Dual-sport standout Gary Merrill of St. Anthony's High School said he was both thrilled and shocked to be able to play for the University of North Carolina (UNC) under famed coach Bill Belichick. After an outstanding senior season in which he threw for 1762 yards and 19 touchdowns and ran for 1955 yards and 32 scores, Merrill, who established himself as a quarterback and a lacrosse midfielder, was voted New York's Gatorade Player of the Year in football. A significant turning point in his athletic career was his choice to play football and lacrosse for UNC.
The distinctive and esteemed character of this opportunity is shown in Merrill's response to enrolling in Belichick program. In December 2024 the renowned coach—who won eight Super Bowls with the New England Patriots—took over as head coach of UNC football team. Since then he has aggressively sought out elite players such as Merrill who is regarded as a top-ranked lacrosse midfielder in addition to his football skills. Merrill called the opportunity to play under Belichick "speechless," emphasizing the pride and thrill he has at being able to contribute to both sports at a top university.
Belichicker decision to combine lacrosse and football at UNC is regarded as revolutionary and may establish a standard for athletes who play two sports in the future. With the help of a famous coach like Belichick athletes may now flourish in many sports at the university level a trend that Merrill's dedication represents. Merrill is excited to contribute to UNC football and lacrosse teams as he gets ready to start this new chapter in his sports career.
The distinctive and esteemed character of this opportunity is shown in Merrill's response to enrolling in Belichick program. In December 2024 the renowned coach—who won eight Super Bowls with the New England Patriots—took over as head coach of UNC football team. Since then he has aggressively sought out elite players such as Merrill who is regarded as a top-ranked lacrosse midfielder in addition to his football skills. Merrill called the opportunity to play under Belichick "speechless," emphasizing the pride and thrill he has at being able to contribute to both sports at a top university.
Belichicker decision to combine lacrosse and football at UNC is regarded as revolutionary and may establish a standard for athletes who play two sports in the future. With the help of a famous coach like Belichick athletes may now flourish in many sports at the university level a trend that Merrill's dedication represents. Merrill is excited to contribute to UNC football and lacrosse teams as he gets ready to start this new chapter in his sports career.
