Student Athlete of the Week: Marcus Vock

Niwot High School senior Marcus Vock has been playing lacrosse since he was 11, when his mother signed him up "just to give it a try." Now, it is a big part of his life. He is a co-captain on Erie High School's St. Vrain Valley district team, along with Braylon Englehart, Luke Foley, and Cooper Riley.

Vock was named second team all-conference last season. This year, he is looking to take things a step further.

"I want to be nominated as All-Conference," Vock said. "And as a team, I want us to win our conference."

Through six games this season, Vock has six goals and seven assists. He has already matched his assist total from last year, when he recorded 12 goals and six assists in 17 games.

Vock plays midfield, which means he does a bit of everything. He helps run the offense, drops back to support the defense, and creates plays during transitions.

"I enjoy playing on both the offense and defense and slashing players," he said.

As a senior and a captain, Vock is focused on leading by example and keeping the team locked in. "My role is to be a leader for everyone and help guide our team to beating our opponents," he said.

One of his favorite moments this season came on March 12, when the Tigers came back from a four-goal deficit. "My favorite moment this season was beating Lewis-Palmer after being down 0 to 4," he said. The game ended in an 8–7 win for Erie.

Because Niwot High does not have its own lacrosse team, Vock plays through the district team at Erie. The setup has given him the chance to meet athletes from other schools and compete at a high level.

"Playing on a district team is very fun," Vock said. "I get to meet new people from all schools in the district."

It is also his last time suiting up for a high school team, so he is trying to make the most of it.

"Lacrosse has taught me many things in life on and off the field, partly due to my coach, Nick Mandia," he said. "I'll probably miss everything about lacrosse, but particularly the community we have and playing with the guys in games. Just having a lot of fun and enjoying each and every moment."

Vock's favorite class this year is English, and after graduation, he is planning to attend the University of Arizona.

For now, though, he is keeping his focus on the season and what his team can accomplish. Whether he is scoring, assisting, or defending, Vock is putting in the work to end his high school lacrosse career on a high note.