Athlete Spotlight: Connor Vittands

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass. -- This week Salem State Athletics is featuring freshman lacrosse player Connor Vittands (Gloucester, Mass.). Vittands was named the LEC Offensive Player of the Week on February 27, after scoring five goals and setting up four others in the Vikings' 18-6 rout of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He also scooped up eight groundballs in his collegiate debut. 

The freshman spoke about what it meant to earn this award in his first week as a Viking. "It means a lot because even though I have been focusing on hockey I still play lacrosse in my free time and have a burning passion for the sport."

The Gloucester native spoke about how locked in he was against MCLA. "I felt locked in once I hit the field to play MCLA. I get more comfortable the more I move around and go with the flow."

Vittands who currently is majoring in Exercise Science spoke about starting the season on a high note with a victory. "It was amazing to get the win in our first game. It points us in the right direction for our next game." 

He discussed what was going through his mind before the first game of the season when Salem State took on the Trailblazers. "I was very excited to play in my first collegiate lacrosse game. I didn't want to overthink anything I just kept calm and told myself to just control what I could control."  

He expressed what the sport means to him. "This sport means a lot. My two sports growing up were hockey and lacrosse, so they were both very close to me. This sport just means I get to go and have fun with my friends and family to just enjoy the moment."

It was his brother who influenced him to play the game of lacrosse. "My older brother, I saw him play and I was instantly hooked and wanted to join." Furthermore, he talked about what kind of goals he wants to achieve for this upcoming season. "I want to end the season with a winning record. I want to bring 100% effort to the team every day."

He briefly talked about the differences between his in-season and off-season routines. "In season I do lots of full body workouts and tons of stick work. Off season I tend to split upper and lower body days with more cardio and also stick work."

He added what he likes to do in his free time. "I love to be with my family, they are the most import thing in my life."

He talked about his go-to meal. "My go to meal before a game is usually oatmeal with fruit and yogurt or a peanut butter jelly sandwich." 

Salem State will be back in action on Saturday, March 16 when they will take on Husson at Alumni Field. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.