University of North Carolina Athletics
Meet The Freshman: Tyler Schwarz
February 4, 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, ranked 11th in the class, the top-ranked long stick midfielder by Inside Lacrosse, 2021 Under Armor All-America, and Wading River, N.Y., native Tyler Schwarz.
Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
Schwarz: I started playing lacrosse around kindergarten. At first, lacrosse didn't suit me, so I quit and didn't play my first-grade year. My brother Johnny kept playing, and I felt like I missed out because my brother was having fun and meeting new friends. So I tried out for the club team the following year, and I didn't even make the A-team. Johnny was on the A-team, so eventually, I made the team, and from there on, I got better and have played ever since.
Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?
Schwarz: I chose to come to UNC because I loved the atmosphere as soon as I set foot on campus. Coach Breschi, Coach Metzbower, Coach Unterstein, and Coach Fox are all fantastic, and they have great personalities on and off the field. I feel like they really care about the players and my teammates are awesome. The first week we freshman arrived on campus, the guys on the team welcomed us with open arms. I feel like we are all one big family just from being here for a short time. I also think the lacrosse is very good here too.
Clifton: How does it feel to play lacrosse at the highest level with your brother as one of your teammates?
Schwarz: It's very exciting and humbling at the same time. I cannot wait for the season to start and hopefully play on the field with my brother.
Clifton: In short summary, describe Coach Breschi?
Schwarz: He comes off as being a father figure because he cares about you so much. I feel like he is always there for us. For example, I will see him in the locker room, and he will ask me how my day is going or how classes are going.
Clifton: You and your brother are from the same town and went to the same high school as Chris Gray. How does it feel to play with a player of his caliber, knowing you all grew up in the same area?
Schwarz: It's honestly really cool. I never thought I would be playing with a guy at the division one level other than Johnny, from the same high school. He was always somebody we looked up to. He is a great player and person, and I think it's awesome to play with a Shoreham alum. I'm thrilled to play on the same field and look forward to having a successful season with him.
Clifton: Talk about your playing style and what you bring to the team here at UNC?
Schwarz: Honestly, whatever Coach Unterstein needs from me on defense, I will do. I feel like my style of play from high school to college has changed. I was more stick checks, but now I'm more physical. I feel like I'm good at the wings and on ground balls too. Hopefully, I will improve on other things in my time here at UNC.
Clifton: What do you like to do for fun outside of playing lacrosse?
Schwarz: I like playing airsoft. I also like to play video games with Johnny and my friends.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
Schwarz: I would say probably steak. I feel like you can make steak in many different ways.
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
Schwarz: I would like to meet J.J. Watt because I like watching him play. He is a beast of a player.
Clifton: Finally, what do you look to accomplish individually and as a team during your time at UNC?
Schwarz: Individually, I want to be the best student and player I can be for my team. Team-wise I want to do everything it takes to help our team win an ACC Championship and National Championship. I always want to be there for them, and I hope they can rely on me.
Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?
Schwarz: I started playing lacrosse around kindergarten. At first, lacrosse didn't suit me, so I quit and didn't play my first-grade year. My brother Johnny kept playing, and I felt like I missed out because my brother was having fun and meeting new friends. So I tried out for the club team the following year, and I didn't even make the A-team. Johnny was on the A-team, so eventually, I made the team, and from there on, I got better and have played ever since.
Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?
Schwarz: I chose to come to UNC because I loved the atmosphere as soon as I set foot on campus. Coach Breschi, Coach Metzbower, Coach Unterstein, and Coach Fox are all fantastic, and they have great personalities on and off the field. I feel like they really care about the players and my teammates are awesome. The first week we freshman arrived on campus, the guys on the team welcomed us with open arms. I feel like we are all one big family just from being here for a short time. I also think the lacrosse is very good here too.
Clifton: How does it feel to play lacrosse at the highest level with your brother as one of your teammates?
Schwarz: It's very exciting and humbling at the same time. I cannot wait for the season to start and hopefully play on the field with my brother.
Clifton: In short summary, describe Coach Breschi?
Schwarz: He comes off as being a father figure because he cares about you so much. I feel like he is always there for us. For example, I will see him in the locker room, and he will ask me how my day is going or how classes are going.
Clifton: You and your brother are from the same town and went to the same high school as Chris Gray. How does it feel to play with a player of his caliber, knowing you all grew up in the same area?
Schwarz: It's honestly really cool. I never thought I would be playing with a guy at the division one level other than Johnny, from the same high school. He was always somebody we looked up to. He is a great player and person, and I think it's awesome to play with a Shoreham alum. I'm thrilled to play on the same field and look forward to having a successful season with him.
Clifton: Talk about your playing style and what you bring to the team here at UNC?
Schwarz: Honestly, whatever Coach Unterstein needs from me on defense, I will do. I feel like my style of play from high school to college has changed. I was more stick checks, but now I'm more physical. I feel like I'm good at the wings and on ground balls too. Hopefully, I will improve on other things in my time here at UNC.
Clifton: What do you like to do for fun outside of playing lacrosse?
Schwarz: I like playing airsoft. I also like to play video games with Johnny and my friends.
Clifton: What is something you can eat every day and never get tired of?
Schwarz: I would say probably steak. I feel like you can make steak in many different ways.
Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?
Schwarz: I would like to meet J.J. Watt because I like watching him play. He is a beast of a player.
Clifton: Finally, what do you look to accomplish individually and as a team during your time at UNC?
Schwarz: Individually, I want to be the best student and player I can be for my team. Team-wise I want to do everything it takes to help our team win an ACC Championship and National Championship. I always want to be there for them, and I hope they can rely on me.
Players Mentioned
Attackman
/ Men's Lacrosse
Defenseman
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