Defined by Hard Work Not Success By Keaton James

SEATTLE- Forget needing to go to a military school to learn a work ethic, Ethan Linsay has been on active duty his whole life. The lacrosse prodigy's hard work paid off as he achieved one of his lofty goals of being a D1 lacrosse athlete.

Linsay, a junior at O’Dea High School, had been focused on this goal for quite some time, but when his commitment to the United States Military Academy, West Point for lacrosse happened, he was ecstatic.

“It was like a dream come true.”

However, Linsay knew he was going to succeed even before he was offered. He pushed himself to make his dream of playing D1 lacrosse a reality.

“I knew my hard work, dedication, and commitment to the pursuit of my goals was bound to pay off.”

Linsay possesses a mature outlook about life. Rather than focus on his achievements, he wants to be defined by the hours of practice and weightlifting he puts in day after day. In his eyes, success is a limitation, almost like a stopping point.

“I would rather be defined by hard work. Because without hard work, at least for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today'”

When Linsay decided to focus his attention solely on lacrosse, he wanted to see how he stacked up against the best. Up to that point he had limited exposure to the East Coast lacrosse scene, the best competition in the country. Living in Washington limited his potential, so he made the decision to join select lacrosse teams to have opportunities to play against the best the sport has to offer.

“I remember when I told my Mom I would commit myself to lacrosse more than I ever had before. And that’s just what I did.”

Linsay’s drive to work harder than others is what pushed him to reach his lofty aspirations, but it didn’t come without its impacts on him. He stresses the importance of keeping a level head when in pursuit of a goal. Even after achieving something great, he would have to remind himself that he couldn't get complacent.

“Your hard work defines you, not your success”

Linsay would work every day on either lacrosse or a form of working out, lifting weights, or running. He dedicated himself to his goal.

“I felt unstoppable in a way, every hour of practice, every rep completed made me feel like I was one step closer to my goal.”

His hard work paid off and the results were spectacular. Linsay wracked up an impressive number of achievements and accolades while participating in tournaments with his Starz team or individual camps and showcases.

Honors & Awards

· First Team All-Conference, WA State - 2021 (Sophomore)

· O'Dea High School Varsity Team Captain

· O'Dea High School Varsity Team Starter & Points Leader - 2021 (Sophomore)

· O'Dea High School Varsity "State Champions" - 2021

· #1 Leading Scorer/Points - Nike National All-Star Games- Pacific Northwest Team - 2020, 2021

· Maverik Showtime - 2019, 2020 (canceled), 2021

· Main Stage All-Star - 2021

· Juniors Open - 2021

· NLF 120 Elite Showcase - 2021 (Early invitee)

· Adrenaline Black Card Showcase - 2019, 2020, 2021 (Invitee)

· Adrenaline Black Card All-Star - 2020

· NXT Nike Boys Philly Fall Showcase Fab 40 All-Star - 2020

· Fivestar Elite Lacrosse Showcase - 2020 & 2021 (Invitee)

· West Coast Starz 2023 National Team - 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

· ADVNC National Team - 2019, 2020, 2021

· Seattle Starz 2023 Elite Team - 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

· Classics Lacrosse 2022 Team - 2019

· The Adrenaline Challenge All-Star - 2020

· Madlax Coast to Coast Fall Fray All-Star - 2020

· NLF Futures at IMG Academy, Team Wesleyan - 2019 (Invitee)

“My hard work was paying off, it made all the blood, sweat, and tears that I put in to the sport worth it. So that’s why I kept going, I kept working hard. I didn’t slack.”

Linsay acknowledges that he would be nowhere without the support of his family, coaches, teammates, and friends.

“You cannot succeed alone.”

He pushed through his setbacks like a hot knife through butter. Yet in his mind, it's not about rushing the process, slow and steady wins the race. And for those who are unsure of their ability to succeed in their respective sport, Linsay's words of wisdom and inspiration should bring comfort.

“It isn’t about how hard you hit, it's about how you can get hit and keep moving forward.” - Rocky Balboa.

All in all, Linsay excels at outworking the competition and when he reached his commitment to West Point the only thing he knew for certain was that the hard work was just beginning.