Loveland High School’s Brian McElveen Commits to Division I Robert Morris University

Brian McElveen

Loveland, Ohio - For some high school athletes, the path to college athletics is a smooth one.  Graced with size, speed, or even a combination of the two, for the lucky few getting to the next level is an easy road.  For others, achieving that goal takes a little more.  For Loveland High School junior Brian McElveen, his path to Division I lacrosse included a lot of hard work, dedication and focus, and even a little support from the local lacrosse community.  When McElveen felt he needed help sharpening some fundamental skills, he didn’t hesitate to dial up a familiar face.   

Brian said that after his freshman year he got in touch with one of his old Loveland youth lacrosse coaches to ask if I could work out with him.  He got a lot of playing time that year, but was having some trouble adapting to the speed of the high school game.  He needed to spend time on some innovative drills to help him adjust to the skill level he was going to need to be able to play at the level that Loveland varsity plays. It worked.

An intense love of lacrosse and the desire to compete at the next level fueled McElveen’s development.  Following freshman year, McElveen’s dramatic improvement established him as one of the premier attackmen in Cincinnati.  In October, the two-year starter for the Loveland Tigers committed to play NCAA Division I lacrosse at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh.

“In 8th grade I set a goal to play college lacrosse,” said Brian.  “The youth and middle school program here in Loveland, and of course my high school coaches Coach Lynch and Coach Fedders, really put me on a path to do that.  But I know the real preparation begins now.  I’m very motivated to compete at the next level.”

McElveen also drew interest from other top schools like High Point, Towson, Salisbury and Stevenson University.   “I chose Robert Morris because they have an excellent business school and a strong focus on academics,” he noted.  “It’s a great school to play high level DI lacrosse and get a great education.”

Heading into his junior season, McElveen reflected on being an integral part of the talent-heavy Division I Loveland Tigers. “Our team has some great players. We’ve worked really hard,“ commented McElveen.  “With an All-American in the goal for us again, senior Paul Newbold - 2012 USILA All America, committed to DI power West Point, and deep talent both on offense and defense, our coaches have developed a team that’s ready for big things this spring,” he said.  “This will be a stellar year for the Tigers.  I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

Coached by Loveland Head Coach Mark Lynch, the two-sport athlete (lacrosse, golf) garnered All-Conference and All-Region lacrosse honors sophomore year, as well a selection to the All-Academic Team freshman and sophomore years.   Carrying a 3.3 GPA off the field, McElveen is a certified lacrosse ref and a student leader for Ballers for Christ and Soles for Souls. 

 “Brian embodies what being a Loveland lacrosse player is all about; skill, discipline, dedication,” noted head coach Mark Lynch.  “He puts the team ahead of himself.  You see it in his ability to distribute the ball and set up opportunities for his teammates. And his faith is important to him as well, which helps him make a positive impact on others.” 

With his decision to attend at Robert Morris University behind him, McElveen can now turn his attention to making the most of his final two seasons as a Loveland Tiger

McElveen is the 4^th player from this year’s Loveland HS boys team to commit to play NCAA DI lacrosse, and the 5^th player this year that competed in the Loveland Lacrosse Club to commit to play NCAA DI lacrosse.