Ethan Bakogiannis in the Sophomore Spotlight

April’s edition of the Lakers’ Sophomore Spotlight features lacrosse student-athlete Ethan Bakogiannis (Geneva, NY./Geneva). Bakogiannis is majoring in business at Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC).

"Ethan is one of our team captains and one of our offensive leaders this season,” said Hector Alejandro, assistant men’s lacrosse coach. “His job is to be vocal and realizing the match-ups to put the team in position to score.”

Bakogiannis was drawn to FLCC because it allowed him to stay closer to home and offered a quality education with a lower tuition rate. “My favorite aspect of FLCC is the people,” said Bakogiannis. “I like all of my professors and it is easy to learn in such a positive environment. 

According to Bakogiannis, FLCC allows him to have a home away from home. At FLCC, he has developed an inclusive lacrosse family that is welcoming to everyone. Being a student-athlete allows him to make strong connections at FLCC and build relationships with his professors and peers.

“I have learned that I need to stay focused on my class work in order to succeed,” said Bakogiannis. “It is tough to balance academics and athletics, but the challenge is what being a student-athlete is all about.”

Reflecting back on his experience, Bakogiannis has served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) and participated in several community service initiatives, spearheaded by the athletic department. He also was an active member in attending various student life events on campus.

Bakogiannis plans to transfer to a four-year institution after graduating in the fall of 2017. He plans on continuing his collegiate lacrosse career and studying business.