NLL Entry Draft: Hello, My Name is … David Spaulding

September 3rd, 2010 by Bob Chavez

David Spaulding

Scoring goals isn’t an easy thing, but the line of goal-scorers in lacrosse is long and varied. Seeking glory is a natural tendency among humans, especially athletes. It’s the athletes who understand that there’s work to be done away from the ball that often elevates teams to that next level. David Spaulding is that sort of athlete, the guy who’s not afraid to get his hands and his uniform dirty. The guy who drops a shoulder and takes the “man” in the man-ball drills. It’s not so much that he has to have the ball in his stick, as long as it’s in the stick of someone on his team. Because it’s fellas like Spaulding who understand the team concept and that’s why he’ll fit right in with the National Lacrosse League.

The rugged defensive midfielder is no stranger to indoor lacrosse, even if it hasn’t been at an elite Canadian level. Still, having experienced the tight spaces and close quarters of the box means Spaulding knows the territory. At Hopkins, Spaulding was a regular in the rotation of short-stick defensive middies, and you don’t crack that lineup with coach Dave Pietramala without having some serious ‘nads.

In his 15 games as a senior, he was among the team leaders with 27 ground balls after scooping 23 in his junior season. He also played a big role in the team’s clearing scheme, working as a clearing specialist as early as his freshman season meaning he’s got the stick skills to protect the ball, a huge plus in tight games when your team might be facing an all-out ride and wants to maintain possession. Coaches don’t give that job to just anyone, especially freshmen, so there’s gotta be something special and steady about the way Spaulding works that ball upfield to the guys in charge of the offense.

It’s one thing to carry out this role, quite another to accept it and excel at it. And that’s what Spaulding did his 4 years as a Blue Jay. He takes pride in his athleticism and says his value for an NLL team will come in his hard-work approach. If there’s one facet of the game an American can have to impress Canadian coaches and teammates, that’s it. Get in there, get your hands dirty with the grunt work, and get off the floor.

If that’s what your NLL team is looking for, then your team is looking for David Spaulding.

David Spaulding

Height: 6′1”
Weight: 205
Position: Defensive Midfield
From: Huntingtown, Md.
College: Johns Hopkins
MLL: no

What’s your greatest asset that will help you in the NLL? My athleticism.
Any indoor lacrosse experience? Yes. High School.
A few words to describe your game? Tough-nosed player that plays hard all of the time and is very athletic.
What role or position can you see yourself playing for an NLL team? Transition or Defense.
Is there a current or former NLL baller you can compare your game to? Mitch Belisle.
What accomplishment in college are you most proud of? Winning the National Championship in 2007.

Chavez is an avid lacrosse player in Rochester and a journalist for the Democrat and Chronicle as well as a longtime Inside Lacrosse contributor. Email him at bob.chavez@nllinsider.com or go to RochesterSports.com.

Rate This Story: