The Sullivan brothers, Chris ’16 and Teddy ’17, have been taking the lacrosse field by storm together since elementary school. After playing on the same teams in middle school and now in high school, their time on the field together will continue into college.
In the fall of 2014, when Chris was a senior and Teddy was a sophomore at Salpointe Catholic High School in Arizona, they both verbally committed to play lacrosse at the University of Denver. This past November, Chris officially signed his Letter of Intent.
When asked about what it’s like to play with his big brother, Teddy said, “Since Chris is a defenseman and I’m an offensive player, we like to go against each other. He always gives me tips to help me with my game.” In their last spring season playing for Salpointe, they helped bring their team to the State Semi-Finals. Before every game, the brothers look to one another for motivation and to get pumped up.
Despite having no prior knowledge of boarding schools or post-graduates, Chris decided to take a PG year to give him another season to prepare for the collegiate level. He chose Deerfield, because it is known as a “lacrosse powerhouse.”
In the fall, Chris played linebacker for the boys varsity football team, which helped him improve his “agility and explosiveness,” he said. For the winter, Chris received an athletic exemption to train for the upcoming lacrosse season.
Jordan Ginder ’18 described Chris as “the first one in the gym and the last one out.” “Because he puts everything—all of his strength and skill—into his game,” Coach Charles “Chip” Davis is excited to see him play defense for Deerfield this spring. “He has a hard hat mentality and enjoys the physical part of the game.” Chris said he is hoping to “help the team bounce back from last season” and prepare for his college athletic experience.
Teddy chose to transfer to Deerfield as a junior instead of switching to a high school in Florida, where his parents are moving. In the fall, Teddy played cornerback and safety for the boys varsity football team. During the winter term, he managed girls JV hockey and prepared for the spring season. Brian Davis ’17 commented, “Teddy never stops. Whether he’s lifting, playing wall ball, or running ladders by the pool, he’s always working hard.” Coach Davis described Teddy as “very skilled and sneaky strong. Lacrosse lets his personality out. He can score and he can help others score.”
“Deerfield has been very welcoming to my brother and me,” Teddy said. “All of the students are exceptional at something, whether it’s academics, sports, or arts. It’s a unique place.”