By Chris Goldberg
    TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 7/8/22

    Pope John XXIII (N.J.) 2023 defenseman/LSM Anthony Cuccio has had a busy summer competing in showcases and tournaments and still has four more events in the next 11 days.

    But he’s embraced his schedule.

    “I am working on my footwork and in changing direction,” said Cuccio. “Attackmen keep getting faster and faster. It’s been a grind, but I am always working to get better. I want to dominate the competition; I don’t think you can work hard enough. I always want to do more.”

    Cuccio, who plays club for True NJ and True National, has seen his work ethic pay off. In the spring, he was named one of the top 100 juniors by NJ.com and already this summer he was named an All-Star at the Inside Lacrosse Session 1 at Delaware Turf and then he was named an All-Star at the National D2 Showcase at the Conshohocken (PA) Proving Grounds.

    Cuccio is a player to watch at the Victory Events Liberty National Elite Showcase on Friday, July 15. Spots remain open for attack, midfield and faceoff for the event (classes of 2023, 2024, 2025) at Kirkwood Sports Club near Wilmington, DE. Click here for registration.

    Even before the event, Cuccio will compete with True NJ-PA in the Trilogy 24 Tournament Thursday and Friday at the Proving Grounds and then with True National at the Long Island Summer Showdown July 12-13 in Central Islip. After next Friday’s Liberty National, he will compete Saturday and Sunday with True NJ in the Liberty National Elite Classic tourney, also at Kirkwood Sports Club.

    “It’s been a really busy summer, and it’s going really well,” Cuccio said. “I’m really looking to play my game and go against the best competition I can find.”

    What does Cuccio see as his top attributes?

    “I think of myself as a versatile player,” he said. “I can play close ‘D’, or LSM and I learned to face off in a pinch if a coach needs me. I can get the 50-50 groundball. I like pushing transition, and I love to shoot and dish off and help the team get fast breaks for quick and easy goals.”

    What type of college is Cuccio looking for?

    “I want to find the best fit, whether it’s Division I, II or III,” said the 6-foot, 185-pounder. “I am really strong in math and science and I am looking at (majoring in) business actuary, finance or marketing or areas like that.”