University of North Carolina Athletics
Meet The Freshman: Cooper Frankenheimer
January 5, 2022 | Men's Lacrosse
CHAPEL HILL – Our Meet the Freshman series rolls on as we introduce another member of the 2021-22 incoming class. Next up is three-time league champion, first-team all-league, first-team all-state, and Malvern, Pa., native Cooper Frankenheimer.
Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
Frankenheimer: I started playing lacrosse in seventh grade because baseball became too slow for me. I wanted to play a sport that was more upbeat and faster, so I picked up a lacrosse stick.
Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?
Frankenheimer: To me, UNC has a perfect balance between academics and athletics, which is very important to me. In the end, I can't play lacrosse forever, so I'm glad I get to fall back on good academics.
Clifton: Of course, men's lacrosse in Division-I and the ACC is the best that you can get in collegiate men's lacrosse. Talk about what excites you about playing on that stage?
Frankenheimer: I've always loved playing in the big games and pressure situations. You play those types of games every time you match up with an ACC opponent, which makes it a lot more fun to play in it. I feel like it brings a lot of fun to the game.
Clifton: Who are some of your teammates you have worked with who have helped you get better?
Frankenheimer: I would have to say my roommate Antonio DeMarco. He didn't grow up that far away from me in Pennsylvania, and we always knew each other. Over this first semester, we have worked out and did homework together. Edwin Shy is another one that I hang out with a lot. Another one is Paul Barton, who helps me do better, and he brings a whole different perspective coming from the West Coast. He also brings a positive mindset and has helped me out a lot over the first semester.
Clifton: What has your interaction been like with teammates and coaches since you have been on campus?
Frankenheimer: It's been great, honestly. Everyone was so welcoming when I first got here. The coaches are always positive and have a great attitude. They have helped us freshman transition from high school to college, which tends to be a tough one for many guys.
Clifton: Talk about your playing style and what you bring to the team here at UNC?
Frankenheimer: I play defensive midfielder, and not many guys start off playing that position. They usually start on offense then get moved to the position. I have embraced the position because I knew early on that I wasn't that strong offensively. I love the physicality and running around the field that comes with the position.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
Frankenheimer: I love a good Philly Cheesesteak. I haven't found a good place to get one down here in North Carolina.
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
Frankenheimer: I would have to say, Tiger Woods. I just started playing golf with my buddies over the past year. I love the game, and I think Woods is one of the best to play the game, considering all that he has accomplished. I would love to play a round of golf with him.
Clifton: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
Frankenheimer: Paul Barton is one because he brings a loose and free spirit kind of comedy to the team. Nicky Soloman is another pretty funny guy. Those two guys together have a lot of jokes that make people smile.
Clifton: Finally, what do you look to accomplish individually and as a team during your time at UNC?
Frankenheimer: Team-wise, I would like to win an ACC title and National Championship at least once in the four years I'm here. That's always the goal for everybody. Individually I hope to work my way up and help in that process of winning championships.
Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
Frankenheimer: I started playing lacrosse in seventh grade because baseball became too slow for me. I wanted to play a sport that was more upbeat and faster, so I picked up a lacrosse stick.
Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?
Frankenheimer: To me, UNC has a perfect balance between academics and athletics, which is very important to me. In the end, I can't play lacrosse forever, so I'm glad I get to fall back on good academics.
Clifton: Of course, men's lacrosse in Division-I and the ACC is the best that you can get in collegiate men's lacrosse. Talk about what excites you about playing on that stage?
Frankenheimer: I've always loved playing in the big games and pressure situations. You play those types of games every time you match up with an ACC opponent, which makes it a lot more fun to play in it. I feel like it brings a lot of fun to the game.
Clifton: Who are some of your teammates you have worked with who have helped you get better?
Frankenheimer: I would have to say my roommate Antonio DeMarco. He didn't grow up that far away from me in Pennsylvania, and we always knew each other. Over this first semester, we have worked out and did homework together. Edwin Shy is another one that I hang out with a lot. Another one is Paul Barton, who helps me do better, and he brings a whole different perspective coming from the West Coast. He also brings a positive mindset and has helped me out a lot over the first semester.
Clifton: What has your interaction been like with teammates and coaches since you have been on campus?
Frankenheimer: It's been great, honestly. Everyone was so welcoming when I first got here. The coaches are always positive and have a great attitude. They have helped us freshman transition from high school to college, which tends to be a tough one for many guys.
Clifton: Talk about your playing style and what you bring to the team here at UNC?
Frankenheimer: I play defensive midfielder, and not many guys start off playing that position. They usually start on offense then get moved to the position. I have embraced the position because I knew early on that I wasn't that strong offensively. I love the physicality and running around the field that comes with the position.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
Frankenheimer: I love a good Philly Cheesesteak. I haven't found a good place to get one down here in North Carolina.
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
Frankenheimer: I would have to say, Tiger Woods. I just started playing golf with my buddies over the past year. I love the game, and I think Woods is one of the best to play the game, considering all that he has accomplished. I would love to play a round of golf with him.
Clifton: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
Frankenheimer: Paul Barton is one because he brings a loose and free spirit kind of comedy to the team. Nicky Soloman is another pretty funny guy. Those two guys together have a lot of jokes that make people smile.
Clifton: Finally, what do you look to accomplish individually and as a team during your time at UNC?
Frankenheimer: Team-wise, I would like to win an ACC title and National Championship at least once in the four years I'm here. That's always the goal for everybody. Individually I hope to work my way up and help in that process of winning championships.
Players Mentioned
Defenseman
/ Men's Lacrosse
Midfielder
/ Men's Lacrosse
Defensive Midfielder
/ Men's Lacrosse
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