University of North Carolina Athletics
Meet The Freshman: Ryan Levy
January 14, 2022 | Men's Lacrosse
CHAPEL HILL – Our Meet the Freshman series rolls on as we introduce another member of the 2021 incoming class. Next up is Inside Lacrosse Top 100 recruit, Top-10 ranked attackman, 2021 Under Armor All-America, and Chapel Hill, N.C., native Ryan Levy.
Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
Levy: I started at a very young age. Lacrosse has been in my family for generations. My mom and dad played lacrosse in college. My mom is the head coach of the women's lacrosse team here at UNC, and my dad coached me growing up, so I was born with a stick in my hand.
Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?
Levy: Well, I did the standard recruiting process and looked at other schools, but it doesn't get much better than UNC. If you look at athletics, academics, social life, and the college environment as a whole, there isn't anything better.
Clifton: How excited will you be when you first put on the Carolina jersey and run out on the field to represent the Tar Heels?
Levy: I honestly cannot wait. It's always been my dream to play here since I was little. I would come to all the games growing up, so it will be very special to be on the other side finally.
Clifton: What's it like to have parents who played lacrosse at the highest level and have accomplished many things in the sport? What have they taught you that has helped you prepare for this moment?
Levy: They have taught me a lot about work ethic. They have told me to put my head down, control what I can control, and work hard. Nothing is given. Everything we have here at UNC is a privilege, not a right. They also taught me to stay positive and always work toward my goal.
Clifton: What has your interaction been like with teammates and coaches since you have been on campus?
Levy: It's been fantastic. I think the upperclassmen and the coaching staff have been very supportive. The older guys in the fall brought us in and showed us the ropes. They also showed us how to manage our time because it is a lot to deal with. Our freshman class is tight, so overall it's been excellent.
Clifton: Talk about your playing style and what you bring to the team here at UNC?
Levy: I would describe my playing style as physical. I also have a good IQ, vision and can shoot the ball very well. Regarding what I bring to the team, I want to play my position the best. I also want to positively influence the team and do whatever the coaching staff asks me to do.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
Levy: I would have to say a steak, potatoes, and a vegetable
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
Levy: I would like to meet Lionel Messi. I think he is the greatest soccer player ever and one of the greatest athletes ever. He's always been the guy with a chip on his shoulder, and people have doubted him. I think it would be awesome to sit down with him and discuss his life and playing career.
Clifton: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Levy: I would have to say somewhere nice in the Bahamas.
Clifton: Finally, what do you look to accomplish individually and as a team during your time at UNC?
Levy: Individually, to be the best version of myself. I think we all come in intending to win ACC championships and National Championships. I want to get on the field and contribute and win games. That's been our goal since day one, and we're going to work hard to do that.
Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
Levy: I started at a very young age. Lacrosse has been in my family for generations. My mom and dad played lacrosse in college. My mom is the head coach of the women's lacrosse team here at UNC, and my dad coached me growing up, so I was born with a stick in my hand.
Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?
Levy: Well, I did the standard recruiting process and looked at other schools, but it doesn't get much better than UNC. If you look at athletics, academics, social life, and the college environment as a whole, there isn't anything better.
Clifton: How excited will you be when you first put on the Carolina jersey and run out on the field to represent the Tar Heels?
Levy: I honestly cannot wait. It's always been my dream to play here since I was little. I would come to all the games growing up, so it will be very special to be on the other side finally.
Clifton: What's it like to have parents who played lacrosse at the highest level and have accomplished many things in the sport? What have they taught you that has helped you prepare for this moment?
Levy: They have taught me a lot about work ethic. They have told me to put my head down, control what I can control, and work hard. Nothing is given. Everything we have here at UNC is a privilege, not a right. They also taught me to stay positive and always work toward my goal.
Clifton: What has your interaction been like with teammates and coaches since you have been on campus?
Levy: It's been fantastic. I think the upperclassmen and the coaching staff have been very supportive. The older guys in the fall brought us in and showed us the ropes. They also showed us how to manage our time because it is a lot to deal with. Our freshman class is tight, so overall it's been excellent.
Clifton: Talk about your playing style and what you bring to the team here at UNC?
Levy: I would describe my playing style as physical. I also have a good IQ, vision and can shoot the ball very well. Regarding what I bring to the team, I want to play my position the best. I also want to positively influence the team and do whatever the coaching staff asks me to do.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
Levy: I would have to say a steak, potatoes, and a vegetable
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
Levy: I would like to meet Lionel Messi. I think he is the greatest soccer player ever and one of the greatest athletes ever. He's always been the guy with a chip on his shoulder, and people have doubted him. I think it would be awesome to sit down with him and discuss his life and playing career.
Clifton: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Levy: I would have to say somewhere nice in the Bahamas.
Clifton: Finally, what do you look to accomplish individually and as a team during your time at UNC?
Levy: Individually, to be the best version of myself. I think we all come in intending to win ACC championships and National Championships. I want to get on the field and contribute and win games. That's been our goal since day one, and we're going to work hard to do that.
Players Mentioned
Attackman/Midfielder
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