Former Boston University Lacrosse athlete Quintin Germain was once in your shoes–neck deep in the recruiting process where he needed to make smart moves to make it to the next level. Here's what athletes of all sports can learn from Germain.
What is the best advice that your college coaches have given you?
Coach P taught me how to always work hard, no matter what the challenge is, and if you mess up, own up to it and do better next time. Coach Silipo showed me how to bring enthusiasm and joy to everything I do. Coach Silbs made me a tougher player and made me realize that you can always get better. He gave me a lot of responsibility as a senior and it made me grow up even more. Coach Latts reminded me of why I love to play lacrosse and how much of a privilege it was to be part of BU lacrosse. Finn, our Director of Ops, inspired me to go after what I love to do no matter what. And finally, Coach Latell, who is at Hopkins now, was the Director of Ops my first 2 years at BU. The lesson I learned from him is probably one of the most important things and something I try to do on a daily basis: to always be there for others in time of need or advice, no matter where they are. These 6 coaches have taught me what it means to be a man and I cannot thank them enough for that. I love all of them and basically talk to them on a weekly basis even though I am not on the team anymore.
High school athletes sometimes get stuck with just playing one position in high school. Should they be open to switching positions in college if a coach needs them too?
I think players should always be open to coaches' opinions, since they know what a team needs to be successful. I have always played defense so I don't know what this is like. But, from an outside point of view, when a coach asks a player to switch positions, it's usually to get the most out of them and get them on the field. When a player switches and fully buys into the system, I have seen how great of a thing it can be. Switching positions should never be viewed as a negative.
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What are two key factors for being a successful college player?
I think you need to be dedicated and enjoy what you're doing. Being a D1 athlete is hard, time consuming, and exhausting. But, if you are able to love what you do and who you do it with, everything will be a lot easier and walk off the field and campus after four years with no regrets.
Why did you choose BU?
Before my first visit, I talked to my best friend growing up who was already committed there, Brendan Homire. He kind of convinced me to give it a look and that it will be worth it. But then my dad actually forced me to go and it was hard not to love BU. It was in a great city, had a sick weightroom, it was in the process of building an amazing locker room, and it was one of the best schools in the country.
Coach Polley convinced me I had to go there. He told me his vision of bringing in great players like me and Brendan to build BU into one of the top programs in D1. We never won the Patriot League Championship while I was there but, other than that, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. We built BU into a contending team in the Patriot League, I got a great education, and I made amazing friends. Couldn't be happier that I'll be a Red Dawg for life.
You've grown up in a competitive lacrosse environment. College is a whole different animal, so what is the main difference between playing high school lacrosse and college?
Going to an amazing [high] school like Chaminade definitely helped my progress as a player because of the talent that comes in every year. But, the biggest difference is just the amount of time dedicated to lacrosse off the field. Like film, lifts, PT, and any type of extra work you gotta do. That was the hardest thing to handle in my first year: figuring out a consistent and efficient schedule for school and lacrosse.
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You've matched up against some of the top offensive players in the country, which is no easy task. Can you advise high school athletes on how to get dialed in for when they are up against some of the best players in the country?
When going up against a team with an amazing player, you have to be ready. So you should be watching film on your own, with your coach, and then with your teammates. This will make sure everyone is on the same page. It is always a team effort to limit a great player's opportunities. You need to be able to trust your own skill and everyone around you. Also, you should not be stressed going into a game. Make sure you do everything you need to, like school work, and maybe relax with your friends before game day. These things have always helped me relax and be laser focused for a big game.
You've torn your ACL. I have too. Injuries can be difficult to deal with. How can athletes who have been hurt keep the same fire they had before? How can they deal with the noise or the negative connotations of being someone with a significant injury?
Yeah, dealing with being hurt and having major injuries is really tough. Whenever I got hurt, I made sure it felt as if I was still playing, whether that meant cheering loudly from the sidelines or talking to my teammates about the game plan or what just happened during a play. Being injured should not be an excuse to lay low cuz there are those who never get a chance to step on the field and they are always cheering and supporting you.
As much as injuries can be physical, it definitely takes a toll on you mentally. You never know how you're going to return. With me, going through ACL surgery and rehab, I'm trying to just take it one day at a time and always do my best to get better, whether that be going to physical therapy, the gym, the turf, hitting the wall, going for runs, stretching and doing yoga, or even taking a day off so your body can recover. But, being the competitive person I am, each day I'm proving to myself and anyone who doubts me that this injury is just a bump in the road that I need to get past. I work harder and smarter each day so I can come back faster, stronger, and better than I ever was. Injuries are just another chance to prove the type of person and player you are. You can't listen to negative people. That is when you will doubt yourself.
What makes a great college lacrosse teammate?
A great teammate is someone who is always there for you on and off the field and always going to give you their all, no matter what. Last year, when I tore my ACL, it was really tough for me, especially since it was my senior year, the Dawgs were doing really well, and this injury Is potentially season-ending. But I was actually able to come back from it and play for our last two playoff games against Lehigh and Bucknell. I wouldn't have been able to do that without the support of the BU staff and my teammates. What are some do's and don'ts of athletes using social media? Did your coaches look at your social media, and if so, what did they look for?
Yea I know a bunch of guys who have gotten in trouble for posting things they shouldn't have been doing on social media. But, fortunately I was taught at a young age that I shouldn't share anything my grandma wouldn't want to see me doing. I never wanted to disappoint her so I always have been relatively quiet when using Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. Coaches never asked me for my accounts until I got to college, but I was never really worried about it because most things I would post were related to sports and hanging out with my family.
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* Originally published on September 26, 2022, by Blake Rondeau
