Meet The Freshman: Chase Mullins

CHAPEL HILL - With the season just about to get underway, we have finally made it to the final "Meet the Freshman" feature for the incoming Class of 2021. The featured freshman is Inside Lacrosse Top 100 recruit, ranked seventh in the class, the top-ranked face-off midfielder by Inside Lacrosse, 2021 US Lacrosse All-America, 2021 Under Armor All-America, Nike NASG All-America, and Glen Allen, Va., native Chase Mullins.

Clifton: When did you start playing lacrosse, and how did you get into it?

Mullins: I started playing lacrosse at an early age. One of my best friends back home introduced the sport to me and my friends. Me and my friends started playing rec league lacrosse, and from then on, I have played ever since.

Clifton: Why did you choose to come to UNC?

Mullins: Honestly, everything about UNC is great. The coaches, team, and academics are all amazing. Coach Breschi preaches family, academics, lacrosse, and those three things were the main things I looked for when I got recruited by schools. The passion and love for the game from the players was another reason why I chose to come to UNC.

Clifton: Talk about some of the relationships you've made with guys on the team, whether the new guys in your incoming class or some of the veterans on the team.

Mullins: I've been really close with Ty English, Ryan Levy, Johnny, Tyler Schwarz, and Grant Pierce. I have also become close with the face-off guys Zac Tucci and Andrew Tyeryar. They have helped me out a lot and made me a better player every day.

Clifton: For the fans, describe how you approach each game and where you think your strengths are as a player?

Mullins: So, as a face-off guy, I'm very technical. I'm very nitpicky when it comes to clamping the ball and how I pop it out. I try to win most of my face-offs to get myself in space and give it to the closest player nearby. Overall the goal is to win the ball and get it to our offense as quickly as possible.

Clifton: In your eyes, has there been an adjustment period for you coming from high school into a college and describe what that experience has been like?

Mullins: The whole first semester, I was getting used to the high speed, everybody flying around the field, and knowing everybody on your team is one of the best in the country was a learning experience. Keeping up with the fast, pace 247 was the hardest thing for me when I first started here. When you step on the field, you feel like a better player because the best players in the nation surround you.

Clifton: In short summary, describe Coach Breschi?

Mullins: Coach Breschi is the man. He is the most lovable, happy, and all-around great person. Every time I see him, he is full of energy and pumping his fist, saying, let's go. He's the most genuine guy, always there for you, and will take care of you as if you are one of his own. He will do anything for you and this team, and I love that.

Clifton: What is the craziest/most daring thing you've ever done?

Mullins: Well, one time, I went snorkeling when I was young, and I was afraid of sharks. You could see sharks and all kinds of fish, and I thought that was scary at the time.

Clifton: What celebrity or famous athlete would you like to meet?

Mullins: I would say tacos because there are many variations and ways to make it.

Clifton: Who is the funniest guy on the team?

Mullins: I would have to say Maxwell Cooney is the funniest guy on the team. He is hilarious, and he always does funny voices and sounds at practice. He is always energized and a great guy to be around.

Clifton: Final question, when you think about your college career, is there anything you're looking to accomplish in your college career.

Mullins: Well, winning an ACC Championship and National Championship is everybody's goal at the end of the season. Also, I would like to make friendships that will last 40 years, not four years, and take it all in because I know college goes by fast. Overall, just embracing my time here and winning championships is my goal.

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University of North Carolina Athletics

Players Mentioned

Maxwell Cooney

Ty English

Ryan Levy

Grant Pierce

Tyler Schwarz

Zac Tucci

Andrew Tyeryar

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