Tyler Andreassi to Join Brother at UMass Lax

It's offical, Sachem North's Tyler Andreassi will join his older brother Michael to play lacrosse at Massachusetts starting in 2013, according to Sachem coach Jay Mauro.

A junior now, Tyler is a force on both the lacrosse and football teams at Sachem. He said giving the verbal commitment during his junior year alleviates recruiting stress.

“I don’t have to worry about any colleges anymore to look at and visit,” he said, “and it’s pretty cool with Michael being there. I’m going to be on the same field as him once again.”

While joining his brother was part of the decision, his official visit and overnight stay was the kicker.

“The team bonding they had was great,” he said. “It seemed like they have a great time. The coaches are amazing. Greg Cannella is a great coach. The atmosphere there is amazing.”

For Michael, the news came somewhat as a surprise. 

"I was speechless when I first found out," he said. "To be able to play with your brother is something special. When he’s up here it will be special. I had a good idea UMass was in his top three schools."

Last season was the first year they played together on the same team and Sachem experienced great success in Suffolk County Division I.

He is one of, if not the best, long stick defender in Suffolk County. He's the third in a talented lacrosse pedigree behind older brother Marc, who won national titles at C.W. Post and Michael, who was a highly coveted recruit and offensive threat in the county since his freshman season. Michael will be a junior by the time Tyler arrives in Amherst.

"Marc and Michael did great things and we expect the same from Tyler," Mauro said. "They all have the same qualities but they are their own person and we expect Tyler to be Tyler and not Marc or Mike."

Mauro is excited for the opportunity to read about and watch the brothers play together again at the next level.

"It is a special bond to play with your brother in high school and at the college level it is very special," he said. "They will never lose those memories. Tyler is a very good athlete with a temendous work ethic. When he puts his mind to something he can get it done. We are very excited to see Tyler perform in his junior season with a sophomore season under his belt at the varsity level."

Former Sachem teammate Brandon Gamblin is a current fresman with the Minutmen.

"Me, Mike and Tyler now have great chemistry," Gamblin said, "and the roll over into colllege with that same great chemistry and talent can cause serious damage."

Massachusetts competes in the Colonial Athletic Association and finished 10-5 overall in 2011. Their season ended with a 9-7 loss to Delaware in the conference championship.

Andreassi is the ninth player on Sachem's 2012 roster to committ to play at the college level and the first from the Class of 2013.