It didn’t take Jared Maznik long to determine the next chapter of his promising lacrosse career.
The Grade 11 Ladner standout has committed to attend Harvard University in the fall of 2024. Although Ivy League schools prohibit athletic scholarships, Maznik instead will receive a lucrative student aid deal to cover his expenses.
The 16-year-old is currently honing his field lacrosse skills at Western Reserve Academy after being recruited by the Ohio private boarding school.
It was last month when the 6-foot-1 midfielder was initially eligible to talk to NCAA schools and over 20 programs reached out to him.
Maznik narrowed down the list before making his five allotted official visits and deciding on the prestigious Cambridge, Massachusetts school.
“I am extremely excited and honored to announce my commitment to the admissions process at Harvard University,” said Maznik on his Instagram page. “I want to thank my parents, family, and teammates for always supporting, caring and helping me get to this amazing point in my life.
It’s been quite a memorable few months to say the least after Maznik led Team B.C. to the box lacrosse gold at the Canada Summer Games in Niagara that culminated with a thrilling come-from-behind 7-6 win over Ontario. He was B.C.’s top scorer in the final with five points, including two goals and the game winner.
In early September, he added another gold in B.C. colours at the First Nations Cup U18 National Field Lacrosse Championships in New Brunswick.
He also increased his stock as a top university prospect at the All Canada Games recruitment showcase tournament in Brampton, Ont. back in July.
During an interview with the Optimist back in late August, Maznik was looking forward to the entire process of NCAA programs reaching out to him.
““Hopefully I will get some good offers, look at all my options, and go from there. It’s hard to single in on going to just one school. If it’s an Ivy League, Big 10 or ACC that would be awesome,” he said.
