USA Lacrosse announces Thomes Hansen of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota and Natalie Oyler of Meridian, Idaho as the recipients of 2022 Michael Breschi Scholarships.
Established in 2007 to honor the life and memory of Michael Breschi, son of University of North Carolina men’s lacrosse head coach Joe Breschi, the scholarships are awarded annually to two high school seniors who plan to attend college and are the son or daughter of a coach who serves as a full-time employee of an educational institution.
Criteria considered include academic qualifications, extracurricular activities, internships, community service, and employment experience. USA Lacrosse administers the scholarships, with winners selected annually by the Breschi family.
Hansen is a graduate of Park Center High School, where he was a member of both the football and lacrosse teams. Hansen served as the lacrosse team captain for three years, and was also three-year participant in the Homegrown Lacrosse Leadership Development program. He also served as a volunteer coach and referee for five years with the Brooklyn Park Athletic Association. Hansen is now enrolled at North Dakota State University.
“Thomes is a dedicated student with a set of core values that enable him to put full effort into whatever endeavors that he subscribes to,” said Janet Freeberg-Lawson, who served as Hansen's AP English teacher in high school. “He is serious about his work, unfailingly respectful and polite to staff members, and works well with his peers. He is one of Minnesota's best and brightest and he will be a success.”
Oyler graduated from Mountain View High School and was a four-year player on both the lacrosse and basketball teams, serving as team captain for both squads. In addition, she was an active member of the local DECA chapter, winner of the Amazing Student Award, recipient of the USA Lacrosse Jackie Pitts Award, and a volunteer youth coach. Oyler is now attending Dominican University and is a freshman goalie on the lacrosse team.
“Natalie was an amazing and dedicated coach and a positive influence that the girls really responded to very quickly,” said Dennis Reak, girls' director for the Treasure Valley Youth Lacrosse League. "She is an inspiration and I hope that she continues to think about coaching in the future. There is no doubt in my mind that she will be an excellent addition to any organization."
Joe Breschi noted that his family was delighted to recognize the deserving recipients of this year’s scholarships.
"On behalf of my family, I’m honored to announce this year’s recipients of the Michael Breschi Scholarship," Breschi said. "After reviewing so many exceptional applicants over the last few weeks with my family, Thomes and Natalie stood out as two terrific individuals and students who exemplify a tremendous work ethic and a passion to serve others. Their combination of community service and love for the game will help carry them as they enter their respective universities. I’d like to thank USA Lacrosse and the scholarship committee for their continued support of the Michael Breschi Scholarship and for helping all of us keep Mike’s legacy & memory alive through the game of lacrosse."
● See the full list of prior scholarship winners here.
