Oceanside lacrosse star hopes to net success in college

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Joe Kiesche first picked up a lacrosse stick when he was in fourth grade, and he’s never looked back.

The Oceanside senior has proven his talent as a lacrosse player during his four years in high school. As he prepares for his upcoming graduation from Oceanside High School, Kiesche reflected on his lacrosse career and looked to his future at Adelphi University.

“I fell in love with it,” said Kiesche, referring to his continued passion for the sport. “I was always working on the weekends with my dad, my friends or my brother.”

In eighth grade, Kiesche was pulled up to play on the high school junior varsity team. After that, he was a starter on varsity for all four years of high school, two of which he was a captain.

Robert Blount, OHS varsity lacrosse coach, highlighted the skills that made Kiesche an effective leader for the team.

“His accountability, his hard work, putting in time,” Blount said. “Not only for lacrosse, but for his academics. He’s a great role model on and off the field.”

Kiesche credits his family with supporting and cultivating his athletic passion from a young age. “My mom and dad always pushed me to be the best I possibly can,” he said. “My brother always helped me practice, always competing with me. He never likes to lose to me.”

Kiesche also praised his travel coach, Donnie Borges, who has mentored him since he was a child.

Kiesche has played on multiple travel teams, including the South Shore Elite, Long Island Blue fish, Lax Army and Team Revolution, as well as the OHS JV and varsity teams.

“I like the physicality of it,” Kiesche said, pointing out his physical stature as one of the keys to his success on the field. “I’m pretty big compared to most of the other kids. I can pretty much dominate out there.”

From his position as a midfielder, Kiesche has racked up multiple points per game. This year, he was named as one of the Top 100 Lacrosse Players on Long Island by Newsday. He was also recognized as a two-year All County honorable mention and a two-year Most Valuable Player.

Kiesche will soon play at Adelphi, which boasts a Division II men’s lacrosse program that competes in the Northeast-10 Conference. The team racked up a 16-2 record last season.

“I think he’s going to fit in well at Adelphi because the level of play is going to be higher,” Blount said. “It’s going to allow him to really do some special things.”