Class Four, An Inside Look: Justin Gibbons
1/14/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Jan. 14, 2016
The University of Michigan men's lacrosse team inked 12 student-athletes as members of the team's 2015 recruiting class last spring. The recruiting class is the fourth full class in the team's varsity history. MGoBlue.com will sit down with each incoming freshman on an individual basis leading up to the start of the season.
Next up is midfielder Justin Gibbons, who hails from McLean, Virginia, and attended McLean High School.
On adjustment since coming to Michigan and how he has progressed as a player and a person ... "Initially, it was really tough, academically especially. Just coming into such a huge atmosphere with so many people, it was hard to act like myself with all these people here. I've really gotten used to it and used the resources here, especially in the academic center. It's really nice to have a close team who brought me in."
On who's helped the most during his time here ... "On the academic side, definitely our academic counselor Tara Wallach. On the field, I'd say coach Ken Broschart because I've had such a tough time transitioning. I was a very offensive-minded player in high school and now that I'm assigned this new role of defensive midfield, coach has been a huge factor in helping me out with that transition."
On how he sees himself fitting the assigned role and the possibility of transitioning into different positions ... "I came in here thinking I was going to be a completely offensive player, but now I've figured out it's more about the team, so whatever helps out the team I'm ready to go for it. I need to work on battling adversity because d-mid is not an easy position -- and I've grown to see that. Also, just a matter of being diligent with my work."
On the biggest thing he needs to focus on ... "Really just the defensive calls because I've been so used to offensive calls throughout my career. Also, really studying the playbook and listening to the upperclassmen when they're on defense and seeing what they are communicating about."
On his goals ... "Coming in I wanted to be helping out everyone on the field because I knew it wasn't realistic for me to start as a freshman. I just wanted to go 100 percent and help out the squad. I'd say initially, it's making the travel roster and progress from there."
On his brother (Cody, Randolph-Macon Academy, James Madison) playing lacrosse and how growing up with him has helped over time ... "We've always played together -- his senior year and my freshman year of high school we played together at McLean -- but he's helped me tremendously. He really grew my confidence up when we were younger. And just shooting outside back home with him really helped a lot."
• Previous Inside Look: Brendan Shima
