Small numbers, big impact for Souders
4/3/2014 10:28:00 AM | Men's Lacrosse
Souders believes an emphasis on the little things has led to the success.
"We focus on the little things, anything from simple communication to recovery," he said. "We celebrate a roll off the back side that leads to a turnover. It doesn't look like a big play, but internally, we know the importance of every little detail.
"Offensively, when we watch the film, we'll celebrate a guy cutting really hard and causing two defenders to move to him which opens up a lane for a shot," he continued.
Souders has helped create a culture of success. He carries himself in a way that breeds success with all those around him.
"Ty is the quarterback of our defense. He is the signal caller, the orchestrator, the encourager and the disciplinarian," said Cassese. "His numbers aren't the most impressive because he's accepted a role that is less about individual numbers and more about overall team success."
Despite some players on his own team putting up better numbers, coaches recognize Souders' importance, voting him as an All-American two straight years.
"As coaches, we keep a different stat called a winning edge," said Cassese. "These are basically the little plays that are made through the course of a game that do not show up in the media stat column. Ty is far and away the team leader in winning edges."
Success and discipline is evident in all areas of Souders' life. The Finance major is a standout student.
"I currently have Ty in my undergraduate advanced topics course, which is a corporate finance course," said Dr. Samuel Weaver. "Ty is the perfect student. He's always in class, always sitting in front. He participates. He knows exactly what's going on, does the work beforehand, asks select questions and participates.
"Ty is a pleasure to have in the classroom," Weaver continued. "The ideal student, along with his ability to play lacrosse, makes a really great combination."
Souders has already made connections and enjoyed success in the workplace, interning with Solebury Capital last summer, an IPO advisory firm out of New Hope, Pennsylvania.
"We would advise companies that were going public or doing other types of secondary offerings," said Souders. "It was really interesting. I got a great look at the markets and how everything works. I got to sit in on calls and look at a bunch of different filings. I got a good background and base knowledge of what it takes to be successful in that realm."
Souders is also a leader of Lehigh's community initiatives, which include going to the local Boys and Girls club, day cares, reading to elementary school students and more.
Whether it's on the field, in the classroom or as a working professional, Souders is a role model for his teammates around him and all aspiring student-athletes.
"Kids naturally look up to him," said Scott. "Ty has coached some of our youth association teams in the summer. That helps. Little kids need somebody to look up to. If you love the sport and you see somebody from your backyard who is so successful, it really helps motivate kids to reach those heights."
"In my opinion, Ty paved the way for lacrosse in the Lehigh Valley," said Cassese. "He was the first big-time recruit in our sport to come out of the area and it was all the more special when he decided to stay close to home. He's such a tremendous role model for the young, aspiring lacrosse student-athletes in the Lehigh Valley.
"Ty not only gets it done on the field, but also in the classroom and in the community," Cassese continued. "He's a genuine person, with a big heart, and a smile that lights up the room. It's hard not to cheer for him and it's easy to follow him. That's why he's become the model young man, the prototype, of what I want a Lehigh Lacrosse player to look like and act like."
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