by Rusty Ellis
Photo by Ben Craven / Herald-Citizen
Cookeville senior Giovanni May took the next step in his athletic and academic journey on Friday, as he signed his national letter of intent to play lacrosse at Lees-McRae College after graduation.
For May, he says he’s glad to finally make his commitment official.
“I’m feeling good, I’m ready to play some lacrosse in college,” May said. “Lees-McRae was my top pick because of the school itself, it’s in the mountains. There’s a bunch of outdoors stuff to do…I got to play with the team, and it helped me make my decision.”
CHS head coach Elliot Woods has seen the hard work May has put in over the last couple of years, and it’s a rewarding moment to see his senior sign.
“It’s a unique situation, he moved here with his family two years ago,” Woods said. “We really didn’t know where he would fit in at first…we quickly realized he had a knack for defense, and pretty soon, it was apparent that he was a really solid, sturdy reliable player for us. He works hard and make sure he’s ready to play. I don’t think that’ll be any issue for him.”
Woods adds that May’s ability to adjust on the fly is something that will aid him at the next level.
“When it comes to playing in college, it’s all about the speed, but he’s someone who was really able to adapt to what we asked him to do,” Woods said. “At a school like Lees-McRae, he’s going to be competing for a job the moment he steps on the field there.”
May says that what he’ll miss the most about Cookeville is the bond he created with his teammates in the two years and counting he’s gotten to play with them.
“I’m going to miss playing with my players, and my team,” May said. “At Lees-McRae, I’m ready to start playing with new people and more advanced people.”