Incoming experienced players highlight 2023 Humboldt Lacrosse recruits

The Humboldt Lacrosse team picked up a trio of seasoned players this spring with the exciting addition of two transfer students and a true freshman attackman.

Justin Juarez

Hailing from Goleta, junior goalie Justin Juarez is a hardworking, head-banging criminal justice major who is transferring from San Barbara City College via Dos Pueblos High School. Justin said he “profoundly” missed playing lacrosse the past few years due to the pandemic and is “motivated to make a difference to the Humboldt program.”

“The camaraderie of lacrosse is something I’ve never felt in all the others I’ve tried. There’s something special about the game is when you run into someone that plays and have an instant connection with them,” he said. “I love the speed and tenacity needed to understand the mental aspect of the game.”

When Justin’s not listening to his favorite rock band “Slipknot,” he likes working on classic VWs and eating the occasional cheeseburger.

Angus Stewart

With four years of lacrosse-playing experience at Granada High School plus time in club ball, sophomore longstick middie Angus Stewart will bring a ton of experience to the defense next season.

Angus, who will study biology at Cal Poly Humboldt in the fall, enjoys the outdoors and likes to mountain bike and go camping in his free time.

The Livermore native said he’s looking forward to developing as a player and for the team “putting in hard work and improving together.”

“What I enjoy most about lacrosse is its combination of speed, physicality, and on-the-fly decision-making that’s required to play well,” he said.

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Described as a “stud attackman” by his coaches at Poway High, incoming freshman Ben Jasinski is planning on studying marine biology this fall.

Ben Jasinski

“Ben is a crafty attackman with an impeccable ability to finish in tight spaces. He has an extremely high lacrosse IQ and is always the first person to help elevate those around him,” Poway assistant coach Sam Cunard said.

A fan of the outdoors, Ben said he can’t wait to enjoy what Humboldt County has to offer, including surfing, climbing, snowboarding and fishing.

A four-year lacrosse player at Poway, Ben said he enjoys “having fun and growing every year I play.”

“It’s a unique sport and I love it,” he said. “It’s one of the most creative team sports out there.”