Feb. 2, 2010

Former Navy lacrosse Captain Andy Tormey is part of the U.S. Military's efforts to help in the support of Haiti, which was recently rocked by violent earthquakes. Navy sports information director Stacie Michaud put Inside Lacrosse in touch with the former Midshipman to share his experiences from helping the thousands of people whose lives have been torn apart after the earthquake.

How has your training at the Naval Academy prepared you to travel to Haiti?
My training has set me up to deal with these rough circumstances on all levels. Upon graduation you have no idea what your really getting into until you experience it for yourself. It's the time spent on the lacrosse field and in the classroom that has lead me to be ready for this moment.

What valuable lessons did you learn on the field that you believe prepared you for this?
When you are in the heat of the season, there is no way that you can realize how those obstacles and games that you face everyday set you up for success in the future. Coach Meade always told us after practice and before games never to take anything for granted because these times go by a lot faster than you think. What I soon realized after graduation is that after balancing lacrosse and academics at the Naval Academy, you can take on any challenge that life throws your way. My ship just came back from a shortened deployment before the tragedy in Haiti took place. In this lifestyle you have to be ready for any obstacles that may arise just like on the field. When you're down by one in the fourth quarter after just coming back from a five goal deficit and the opposing team scores again, there is no time to dwell on the past, you need to stay positive and keep moving forward. That is exactly what our military is doing in Haiti. We are and will always be ready to respond to situations like this, that is why were the best military in the world.

To view the complete article from Inside Lacrosse, click here.