On Sunday, May 18, Rutgers University held its annual commencement recognition. Following the graduation event, senior men's lacrosse defenseman Tommy Mendyke shared his thoughts on his time as a Scarlet Knight. 

Tommy Mendyke On…

Why Rutgers:
"Rutgers gave me a chance that no one else did: to pursue a great education and play the sport I love at a high level." 

Greatest Rutgers memory:
"Beating Maryland at home for the first time in 45 years, and the first time as a Big Ten program." 

As a graduate, what is something you would tell your freshman self:
"Everything works out. Nothing you feared was truly something to worry about. College sports are incredibly challenging, but it is the most rewarding experience of your life."

What advice would you give to future Scarlet Knights?
"Dive into everything. You have four years to build as good a resume as you can and have as many meaningful relationships as possible. Being a freshman is the greatest time to meet other team members and create connections." 

What will you miss the most about your time at Rutgers?
"Being surrounded by my teammates. I love lacrosse, but my time at Rutgers was special because of the people I was with. Never again will I be around 50 of my closest friends every day, and I will cherish those times forever." 

Future career aspirations:
"Have a successful sales career."

Mendyke also served as the President of SAAC (Rutgers' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) as a senior. In that role, Mendyke took to the podium during Rutgers' annual student-athlete graduation ceremony at Jersey Mike's Arena to address the assembled graduates.