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Steve Waldeck

We live in a world that’s crazy for statistics. That’s great if you’re an attackman, or even a goalie. But if you’re a defenseman, there aren’t too many stats that come your way and that’s when the barometer of your game is measured with heart. Hustle and grit, determination and soul. And make no mistake, Steve Waldeck out of Stony Brook’s got plenty of all that. For proof, we offer the 1 goal he’s scored this summer for the MLL’s Toronto Nationals. One goal? Yeah, one goal. It’s not much, we know, but when you consider the circumstances of that one goal, it all comes together and gives a glimpse into the mindset of this fella and what can bring to a National Lacrosse League team.

Rookie or not, the Nationals’ roster is a tough one to crack. But there he was on June 12, his number called to play in his first MLL game since being drafted as the No. 17 pick overall. Second quarter starts and Waldeck finds the ball in his stick. So what’s the rookie do, with guys like Shawn Williams, Dan Dawson, Kevin Huntley and Brett Bucktooth on offense? He dumps it off, right? Wrong. He takes the gap the Chesapeake defense gives him and he rips a shot on goal. And it’s good.

So there ya go. It’s just one goal, but it says a lot. Waldeck’s not a shy guy and that’s an attitude that does well indoors. He’s also smart enough to recognize what’s going on ’cause rookies aren’t gonna look off the likes of Williams, Dawson and Huntley without the confidence of knowing he can finish with a long pole.

Waldeck hasn’t played an MLL game since, but on one game a player cannot be judged. So take into account his career at Stony Brook, where he was named the school’s Male Athlete of the Year. He’s a first team All-America East Conference team member for the last 3 seasons and was honorable mention All-American this past spring. In 2010, he led all NCAA poles in scoring with 10 goals and 4 assists. He also scooped 110 ground balls and that’s after scooping 96 the season before.

He’s got a motor. He’s got skill and he’s got confidence. We know what he can do with a long pole. What’s in store for the lacrosse world when Waldeck gets a shortie in his hand and lets loose?

Steve Waldeck

Height: 6 feet.
Weight: 205.
Position: Defense.
From: Levittown, N.Y.
College: Stony Brook.
MLL: Toronto Nationals.

What’s your greatest asset that will help you in the NLL? Being an athlete.
Any indoor lacrosse experience? None.
A few words to describe your game? Relentless, physical, smart.
What role or position can you see yourself playing for an NLL team? Anywhere a team wants to plug me in. Defense, pushing transition.
Is there a current or former NLL baller you can compare your game to? I’m one of a kind.
What accomplishment in college are you most proud of? Leading the nation in scoring and groundballs for all long poles.

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