Tripp King from Loyola High Aims to Shape the Future of Lacrosse on the West Coast
Tripp King: The Rising Star of West Coast Lacrosse
Tripp King, a junior at Loyola High School, is making waves in the world of lacrosse with remarkable speed and skill. Known for his incredible shot velocity, King can send a rubber ball flying at speeds of 100 mph with his dominant right hand and 90 mph with his left. His coach, Jimmy Borell, utilizes a radar gun to measure this impressive feat, expressing a mix of awe and concern, joking, “I pray he doesn’t cut the net.”
As the top-ranked player in California, King is playing a pivotal role in elevating the reputation of West Coast lacrosse, a sport cherished primarily on the East Coast. His dedication is evident from a young age; he began his lacrosse journey in kindergarten with the South Bay Lacrosse Club, quickly donning pads by first grade. Although he also excelled in football and basketball, it was lacrosse that captured his heart at Loyola.
“I always loved the speed of lacrosse,” King stated. “I see that similarity in basketball. It’s always pulled me knowing you have to be good at everything instead of one particular skill.”
At 6 feet 1 and 200 pounds, King stands out as an attacker, adept at making quick passes and swiftly scoring goals. He amassed an impressive 102 points during the regular season with 65 goals and 37 assists, leading his team, seeded No. 1, into the Southern Section Division 1 playoffs, which commence this week. The team has a bye in the first round and will compete again on May 9.
“He’s pretty special,” said Borell, praising King’s skills and work ethic. “He’s got the tangibles, very skilled, can use both of his hands and has a very quick step.”
King’s commitment to the University of North Carolina fulfills a lifelong dream, as both of his parents are alumni of the institution. “I’ve grown up a Tar Heel,” he noted, embodying both talent and a down-to-earth personality that is sometimes rare in competitive sports.
Classmates describe King as friendly and approachable, a sentiment echoed by his involvement in the South Bay Lacrosse Club, where he mentors young athletes. Reflecting on the stereotypes associated with West Coast lacrosse players, he remarked, “A lot of the stereotypes of the West Coast are surfer boy or doesn’t take it seriously… We’re getting in extra work before and after practice. I think that lazier, not tough stereotype isn’t true. The West Coast is growing.”
Living in Manhattan Beach, a hub for celebrities and athletes, King is just 17 but is already poised to become a significant figure in lacrosse. As he continues to develop his skills and passion for the game, King is determined to challenge perceptions and set a new standard for West Coast players in the competitive landscape of lacrosse.
