On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, eight Central Bucks East seniors were recognized for committing to continue their lacrosse careers at the collegiate level.
Central Bucks East coach Bruce Garcia to his eight players: “To the eight of you – Joe, Ryan, Ben B, DJ, Rowen, Tristan, Adam and Ben S – what you’ve done here goes far beyond wins, stats or highlight reels. You committed yourselves to something bigger than any one player. You showed up early, stayed late, played through pain, sacrificed comfort, and gave everything you had to your team, your school and this sport.
“You’ve each taken your own path to this moment – some filled with recognition, others marked by quiet, steady work, but every one of you earned your place. And now, you go forward to represent not just yourselves, but every player who ever put on the CB East lacrosse jersey. You carry with you our pride, our belief and the legacy of what it means to wear ‘CB East’ across your chest.
“But remember this: it’s not the gear you wear or the title beside your name that defines you. It’s how you carry yourself when no one’s watching, how you respond when things get hard, and how you lift others up just because it’s the right thing to do.
“We’ve watched you grow. Now, it’s your turn to lead. Wherever this game takes you – never forget where it started. And never stop playing with heart.
“You’ll always be part of this family.”
Ryan Atkinson – Bridgewater College (Lacrosse)
Major: Business Administration with a minor in film
Final list of colleges: Bridgewater, Coastal Carolina, Christopher Newport
Reasons for choosing Bridgewater: “The coaches were the best fit. It wasn’t too far from home, and also, it wasn’t too 
close.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level?
“I was teetering from on and off for wanting to play in college, but I felt it was probably the best idea to play in college so I could get more money and also play the sport.”
Coach Joe Brozik: “Ryan’s senior year was a testament to adaptability and confidence. Midway through the season, the coaches made the decision to move him to midfield – a shift that came with new challenges and expectations. He didn’t just accept the change - he embraced it and elevated his game. As a first-line midfielder, he became a key playmaker, doing the little things right and making everyone around him better. His vision, unselfishness and consistent effort were a huge part of our success this year. Bridgewater is getting a smart, reliable and selfless player, and we couldn’t be prouder of him.”
About Ryan:
Favorite food: Cheeseburger
Favorite movie: Central Intelligence
Favorite artist: Travis Scott
Ben Bridegum – Muhlenberg College (Lacrosse)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Muhlenberg, Dickinson, Endicott
Reasons for choosing Muhlenberg: “I liked the location, the coaches and the players as well.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I decided I wanted to play in college probably junior year. I started looking into it because I started getting looked at by coaches.”
Coach Bill Waldren: “Ben’s role may not always get the spotlight, but anyone who knows the game understands how vital he was to our success. As a long stick midfielder, he brought energy, toughness and precision to every shift. He embraced one of the most demanding positions on the field and made it his. His motivation was on display every time he stepped on the field, and the coaches across the league noticed. Being selected to the all-conference team this year is a testament to his impact and his relentless effort. Muhlenberg is getting a warrior with a motor that never quits. He played with pride and purpose, and we’re proud of him.”
About Ben:
Favorite food: French Toast
Favorite TV show: The Big Bang Theory
Favorite music: Rock
David “DJ” Brown – Stevenson University (Lacrosse)
Major: Health Sciences
Final list of colleges: Stevenson, Grove City
Reasons for choosing Stevenson: “It’s a smaller school. They have a great lacrosse program. It seems like everyone 
knows each other – it’s like a little town. I liked the environment and the small classes – I want to be able to know the teacher. They have a winning lacrosse program, and it would be nice to keep winning.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “Sophomore year is when I realized I wanted to compete at the next level. I think that came from making states freshman year and realizing that winning actually is fun – you don’t want to lose. Also, I just really don’t want to end my lacrosse career in high school, I want to continue on in college.”
Coach Bill Waldren: “From day one, DJ was the anchor of our defense. With elite athleticism and a high lacrosse IQ, he took on the toughest assignments – always matching up with the opposing team’s top offensive threat, and he rose to the challenge every single time. But what truly set him apart was his voice. His communication, leadership, and understanding of the game gave our entire defense confidence and clarity. And the coaches around the league saw what we’ve always known – his selection as a first team all-conference defenseman is a reflection of his dominance and consistency. Stevenson is getting a true defender – someone who doesn’t just stop plays but leads from the back. He’s been a cornerstone for us, and he’s going to do great things at the next level.”
About David:
Favorite food: Poppy seed chicken
Favorite movie: Tron: Legacy
Favorite music: Pop/Rock
Rowen Coverdale – Widener University (Lacrosse)
Major: Pre-Med/Biology
Final list of colleges: Widener, DeSales, Immaculata, Misericordia
Reasons for choosing Widener: “It was a comfortable atmosphere. It was a great team, great coaches. It wasn’t too far
from home, and it was somewhere I could see myself going.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I have been playing lacrosse for most of my life – I think I’m going on 11 or 12 years now, and around the end of middle school and the beginning of high school, I started taking it seriously, and from there, I wanted to do better. I wanted to be one of the people that was out there on the field. Year after year, I got closer and closer until this year I got what I wanted as a starting varsity player.”
Coach Bruce Garcia: “I’ve had the privilege of watching Rowen grow – literally – from the time he was born to the player and person he is today. And what a journey it’s been. As a faceoff specialist, he brought strength, quickness and relentless drive to every single game. He gave us possessions, momentum and a competitive edge when we needed it most. The coaches across the league took notice – his selection as an all-conference faceoff specialist is a well-earned honor that reflects his impact and hard work. But beyond the X, he’s been a core part of this team – reliable, tough and all heart. I know (his parents) Matt and Gwynn are incredibly proud of him, and they should be. So are we. Widener is getting a player who’s just getting started.”
About Rowen:
Favorite food: Chicken
Favorite movie: Bullet Train
Favorite artist/genre: Classic Rock/Journey
Joe Reese – Gwynedd Mercy University (Lacrosse)
Major: Sports Management
Reasons for choosing Gwynedd Mercy: “When I went there, I just felt welcomed. I felt like I would genuinely be part of the program and not just another number for the team. “
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I wasn’t thinking about
it too much, but I fell in love with the sport, and I figured – why not play in college? I haven’t played for that long, so I wanted to continue playing it.”
Coach Joe Brozik: “Joe is the kind of player every coach hopes for – not because of the stats but because of his attitude and who he is as a player and a person. He was always the first one on the field, ready to work. That says everything about his character. He showed up every day with humility, drive and team-first energy. That kind of consistency and commitment doesn’t go unnoticed – it builds culture. Gwynedd Mercy is getting a player who will show up, compete and make the people around him better. We’re proud of Joe.”
About Joe:
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite movie: Fast & Furious
Favorite music: Hip -hop/R&B
Tristan Smith – Embry-Riddle University (Lacrosse)
Major: Aeronautical Engineering
Final list of college: Embry-Riddle, Stevens Institute of Technology
Reasons for choosing Embry-Riddle; “Both schools fit the criteria – smaller D2/D3 and they have good engineering 
programs. The team’s great – they just brought in new coaching staff. This is the first year we went to the tournament and won a game there, so the program’s definitely getting a lot better. This is our first full recruiting class where we have guys under this head coach. I’m really excited to see what we can do.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “Around middle school I started playing club, and I just fell in love with the sport – getting better at what I do. It made me want to fight to get on the better teams, fight to get on varsity. As a freshman, I spent a good portion of the year on JV and probably got five minutes of varsity playing time. That inspired me to keep working.”
Coach Bill Waldren: “Tristan’s journey has always been about doing whatever was necessary to rise to the top, and that mindset showed up in every game, every practice and every moment. As a starting close defenseman, he played with purpose and pride, and his desire to compete at a high level was always clear. He wasn’t just a defender – he was our quarterback on the back end, the voice that kept us organized, focused and locked in. His leadership, consistency and commitment made him a cornerstone of our team. That why his teammates elected him as a captain this year – a role he lived up to every step of the way, and the coaches across our league saw it too. Being named to the all-conference team in 2025 is proof of the impact he made. Embry-Riddle is gaining more than a tough defender – they’re getting a proven leader. We’re all incredibly proud of him.”
About Tristan:
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad
Favorite music: Yacht rock
Ben Snyder – Muhlenberg College (Lacrosse)
Major: History & Business with a teaching certification
Final list of colleges: Muhlenberg, Arcadia, Adrian College, Lynchburg, Roanoke
Reasons for choosing Muhlenberg: “The campus size and location – it was right around home but not too close. It’s a small enough campus, and I feel like I’m at home there. The team was really inviting, the
coach is a really nice guy, and I got a couple friends going there. It was all around a good fit.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I started playing lacrosse in first or second grade and went straight into playing goalie. I played hockey my whole life but quit that so I could put more time towards lacrosse. I knew I wanted to play collegiate lacrosse somewhere.”
Coach Bill Waldren: “As our starting goalie, Ben has been the backbone of our team all season. His teammates voted him captain, and they got it right. That leadership, combined with your on-field performance, earned him all-conference honors from the league’s coaches – a true reflection of his talent, focus and the respect he’s built throughout the region.
“But what stood out to me most wasn’t just his ability – it was his maturity. Every time we spoke, he gave me his full, undivided attention. That kind of respect and presence is rare in any athlete, let alone a high school senior. He consistently gave his best effort, and his motivation runs far beyond his years. Muhlenberg is getting a goalie – and a leader – who’s going to make an impact from day one. We’re incredibly proud of him.”
About Ben:
Favorite food: Cheeseburgers
Favorite TV show: Invincible
Favorite music: Country
Adam Volm – University of Lynchburg (Lacrosse)
Major: Economics”
Final list of colleges: Lynchburg, Salisbury, Sacred Heart
Reasons for choosing Lynchburg: “I would definitely say the people I met on my visits - the guys on the team and the
coaches, but mostly, the guys that were on the team.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in college at the collegiate level? “I started thinking I wanted to play in college around ninth grade because I decided I can’t continue doing three sports and I had to drop some and pick a sport to follow through with. I decided lacrosse was the one I was best at at the time.”
Coach Joe Brozik: “Adam played lacrosse with fire, with tenacity, emotion and a will to compete that never let up. His coaches asked a lot of him this season, and he delivered in every way. He took on challenges, led by example and raised the standard for what it means to compete. The league got it right when they named him first team all-league – it was earned, not given. Now he moves on to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference where the competition is fierce, but knowing him, he’ll meet it head on. We’re proud of what he’s done and even more excited to see what’s next.”
About Adam:
Favorite food: Eggs
Favorite movie: Zodiac
Favorite artist: Slightly Stoopid
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