University of North Carolina Athletics
Garrison Provides Playmaking And Leadership To Lax Team
November 9, 2001 | Men's Lacrosse
Nov. 9, 2001
By Jake Fehling
Student Assistant
UNC Athletic Communications
Austin Garrison is tough.
How tough? Not only does he star for Carolina in the extremely physical sport of lacrosse, but he also used to shine as a standout ice hockey player in high school.
"I was thinking about going to a smaller school and playing both lacrosse and hockey because I do love both. I wish I could get into a league down here but I haven't found one. When I go home over winter break though, I play in a pick up league," explains Garrison.
This toughness has translated into success for Garrison. The 6-2, 185-pound junior from New Canaan, Conn., is one of the top returning scorers from last year's 6-6 team. He started all 12 games at midfield for the Heels and tallied 19 points on seven goals and 12 assists.
Regarded as one of the top midfielders in the country, Garrison, along with Steven Will (29 points in 2001) and a strong group of freshmen will be looked upon to pick up the scoring slack left behind by the recently graduated Jeff Sonke and the defensive grittiness of defenseman Bobby Gormsen, another 2001 UNC grad.
"I think a lot of times last year we relied on Jeff to do a lot by himself. We're not going to rely on one person anymore. We're gelling and the scoring will be much more balanced than it was in the past. I don't see a drop-off in scoring. It might be just the opposite."
Garrison also said that after last season, Carolina's third straight year out of the NCAA Tournament, coaches and members of the team, especially the upperclassmen, know that changes needed to be made. So far through fall practice, he said that he can already see a change in the team's focus and determination.
"The attitude this year has been different than in past years. It's time now for me and my classmates. We've been talking, and we were sick of [last year's attitude and losing]. We're ready to pick the program back up to where it should be and where it has been traditionally."
After Carolina, Garrison is unsure of his future plans. He says that whether he plays lacrosse professionally after college or not, the sport will always be a part of his life.
"I was watching the pro league that recently came into existence, and I would love to play in that for a summer. But I also think I need to start my professional career. But wherever I work I'll be playing lacrosse, whether it be in club leagues or pickup games."
He also hinted at the option of more school after he graduates.
"I've been thinking about law school a lot, but honestly I don't know, it changes all the time."
Lacrosse. Hockey. Law school.
I told you he was tough.
