Chris Gray graduated from Shoreham Wading River high school in 2017 where he played varsity lacrosse and football. Just last year, Gray transferred from Boston University to the University of North Carolina for his junior season. Unfortunately, Gray’s junior season was prematurely cut short. Despite not being able to fully experience spring lacrosse as a Tar Heel, Gray is looking to make the most of his senior season.
Q: How did you get into the sport of lacrosse and how long have you been playing for?
A: I started playing lacrosse when I was in 1st grade. I have to thank my older brother Nick for introducing me to the sport. When we first moved to Shoreham-Wading River, I used to watch him play wondering when it would be my turn.
Q: During your recruiting process, what about Boston University first influenced your decision to play there? What helped guide your decision to transfer to UNC?
A: Boston University had the perfect combination of a highly academic university and a strong and upcoming lacrosse program when I was in High School. My first two years at BU were amazing. I met a lot of great people that made that time unforgettable.
From the start, Coaches Breschi, Metzbower, and Unterstein were really going out of their way to show me how well I could fit in at UNC. Whether it was them coming out to my house or going down to campus, I got a great feel for the players and the program, and it felt homey to me.
Q: What is your favorite part about playing lacrosse as a Tar Heel?
A: My time in Chapel Hill has been nothing short of amazing and I’m extremely grateful to be here. Our offensive system is incredibly altruistic. My lacrosse experience everything I imagined it to be because of this.
Q: When you’re not on the lacrosse field, what are you likely to spend your time doing?
A: When I’m not playing lacrosse I really enjoy spending time with my friends. I was lucky enough to move into a great house in Chapel Hill with 4 of my teammates who I spend every day with.
Q: In what ways did playing football in high school help your lacrosse game?
A: I think the lessons and values that I learned through playing football directly apply to lacrosse. Football and lacrosse are very similar in that they both require toughness, speed, and vision. For example, when I played running back in high school, I had to use my vision to find the correct hole to run through. It is no different in lacrosse when I am looking for the open cutter to throw the ball to.
Q: Have you always played attack? What about this position has made you stick to it?
A: I used to take face-offs and play midfield when I was younger. I switched to attack in 6th grade and fell in love with the position. My favorite part about playing attack is being able to have an impact on every single offensive possession.
Q: Are there any particular coaches or teammates that have taught you valuable lessons about the sport of lacrosse or life that you frequently keep in mind?
A: Throughout my lacrosse career, I’ve been coached by some of the best in the game. Each coach has taught me so many valuable lessons. These lessons have made me the man and player that I am today. Without my high school, BU and UNC coaches, I would not be in the spot that I am in today.
