an all-around player. For the first two years he played forward and midfield for us, but this season we decided to utilize his abilities and speed in the back. Jack has learned to make in impact in all areas of the field and has embraced this opportunity and understands his role. Whatever is asked of him, he will do for the team and has shown leadership through his effort and ability to adapt in certain situations.
Bio information
Full name: Jack James LaFreniere
Born when and where? June 21, 1991 in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Year: 2013
Major: Exercise Science Specialist
Hometown: Alton, New Hampshire
High School: Prospect Mountain High School
Sport(s) and position(s): Soccer: Forward/Midfield/Defense; Lacrosse: Defense
Favorites
Song: I'm not sure what my favorite song is, but anything with J. Cole and Drake is cool with me.
Professional Sports Team: Patriots
Athlete: Dustin Pedroia
Food: Dominos Cheese Pizza (Hand Tossed)
T.V. Show(s): Tosh.0, Family Guy, Sports Center
Movie(s): Inception, Avatar, The Dark Knight, etc. (I've watched way too many movies to list them all)
Book: Harry Potter Books
Feature Questions
Why did you choose Saint Joseph's College?
I chose Saint Joseph's College because I wanted to participate in athletics, but I also wanted to make sure that I received a strong education in my field. St. Joe's was my first pick because my brother was already here at the time and I felt that it would be easier to meet new people.
What is/was your favorite class at St. Joe's and why?
I have had a lot of classes that I have liked so far, but my favorite right now would have to be my pre-calculus class with professor Balcomb because he is a riot.
What was your first job (actually received a paycheck)?
My first job was working as grounds crew at Sandy Point Beach Resort in Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. I started there the summer I turned 14 and I have worked there every summer since.
Who would you like to trade places for a day with and why?
I would like to trade places with Wayne Rooney so that I could see what it is like to train and spend a day with Manchester United.
What is on your "Bucket List?"
I would like to eventually do some travelling at some point. I have only been out of New England maybe 4-5 times - mostly because my teams here at St. Joe’s take trips to play in other states.
Talent you'd most like to have:
I would like to be able to play either the guitar or the piano.
What do you drive?
If it’s not in the shop, a 1997 Volkswagen Jetta
What is your motto?
"When you make a mistake, don't look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power." - Hugh White
Do you have any superstitions before you go into a big
game?
Whether they are my socks, shoes, or shin guard sleeves I always put on my left before my right. I put my jersey all the way at the end of the bench closest to the other team. There are a couple other little superstitions, but they depend on whether we play at home or away.
Why did you choose your jersey #?
I was always number 12 in high school until I played in my New Hampshire vs. Vermont game and 12 was already taken so I took 21 because it is the same as my birthday. When #21 was still available for the soccer team here I took it. After winning my first soccer championship here I figured 21 was my new lucky number.
What is your most memorable moment as an athlete at SJC?
Scoring two goals in the GNAC championship soccer game and being named as the SJC Athletics Male Newcomer of the Year my freshmen year.
Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
I feel that my whole family has had an impact on my life. My dad has gone from teaching me in school to coaching me in almost every sport I have played. He is the reason why I am so involved in sports today. My mom comes to every game she can make to film and makes copies for all the guys on the team. I can't remember the last time she has seen a game without looking through the 2x2 screen of her camera. My brother and sister have always been there for me and I feel like I could talk to them about anything. I don't know where I would be without the support of my family. Love you all!
Can you tell us something about you that most people don't know?
The only sport I was ever really recruited by at Saint Joseph’s was baseball, I think mostly because I played for my high school team when we won back to back state championships. I never even considered playing baseball especially since I participated in track my senior year, besides basketball and soccer had always been my favorite sports, respectively. I figured basketball wouldn't work out as well in college, but I still wanted to play soccer. I didn't even start playing lacrosse until I came up to St. Joe's.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to have my degree in Physical Therapy while working in a clinic that is focused on rehabilitation of athletes.
If you could meet anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
I would like to meet Wayne Rooney just because it would be interesting to see everything he has done to get to where he is today.
What are your hobbies?
I have actually picked up and joined an ultimate Frisbee team this summer and I wish we had something like that here.
What is your ideal day away from athletics?
Hanging out on Sunday with my friends, eating Dominos, playing fantasy football, and watching the Patriots.
Do you plan on playing sports or coaching after you graduate?
I hope I am still active in some sort of men's league whether it is basketball, soccer, lacrosse, or even ultimate Frisbee. I hope someday I will have a chance to coach as well.
What are your personal and team goals for this season?
I have never really focused on one sport, but every year I try to become a better player, whether it's on my touch, my field awareness, or even my mental game. Our team goal for this season is to make our run for the GNAC championship so that we can hopefully play our way into November.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Go Monks!