1 on 1 With NY Lizards Midfielder, Jojo Marasco

What is your current stick set up (head, shaft, mesh, tape placement, etc)

My current stick is the new black Maverik Centrik strung up with Type 3 mesh from string king. If anyone wants to check it out it is on my instagram! I also use a black Maverik Union shaft. I like to use tape half way up the stick shaft and my own custom buttend.

Who inspired you to be the man and player, you are today?

My father and mother have been an incredible influence’s on me throughout my life. They have always pushed me to work harder then everyone else and gave me the opportunity to be where I am today. I also want to give respect to my mentor Paul Carcaterra. He is an incredible person who never let me give up on my dreams. He pushed me to my limits and I want to thank him for that.

Through out your career, who would say was the best defender, you ever went up against?

Through out my career I have been lucky enough to play against some of the best defensemen in the world. I would have to say the toughest one and who gave me the most difficult time was Brian Karalunas. The guy is a magician with his stick and still crushes it today with the Ohio Machine. When I get the opportunity to play attack I have to say either Tucker Durkin or Joe Fletcher. Both those guys are great to play against in a game or in practice and I am lucky to say that Joe Fletcher is on the NY Lizards with me.

What is your favorite type of shot (under arm, side arm, overhand, etc.)?

I have always been trained to shoot overhand. There always comes a time when you have to shoot side arm to shoot around a player but I try to stick to my mechanics and focus on accuracy. I do enjoy being crafty by throwing behind the backs when I get the chance and it is the right time in the game or practice.

At what age did you realize lacrosse was your passion?

I started lacrosse in 5th grade but I was a huge hockey guy and played that all my life. It was a difficult decision in highschool to choose which one I was going to pursue my career in but I knew I loved lacrosse and wanted to play in college. Academics are big in my family and that was a goal of mine to graduate from a prestigious university.

What is your career, off the field?

I coach the varsity men’s Windermere Prep lacrosse team in Orlando, Florida and I also teach Middle school Physical Education. I also travel the country running camps and clinics to grow the game of lacrosse.

If you only had 15 minutes to practice before a game, what would you focus on?

I would focus on the mental aspect of my game. From reading from other great athletes and also being reminded by Paul Carcaterra that this is a huge part of how you play. I would close my eyes and focus on how I play my game and what I can do to help the team. I would also get a serious stretch with my man @JerryRagonese the best back up face-off man in the game!

Would you agree that the great chemistry, both on and off the field, attributed to the Lizards winning the championship this year?

I do believe this is correct. We had unbelievable leadership this year from everyone on the team. Each player brought a different aspect to the team that really brought us all together. Also adding Paul Rabil to the team was an incredible move by our Coach and Ownership. Paul was a huge part of our season and was a great mentor and role model to me.

Was Syracuse your first choice or were their other colleges, that you were strongly considering?

I was originally committed to Ohio State but ended up leaving and committing to Syracuse. Coach Myers is an incredible coach at OSU but it was my dream to play in the Dome at Syracuse and wear number 22.

How much of the game, do you feel is, "mental" vs. physical?

I believe the game is 50/50. As a player you have to forget it when you make a mistake and just play. Everyone knows you have to be physical to play the game of lacrosse but the stronger you are mentally the better athlete and player you will become on the field.

What does your wall ball routine consist of?

I like to change my routine to work on different aspects of my game and stick skills. I have also used Paul Carcaterra’s wall ball workout since high school. It consists of getting reps with both hands and moving while throwing against the wall. Stick work is so important in the game of lacrosse and you can never do enough of it!

Thanks Jojo, for allowing us to learn more about you and your life. Wishing you continued success! LH