AJ Mercurio

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Early Years 

When I was 15 months old, I was diagnosed with childhood cancer called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH). After almost 2 years of treatment I was given a clean bill of health, however due to the cancer and treatments I was left legally blind in my one eye. Although young, I like to believe this gave me the skills to overcome and never stop fighting which translates to my Lacrosse journey and any obstacles that arise in life. 

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Youth Lacrosse 

Living in Annapolis, Maryland from the ages of 6 to 14, I was introduced to the game of Lacrosse, this is where I gained my love and respect for the sport. Every kid played it at an elevated level so practice and having your stick in your hand was easy! I started playing organized youth lacrosse and started my journey into club lacrosse as well. After only a year, I found myself playing up a year or two due to my skill, size, and desire to push myself. 

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High School 

Moving to Reno, Nevada after being in Annapolis, Maryland was like moving to the moon as far as Lacrosse was concerned. A couple of high schools had club lacrosse, our youth program was there but participation was basically made up of east coast families or others that had given the sport a try. At this time, my love and desire to play this sport was skyrocketing and it appeared this could be the end of my long-term goal of playing Division 1 Lacrosse. So, my family started a High School Lacrosse club at my High School, and I led the charge of recruiting my friends, other athletes and anyone that would listen.  

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Club Lacrosse 

Although I played for multiple clubs along the way based on opportunities it was Booth Lacrosse and ADVNC where I had the most exposure. Both clubs were started and run by ex-pros, Tim Booth and Chris Rotelli, east coast guys that moved to California. They both showed me that my goal was possible. Being from Reno, I was not highly recruited or recruited at all! One summer day, the greatest coach of all time happened to see me play for about 4 minutes while he was recruiting another player. Bill Tierney in those 4 minutes changed my Lacrosse life forever. After that game he simply said you are going to play for me in Denver. 

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College 

University of Denver, ranked in the top 10 nationally for division 1 lacrosse. This little-known kid from Reno managed to start every game for 5 years. Over this time, I received many accolades such as, 4X All Big East, Defensive Player of the week, All American recognition and even placed on the Tewaaraton watchlist but the proudest part of my college career was  two things, improving my skill each and every year and finally leading the team to the final 4 in 2023. 

 

Professional Career 

Drafted in 2023 by the Colorado Mammoth in the NLL and reunited with Coach Bill Tierney for the PLL Philadelphia Waterdogs. I appeared in one game this year and aggravated a foot injury which I am currently rehabilitating with the goal of getting on the field in February/March for the Mammoth and again in May for the Waterdogs. More to come....