By Michael LaSalle ’22

The prowess of Chaminade High School’s lacrosse program is well-known on both local and national levels. Ranking among the best in New York State and the United States

as a whole, the Flyers lacrosse team is known for excellence in coaching, discipline, and dominance. This year, Chaminade’s lacrosse program is brimming with outstanding talent, and many of the student-athletes rank among the top players in the nation. 

One of these players is Charles Balsamo ‘22, a senior attackman whose tremendous athleticism and skill is an integral part of the CHS varsity lacrosse team. Balsamo lives in Manhasset with his mom, dad, younger brother John, and their two german shepherds, Colt and Duke. 

In addition to lacrosse, Balsamo plays soccer and contributed to the varsity team’s state championship run this past fall. In the off-season, Balsamo also likes to play golf. “Though lacrosse is my passion,” Balsamo explained, “I frequently seek other athletic activities to stimulate my competitive nature. Golf is a sport that I learned to love for many reasons. The two main reasons are the skill required to be good at the sport, and the social aspect of the sport where I get to play with my friends and family. Golf is also a sport that I can play at any age of my life and use it to my advantage.”

Throughout his childhood, Balsamo played club lacrosse for Long Island Express. Playing with Long Island’s top lacrosse talent from a young age, Balsamo not only developed as an outstanding player but also built many strong friendships which last to this day. Balsamo reminisced, “My favorite memory of playing lacrosse as a kid was going to the World Series of Youth Lacrosse with my Express team. We flew out to Denver and competed for three days against the top U-13 teams in the country. After three hard-fought days, our team competed on ESPN for the championship. We ended up winning the tournament and I led the tournament in points. I will forever remember that experience as a youth lacrosse player.”

When deciding where he wanted to go for high school, Balsamo was attracted to Chaminade for both its academic excellence and strong athletic reputation. “Specifically, the lacrosse program attracted me because of the opportunity to be coached by [Head Varsity] Coach Jack Moran,” Balsamo stated. 

Throughout his years at Chaminade, Balsamo has succeeded not only on the lacrosse and soccer fields but also in the classroom, attaining honor roll status throughout all four of his years at Chaminade.

While Balsamo is committed to play lacrosse at Duke University next year, he remains intensely focused on his senior season. In his last year at Chaminade, Balsamo aspires to leave a legacy by leading the team to a championship victory. After falling short to St. Anthony’s in the league championship game last year, the varsity Flyers are determined to avenge their loss and secure victory this season.

As a starter for the Flyers, Balsamo urges his teammates to communicate, knowing that their chemistry will be most important in their hopes for victory. “I think that everyone has to assume a leadership role in some capacity on the team, but if my teammates need me to step up as the main leader, I will do so with honor,” Balsamo explained.

“This 2022 spring season is going to be an awesome journey for the varsity lacrosse team,” Balsamo continued. “We have very high goals and will achieve them as a team. Our sights are set on the Catholic league championship and being ranked the best in the country. I am looking forward to being a part of this great group of men.”