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Congratulations to sophomore Hunter Mezzatesta, who was recently ranked by Lacrosse Magazine as the top goalie and third overall player in the ENTIRE NATION for the Class of 2026!
As a freshman, Hunter earned All-Section honors and helped the Huskers claim their first section title in six years. He has also been rated as a five-star goalie by the National Lacrosse Federation.
Read our interview with Hunter below to learn about his lacrosse journey, his personal and team goals, and his desire to give back to the Yorktown Lacrosse Community.
Where did your passion for lacrosse stem from, and how did you become interested in the sport?
I come from a long line of athletes. My grandfather, who is in the Westchester County Sports Hall of Fame as a 55-year college athletic director and coach, was a Division 1 athlete; my father was a three-sport varsity athlete in high school and set many Westchester County records; and my mother was a three-sport athlete in both high school and college, including lacrosse. Both my siblings, CJ and Madison, also play college lacrosse.
My journey with lacrosse began in kindergarten. Growing up, I was always around the fields with my father, coaching my siblings. I was the little brother dragging around lacrosse sticks on the player sidelines. One day, my older brother CJ got a new goalie stick, and he handed me his old stick and said, “Hey, you are going to be a goalie.” From then on, I was focused on being a goalie.
I remember being a young lacrosse player and looking up to the older players. Their dedication, determination, and the brotherhood that they shared were really incredible. I always loved attending the Yorktown varsity lacrosse games in my YAC lacrosse uniform and cheering on my idols — guys like the Embury brothers (Hunter and Jamison). I remember watching them play and thinking how much I wanted to be like them. They were making magic on the offense, and I dreamed of leading the defense for the Yorktown Varsity Lacrosse team and winning a state championship.
Part of what is so special about the Yorktown Lacrosse legacy is the large number of former Yorktown players (All-Americans and lacrosse legends) who are great role models for the Yorktown youth. I recognize the responsibility of being a role model to the new generation of young YAC players who come to the games and cheer on the team. It’s a privilege to give back to this community, and I am honored to coach these young players at the clinics. It is not just about teaching them lacrosse skills. It’s about leading by example, being a positive and supportive role model, and teaching them the dedication and work ethic that the Yorktown lacrosse community is known for.
When did you realize that you were excelling in the sport?
I have been very fortunate to be on some great teams with talented coaches and players, including this varsity team at YHS. Success really comes from the passion and energy surrounding me, especially from my teammates and the dedicated defense. I’ve got some really great guys that stand in front of me on that field. I rely on them, and I know they are counting on me. That motivates me. We work hard, motivate each other, and win and lose as a team.
Another thing that helps us excel as a team is the support we receive from our coaches, parents, alumni, and the Yorktown community. There is no greater motivation than to look up and see the stands packed. Knowing that an entire community is supporting you is the most incredible feeling.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
My father, Chris, has been more than just a parent to me — he's been my biggest fan, coach, mentor, motivator, and friend.
Since kindergarten, he has been there for me, taking thousands of shots on me every week and working on my game and leadership skills. He has taught me many life lessons through lacrosse, showing me how to think, compete, win, and step up in big moments. He has also taught me about selflessness and dedication to your family. While he never played lacrosse himself, my father has taught me the greatest life lessons on the lacrosse field.
How has the Yorktown Lacrosse Community helped your development?
The Yorktown Lacrosse community has shaped me as a player and a person, instilling in me the values of teamwork, respect, and dedication. I consider the Yorktown lacrosse community a family; once you're in it, you're part of something special. The support and guidance from everyone, including the coaching staff, youth volunteers, players, and the community, create a sense of belonging and responsibility.
I have had the privilege to be coached by several Yorktown Lacrosse legends, including Tim Schurr, Joe Colarusso, Rob Doerr, Ethan Fox, Jeremy Guski, and Coach Nicol. Their mentorship has provided me with a strong understanding of the game and the Yorktown Lacrosse tradition.
I am very fortunate to have two incredible coaches, Coach Tim Schurr and Coach Joe Colarusso. Coach Schurr, a gold medalist in the Lacrosse World Games, is an outstanding coach and mentor. He is determined to make us the best lacrosse players possible and dedicated to making us the best men possible. He emphasizes commitment and respect, shakes our hand and looks into our eyes, corrects our grammar, knows our family members by name, and ensures that we are always learning and improving, both on and off the field. Coach Schurr is a true gentleman and an amazing role model to me and my brothers.
Coach Colarusso has been invaluable to my growth and success as a player and a person. As a former goalie, he has an incredible talent for navigating the mental challenges of being a goalie. He provides uplifting support while maintaining high expectations and an always calm disposition. Coach Colarusso’s dedication to his players is unmatched, showing up for his goalies during practices and any time you want to get in some extra shots. Coach Colarusso’s selfless dedication to his players has profoundly impacted me and the entire goalie lineage at Yorktown. He has had a very significant impact on me as a goalie and as a person, and I am very grateful for his support and mentorship.
What do you enjoy the most about being a part of the Yorktown Lacrosse Community?
What I enjoy most about being a part of the Yorktown Lacrosse Community is the sense of belonging to a dedicated and supportive community of players and supporters. The legacy of Yorktown lacrosse and the success of our program is known across the country. I have had the privilege to play in some of the country's top lacrosse showcases and tournaments. While many players wear their club team helmets, I always rock the Y! I wear my Yorktown helmet to showcase our community, the history and legacy of Yorktown lacrosse, and the community I represent. It’s an amazing honor to be a part of this legacy and represent this community.
Another thing that is very special about Yorktown lacrosse is the passion for the sport that permeates this town. You can go to Legacy or Granite Knolls on any weekend, holiday, or day off, and you will always find a pick-up 3x game to join with present, past, and future Yorktown lacrosse stars. If you show up with your stick, you will find a game to join. It is really special.
What are some of your personal and team goals?
Personal goals:
Break the 43-year all-time save record for Yorktown, 703 saves set by my coach Joe Collarusso in 1981. (I am currently at 171, but who is counting? 😀)
To be a positive role model to the young boys and girls in the Yorktown community.
Continue to achieve strong grades and honors for my academic success.
Team goals:
Win four consecutive Section 1 lacrosse titles
Bring the State Championship title back to Yorktown for the first time since 2014.
Future Team Goal:
Win an NCAA Division 1 Lacrosse National Championship
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