Our third edition of our student-athlete spotlight highlights men’s lacrosse member King White. King, a native of Haverstraw, NY and graduate of North Rockland High School, enters his fifth year at Delhi as a midfielder for the Broncos.

White has been a very important part of the Delhi Lacrosse program since he joined in 2018, scoring 48 points in his 43 career games. In the two seasons he played that weren't cut short due to covid, he has scored double-digit points, scoring 21 his freshman year and 14 last year. White has become a very reliable option for head coach Sam Miller, scoring the same number of goals as turnovers last season.

King has embodied the Delhi Lacrosse culture through his five years. Under head coach Miller, the program works hard to promote respect, inclusivity, positive attitudes and 100% effort. Throughout White's Delhi career, he has not only grown into these but has consistently implemented them on and off the field. The growth and attitude that King has projected from arriving to Delhi in 2018, is a huge factor in what the program looks like today. 

In his first season, the Broncos went 11-6, a huge improvement from a 4-10 record the year before. From the minute King showed up, he was always an incredible teammate, going out of his way to support his fellow Broncos. Last year, when the team had no lefties to play on the left side, he started to practice with his off hand to fill the role. His tenacious attitude and hunger for being a better student-athlete has been contagious. 

King has established himself as a leader on the Delhi Lacrosse team through his five years. He has shown he is the kind of teammate that is willing to sit down and talk with another player, especially if it's a difficult conversation. White has been on the forefront in talks about mental health and looking out for each other. He is a teammate who will have your back no matter what and push one to becoming the best student-athlete they can be. White has shown he is supportive of everyone and always a player a coach can go to.

He has been an integral part of the SUNY Delhi Lacrosse launch and success in the past few years. After joining the NAC in 2019, he led them to their first NAC top seed just last year. With his attitude and constancy, King has always played a big role for the Broncos on and off the field. He will look to finish off his incredible Delhi career this upcoming season. Catch White and the lacrosse team in one of their 11 home games on Delhi's new turf. 

Major: Recreation and Sports Management

Hometown: Haverstraw, NY

Why did you choose Delhi?

"I chose Delhi for a few reasons. First, I came here because of the professors in my major. When I took my visit, my coach introduced me to everyone in the business department. When I met them, everyone was very kind and told they would make sure my time wouldn't be wasted. I also noticed that they took their jobs seriously and I admired that. Another reason I came here was because of the area. Truthfully, there isn't much in Delhi. But the scenery is beautiful, and it motivates me to get my work done. Who doesn't like a good view? Lastly, my team closed the deal. When I met them, they welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like they wanted me on the team. Coach Miller is a great coach and he's another reason why I came here."

What is your favorite thing about your major?

"In my opinion, sports play a major role in how the world works. This major explains every little thing about how sports works. Imagine a world without sports? From coaching, to how facilities are built, to how the sports industry operates, the class in this major covers it all. But overall, my favorite thing about the major is the professors. They're all a great group of guys and really look forward to helping their students. They make it hard for a student to fail."

What is your most memorable moment as a student-athlete?

"My most memorable moment was during my freshman year. Honestly, that whole season was my most memorable moment. The year before I came to Delhi, the team went 4-10. When I got here, we went 11-6. That’s a complete turnaround if you ask me. It was fun to be on a team where everybody was on the same page, and it felt good to win."

Why should a high school student thinking about college choose Delhi?

"Delhi has majors for everybody and in the next few years, it's going to be one of the best SUNY schools. Since I have been at Delhi, the campus has steadily been growing. Whether it's academics or campus refurbishments, Delhi has always been up and coming. And once there's more additions around town, Delhi will be a top choice compared to other schools in the area. You want to work in IT? Delhi has it. You want to be a chef? Delhi can do that for you. You want to build stuff? Delhi can help you with that as well. Delhi's academics has a very wide range, and, in my opinion, that is the sole reason why somebody in high school should choose Delhi. Oh yeah, and it's affordable for the most part."

Advice from King:

"Being a student-athlete is NOT easy. My biggest piece of advice would be to manage your time very wisely. When the semester first starts, it'll be a little slow but then it'll pick up speed and you'll be forced to manage your time between sports and academics. Do NOT procrastinate. Procrastination is the main ingredient in failure. Train hard. Lastly, ACADEMICS COME FIRST. Remember, if you can't get the grades, you can't play."

Comments from SUNY Delhi Lacrosse Head Coach Sam Miller:

"King White has had a tremendous impact on the SUNY Delhi Lacrosse Program since stepping foot on the campus. From the first day he brought a new life, new energy and a positivity that can only be described as infectious. Over the five years of playing, both on and off the field he has become a better athlete, student and man. He truly embodies the idea that if you work hard and stay consistent, things will be better. The program would not be in the position it's in without the influence of King and his peers. It was tough going through the pandemic years of college lacrosse. In a time where other programs were closing and people leaving school, he was one of the guys that stayed and was instrumental in bridging the gap between pre-pandemic and now. He has seen the vision that I have had since the first day we met. Not only has he seen it, but he has helped me mold it and it get closer to it. We are going to miss him, but I'm extremely excited to see what he does, because the sky is the limit for him."