Kyle Harrison was a co-captain on the 2005 Johns Hopkins National Championship team.  He was the first Hopkins grad to win the Tewaaraton trophy.  He was the first selection in the MLL draft and now plays on the New Jersey Pride.  Kyle made Team USA with the likes of Jay Jalbert, Matt Striebel, Roy Colsey and A.J. Haugen.  Kyle also accepted a position with STX after graduation and has developed his own line of clothing and equipment - K18.  Kyle was kind enough to answer some questions for Tillax.com.  He talks about heroes, influences, some junk food and his 2005 Natonal Championship Hopkins team.

Kyle Harrison:  Honestly, there's not one that stands out. I love everything about that year. That was the closest team I've ever been a part of. Everyone on that team truly cared for one another, we did everything together and it was awesome. It's incredible what a bunch of guys who lose their egos, and work as hard as they possibly can to accomplish a common goal can do.

CT:  How nerve racking was that season with so many one goal games? After a while did it seem like you guys couldn't lose?

K18:  Strangely enough we kind of got used to it, and almost thrived in it. I wouldn't say we got to a point where we didn't think we could lose, but we definitely got to a point where we believed in our hearts that we worked harder than any team we played against, and because of our work and preparation, we believed we would win.

CT:  What other sports do you like to play besides lacrosse?

K18:  I love both Basketball and Soccer. I play indoor soccer right now, and I'm beginning to work out with my old basketball coach in January.

CT:  Who are some of the biggest influences on your style of play?

K18:  There are so many I don't know where to start. I watched so much film in college and took so much from so many guys. Guys like Adam Doneger, AJ Haugen, Kevin Boland, Jay Jalbert, Josh Sims, Jeff Sonke, Matt Striebel, Roy Colsey. I think there's so much you can learn from watching other players play. I also have a heavy influence of basketball in my style of play. All of my dodges, split, free, and swim just to name a few all come straight from different moves I would do on the basketball court.

CT:  Who are some of your individual/personal heroes and why?

K18:  For starters my parents. They are two incredible people who have done a great job raising our family. I love them both with all of my heart, and I am the person I am today because of them. As far as athletics go, guys like Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali. Jordan for obvious reasons. It doesn't get any better. The hardest worker, best leader, and the best player to ever lace up a pair of sneaks, it doesn't get any better than that. He is the ultimate role model for any athlete aspiring to be great. Ali, though very different from me as far as personality, is an incredible individual. I'm not sure there has ever been an athlete who was more cocky/confident and backed it up each and every time. I have these highlight tapes of his and I've never seen a boxer stand in there with his hands down, and simply dodge every punch thrown at him, it's amazing to watch.

CT:  Do you have any of your dad's old Morgan State stuff? What?

K18:  I don't have much of my dad's old Morgan stuff. I know we have his stick at my parents house, that things pretty beat up looking though! It's definitely seen better days, but it's awesome to have it and see what the guys back then played with.

CT:  What have you learned so far in your career with STX?

K18:  I've learned so much at STX. I've got a great manager in Jason Goger and a great team of people at the office who are bringing me along nicely. I'm slowly learning the ins and outs of the business and it's been very busy, but fun year.

CT:  What are some of your responsibilities at STX?

K18:  I think the biggest misconception with me at STX is that I'm just a promo player and they use me in advertisements. That's not the case, I actually work full time for STX. My responsibilities at STX for the past six months or so have centered heavily around preparing for the launch of the K18 equipment line and apparel. Anything from helping with the advertising and marketing, to working with the R & D guys to make sure the equipment is perfect, to planning the whole K18 promotional tour; it's been a lot of fun.

CT:  What's your favorite face-off move and why?

K18:  Any quick move that gets the ball out in open space works for me. Usually the laser or reverse clamp gets it done.

CT:  Who's the toughest person you've played defense on in the MLL?

K18:  The toughest person I've played defense on...that's a tough question. I don't mind playing fast guys or one move and go guys. It's the quick guys that are unpredictable, guys like Stephen Berger, Justin Smith, Matt Striebel, Mike Law. All those guys have so many different moves they do it makes it difficult to play defense on them. I know when I'm dodging, a lot of the time I don't figure out what I'm doing until I'm actually doing it, I'd bet these guys are the same way.

CT:  What's it like playing with Jesse Hubbard?

K18:  Well, playing with a legend is pretty darn cool. From his presence on the field to his presence in the locker room, it's an honor to play on the same team as him. Jesse could easily shoot the ball more, or dodge more, but he sacrifices his points for the better of the team and he controls our entire offense, its fun to watch.

CT:  How do you balance your playing career with your professional career?

K18:  During the summer, STX is very understanding in my busy playing schedule, so it makes things a little easier. It's not too difficult because in a way, they work with each other (my playing career and professional career).

CT:  I heard Quint Kessenich call you "Michael Vick with a lacrosse stick."  What do you think of that moniker?

K18:  That's quite the compliment to be called "Michael Vick with a lacrosse stick." I think he probably made the comment because similar to Vick, though I do have the skills, I rely heavily on my athleticism to make plays. One day that won't be the case, which is why it's extremely important to develop all your skills, but for the next five years or so, it'll be all instincts baby!

CT:  What are some fundamentals you always keep in mind when playing middie defense?

K18:  I think the biggest thing I keep in the back of my head is to not give up the middle of the field. IT definitely comes from playing for Coach Pietramala and Dwan for 4 years. If I can keep my man down the side, the defense knows where they'll need to slide to if necessary.

CT:  How much fun was it playing on the US team?

K18:  Whenever you're representing your country it's an honor. To be considered one of the best players in your country was something I never expected growing up. It really shows you that anything you want can be yours if your willing to work for it.

CT:  How was the loss to Canada difficult for you?

K18:  The loss to Canada was hard. It was a very difficult situation, coming in as the heavy favorite and not being able to bring it back home. IF I'm fortunate enough in 4 years, I will have another opportunity to play for my country and try and bring it back to the USA.

CT:  How do you like playing in the MLL?  For the Pride?

K18:  My first year and a half in the MLL has been quite educational. It's a completely different game than the college game, and I'm still in the learning process. I think I could be great at it, and I will work as hard as I possibly can to achieve greatness in this league.

CT:  How often do you keep in contact with some of your fellow Hopkins mates?  Who?

K18:  I keep in contact with the majority of my buddies from that team. For starters I live with Benson Erwin, and Tom Garvey lives a few blocks away. For the most part I talk to all the guys from that team. I still talk to a lot of the current guys on the team like Jesse, Rabil, and Stanwick.

CT:  Who are some influential coaches in your career and why?

K18:  Coach Pietramala, Tierny, Dwan, Allan, and Jay were by far the most influential coaches in my career. They taught me how to play hard, work hard, and that the sky is truly the limit if you are willing to work as hard as you possibly can to achieve your goals. They taught me how to be a man. I will forever be indebted to those guys, and they're some of my good friends now.

CT:  What's your favorite junk food?

K18:  Hm, I actually don't eat too much junk food these days, but I do love Jelly Belly's when I can get my hands on them.

CT:  Do you still do your McFlurry ritual before games?

K18:  I don't, but I do have a new ritual. Me and my boy Brett Hughes that plays on New Jersey with me blast a few songs and rap all the words on our way to the game. Unfortunately, we get all pumped up, but we get there two hours before the game. Maybe we should start our ritual a little close to game time...

CT:  What did you like about being a Writing Seminars major?  Who are some your favorite writers?

K18:  I absolutely love telling stories. It's my favorite style of writing. As strange as this sounds, any great story tellers work for me. I don't' necessarily have a favorite. There are definitely a few books I love. Right now I'm pretty big on Sun Tzu, For Success by Gerald Michaelson (Sun Tzu -author of The Art of War).