Harnish And Long Named National Strength & Conditioning Association Lacrosse All-Americans
BALTIMORE, Md. – Zephan Harnish (Woodsboro, Md./Walkersville) and Alyssa Long (Pennsburg, Pa./Upper Perkiomen), members of the Goucher College men's and women's lacrosse teams, respectively, have been named National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) Lacrosse All-Americans.
The duo were nominated by Goucher College Strength And Conditioning Coach Erika Moyer based off of their athletic achievements and their dedication to strength and conditioning throughout the year. Harnish and Long were two of 23 lacrosse players recognized. The 23 lacrosse players were honored for their determination to improve in athletics while maintaining academic prominence as a great model for all student-athletes. Moyer joins the NSCA in the mission to safely improve athletic performance and her support of Harnish and Long guarantees a stronger future for NSCA.
"During the nomination process I looked for qualities in student-athletes that represented the division, the NSCA and Goucher College," said Moyer. "Alyssa and Zephan embody what it takes to be a great student-athlete who is also dedicated to strength and conditioning and becoming a well-rounded player. As a former athlete, I know how hard it is to juggle academics, lifting, and game and practice schedules throughout the year. Alyssa and Zephan always showed up, worked hard and the results paid off for them as they made many strides not only in the gym, but also on the field. I am honored to have two athletes selected for this award; they have been a pleasure to coach all year."
In Moyer's nomination of Harnish, she describes him as a great athlete at Goucher with impeccable work ethic in the weight room and one of the most coachable athletes she has had the pleasure of working with. He's made great strides with his technique and has noticeably increased his maxes since the beginning of the year.
"Having three years with the absence of a strength and conditioning coach, I am very grateful for my experience this year as a senior," said Harnish. "I appreciated the structure put in place and setting tangible goals which has been lacking at Goucher in the past. Sport specific training was crucial in improving not only my own performance, but also every varsity team at Goucher. Due to the nature of Division III athletics, the strength and conditioning program provides encouragement and direction in this specific aspect of athletes' lives that was also not present at Goucher. Overall, the introduction of Erika is a game changer for a small school such as Goucher."
Harnish paced the Gophers' men's lacrosse team in goals (32) and points (41) in his senior campaign. He posted a career-high seven goals and one assist for eight points in a win against Delaware Valley on March 9 and posted five goals and one assist for six points in his final collegiate game against Drew on April 27 to finish one point shy of 100 points for his career. The Frederick County native finished his career with 74 markers and 25 assists for 99 points.
In Moyer's nomination of Long, she stated that she played an integral role as a leader during our time in the weight room this year. Every day she walked into the gym ready to work and push not only herself but her teammates to be better. She held herself to a high standard to not only make the lift but to do it with great form and technique.
"Our new strength and conditioning department at Goucher along with our Coach, Erika Moyer, have helped me develop into a stronger and more confident athlete on and off the field," said Long. "Our diverse workouts help me take stronger shots, better draws, and support my teammates on the field. I can't thank Erika enough for her commitment to my team and the athletic department this year."
Long ranked fourth on the team with 24 goals and added 12 assists for 36 points. She registered a hat trick four times on the year including three victories and dished out a career-high four helpers against Cedar Crest on February 23. Long will go into her senior campaign with 54 goals and 20 assists for 74 points and six draw controls (94) away from 100 for her career.
About the National Strength & Conditioning Association
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit professional association founded in 1978 and is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world. The NSCA advances the profession by supporting strength and conditioning professionals devoted to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. The organization disseminates research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. The NSCA community is composed of more than 45,000 members and certified professionals who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches, personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO, the NSCA serves as a valuable resource for its members, the fitness industry, general public, and the media. The association provides a wide variety of resources and opportunities designed to strengthen, build, advance, and unify.