Why I STOPPED Playing DIVISION 1 Lacrosse...

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Just want to add that I am extremely happy with my decision. Thank you guys for the support! Never be afraid to be yourself. Also, I am NOT quitting lacrosse.
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Shoutout to Stelios Kroudis for helping with the production of this video. Check out his channel here:
/ @stelioskroudis
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[@ECD]

Good luck at Montclair State. Sounds like you made a great decision for you. Coming from a bunch of DIII guys over here, we think you are going to love the balance. Keep doing you!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you guys! You’re all the best!

[@troya650]

quitting last forever........

[@LaxHwang]

Coach Poskay is a GOAT. Best of luck.

[@shmace]

@@zooupy3954 lol not really.

[@ethanisaiahkim]

mark Eli gobrecht, callum Robinson, Kyle kartzell... you really don’t know what you’re talking about do you

[@colemellett6891]

Man I’m really out here watching og jesse vids at 1 am again lol

[@jaredbeaufait5954]

4am for me

[@ace90817]

It’s exactly 1:00 am for me whoa

[@redstarlacrosse]

The amazing things about paths is that there are an infinite number of them, and stepping off the one that you're on to try another one is EXACTLY how happiness is eventually found. I don't know you personally, but I have followed you for years, and being an older guy with sons around your age, I have to say that I am honestly proud of you. Having the self-awareness to understand your own happiness, and having the guts to make changes in pursuit of true happiness is rare in somebody so young. I stepped off the path at age 40. My story is unimportant here, but suffice it to say, I have never been happier. Best of luck to you! As somebody who has been around the block a time or two, I can tell you'll be just fine.

[@JesseJamesWest]

Exactly! Thank you so much for the support man! It’s all about being happy

[@darylli5768]

You two are awesome!

[@ginaplympton7889]

everyone knew he sucked at lacrosse. so yeah that was a factor.

[@ethanisaiahkim]

@@ginaplympton7889 why are you like this

[@Clutchfanatic37]

I feel this video will help a lot of people out who may be in the same boat as you! I felt very similar and never followed through with NCAA D1-D3 and decided going back home and playing club with my best friends growing up was the best option for me. I wouldn't go back and change a thing, best of luck to you my man! I'm happy for you

[@JesseJamesWest]

Exactly my man, hope I can help someone out there. I appreciate your support more than you know

[@Gh0stRider]

This video should be shown to every kid going through the recruiting process! My son was a top lacrosse player and chose not to play DI lacrosse for many of the reasons you stated. Could not be prouder of him for making such a wise choice. Sounds like you made the right choice. Best of luck to you!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Rick Johnson thank you very much! Best of luck to your son!

[@Gh0stRider]

@@JesseJamesWest Also, great that you recognized you were starting to go to a dark place. If you get that feeling again, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are so many resources out there to help you. No need to work through that alone.

[@gabemoore3189]

Smart choice.did your son end up playing somewhere he was happy?

[@carlalmquist9907]

One of my assistant coaches watched your video and encouraged me to watch & share with our boys. Especially since a lot of them are thinking about playing in college. It’s definitely something very important to think about your self-worth and I think you’re making a great move without any regrets of it. I know my boys will definitely get much benefit from this when thinking about what they want to do in their lives. Thank you Jesse and best of luck to you at the D3 level.

[@JesseJamesWest]

Carl Almquist thank you very much man!!

[@coltonlehnen6803]

Watching this two years later, and I actually had to show it to my parents because I made a pretty similar decision. Im in my senior year and I have 3 division one football offers but I just got done telling the coaches I will not be playing. Forever grateful for football for showing me the weight room but I can’t waste 4 years of this short life doing what I don’t love. Now I am just focusing on powerlifting and bodybuilding and I love life. Thank you for being so open, because my teammates friends and family can’t understand my decision and it feels good to hear someone else who was in the same position.

[@spitmoon]

My mans is gonna kill everyone in d3

[@NaptownRugger]

Spirit Alabovitz Ehh, there are plenty of D1 guys who can’t cut it for one reason or another at that level and end up going D2/3. I had a buddy who had a full ride to Towson and for one reason of another ended up going to Salisbury.

[@itllplaygolf]

Brendan Carey um well you cant get a full ride for lacrosse so...

[@codealvo]

Ben Stuart Depending on the academic scholarships you get and taking those into consideration, even a little bit of money from any sport can help you go to college for “free”, hence people calling it a “full ride” lol idk if that’s the case here, but I know a lot of people that use that logic haha

[@kohbuh9986]

@@codealvo well actually I’m pretty sure you can get partial and full scholarships through D1 and D2 schools depending on how good or well the program is doing, and apart from that. I could be wrong but I think I read about it some where. Although, I do not think you can get any athletic scholarships from D3 or any other type of college. Academic scholarships are definitely the way to go for sure, because they are more available to schools. And I’m pretty sure any college could give out a full ride for academics.

[@codealvo]

@@kohbuh9986 I’m not really sure what you’re saying... we seem to be on the same page lol I was responding to the Ben Stuart guy above me who said you can’t get a full ride for lacrosse. That’s what I’m saying... even if you are not able, the academic scholarships you mentioned could fully cover tuition, making it a “full ride”.

[@droliver]

Great honest video. Men’s D1 varsity sports are essentially a full time job at this point that largely pay lip service to the student part of student-athlete. One of my friend’s children was a top 25 national recruit who quit the game completely after a season at a top 5 program as he felt the priorities were broken and they they were isolated from anything of a normal experience. That was at an Ivy, so I can’t imagine what it’s like at a program like Maryland, etc... Good luck at Montclair State, my son is a 2019 commit at D3 Birmingham-Southern College which he felt was a good balance of lacrosse and the social aspects of being a college student.

[@lamarjackson6963]

That’s why I’m going D3 next year. With D1 lacrosse its literally YOUR LIFE, D3 you play but you get to have some time to yourself.....

[@jack26452]

For The Boys Eh yeah... THATS why

[@Katie_DeFeo]

I support you brotha, all the best!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you Katie! Means a ton!!

[@Mike-fv6hg]

I want to say thank you very much. This is the seccond time I watched this video, watched it when it originally came out. I am in pretty much the same situation you were in. I'll be entering my freshman year of college next year and I was thinking of commiting to a large d1 school in my junior year but didn't because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to follow my other passion (med school). I will be commiting to a small d3 school where I want to be regardless of if I play lacrosse or not. I just want to say that your video really helped me in finding the right college to be at where I can mature as more than just a player but also academically and personally. Your video did help lead me in my decesion and I am forever grateful for you. Sharing your experience on this matter gave me needed clarity on the subject and I expect that it will have the same positive impact on others who are thinking about commiting D1. Thank you very much, this video did have an impact on people and I look forward to the next awesome video!!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Holy shit man. This hit my heart man. You have no idea how much this means to me. For real. Thank you so much man❤️❤️ I’m so happy for you

[@netaneldavid8184]

The college years are the most memorable and significant years of growth and experiment. The experience is very individual and marks a person for life. For the vast majority including recruited talent -college sports whether division 1 and even if culminating in championship glory- is a brief ever fleeting moment of exultation that fades- but where every moment in the entire 4 years are chained to that purpose. It's a very high price to pay when such a minuscule amount get presented with a post collegiate sports career. Thumbs up for taking back your life after introspection and weighing how much it means to you vs. the sacrifice and stating this openly and honestly.

[@AdrianPomilio]

I hope that many youngsters that follow you take your words to heart. You hit the nail on the head about not playing lacrosse, would you still want to be at the school. My young sons watch your videos and I am glad that you have put this all out there for them and others to see and hear. You do you, and all the best to you .

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you Adrian! Hope I can help even just one person out there

[@JulesHeningburg]

Love it my man! To the next journey...

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you Jules! You’re the man! Ontothenext

[@zachcarson7880]

I think there’s this fantasy about D1 being all glory but it’s hard work and when kids get recruited they don’t realize how hard and metals and physical draining it is so thank you for shinning a light on that situation. Cause when you play D1 you have to love a breath Lacrosse and not everyone has just one passion. I’ve being a spartan strings fan for a long time so I want to say thank you Jessie and I’m proud of you I know that whatever you’ll succeed at whatever you put your mind to I’m just happy I get to watch and be inspired.

[@williamkuhn9409]

You are brave. Thank you for sharing this, I am also a lacrosse player and coach (20 years old), looking at the decision you made is like looking into a mirror. I went through the same issues at my first school, and you’re right you are not running away from your anxiety, your hardship, you are facing it head on, and are making a courageous decision for yourself. I think you are very mature, and I definitely am still learning the way too, learning how to be a man, but like I said I went through the same problems and made a similar decision and i know I don’t know you I’m very proud of you, and I know how happy you are

[@BillOBrien96]

Only you can walk your path brother, good luck on the new endeavor - I know you'll crush it.

[@JesseJamesWest]

Bill O'Brien thank you Bill, means so much coming from you!

[@cpat1236]

Lacrosse was my passion in high school but when I progressed to college it turns into something more than just a hobby. I found myself not even wanting to go to practice half the time. I’ve been in your shoes man you made the right decision

[@JesseJamesWest]

C pat12 thanks man🙏

[@harvester3578]

This really has helped my outlook on life. I’ve been dealing with some stuff and now being a senior in high school and about to play college lacrosse, I’m really thankful you shared this message. I’m glad you are living the way you want to man! I hope you know I look up to you! Mad respect.

[@DrewBradicich]

Just wanted to throw in my two cents...as an adult...probably not much younger than your father. You're making this decision for the right reasons. Keep your head up, and don't look back. I can tell that you're the type of person who'll be successful, regardless of direction...so follow your passion and enjoy the journey!

[@JesseJamesWest]

thank you, your words mean a ton

[@RPIVIxiiNFAMY]

I parted from a D1 scholarship after my first semester too man. Thanks for sharing your. It's all about what feels right and makes you happy at the end of the day

[@MooMoo_32]

Hey Jesse, look at how far you have come... be proud. Your family here on youtube will always support you. This video is just one of the many examples of you looking out for your happiness and future. Stay Relentless! Much love from Long Island, NY.

[@mattbertone]

Facts, I’m from there too man

[@Salmuscat3725]

Hey Jesse, not sure if you are going to read this but if you do, dude you have been a big part in dragging me out of my darkest moments of my life thus far. It started a little after my girlfriend left me for college and left me empty inside because of how much I opened up to her. Day before that was my graduation of high school, everything in my life put me in such a depression of overthinking thoughts and no idea on where life was taking me. After everything happened I took a break from reality and went to Las Vegas, there I realized just where I needed to be for my passion. I started making a plan to get there, and found lots of inspiration in ways to control my emotions and get my head straight. Not too long after I came across your channel. You had a sense of relativity to me that made me feel so inspired. I thought damn, THIS GUY MADE IT! I took all the advice you had to offer. Just starting by getting a job (and btw to get me hyped for my first day I listened to commando ninja) to get me on the train to success. Flash forward a couple more months I’m volunteering at a prosthetics clinic, and I have a different job. And I’m going to the gym at night every week. My absolute passion in my life is Pro Wrestling, to me I see it as an art and I’ve loved it ever since I could remember. Working on saving money for and Pro Wrestling School and I have made my plans to make it to the top no matter what obstacles are in my way. Just wanted to say thank you man, keeping me inspired through probably the hardest weeks of my life, kept me going. You really helped me live the definition of RELENTLESS, and I might get a tattoo of it as well. Hope to see you at the top some day man. Stay Real and Keep Doing Good. - Sal Muscat :)

[@JesseJamesWest]

Woah, I got chills reading this. Thank you for sharing your journey with me. It means so much to me. I am glad you’re finding your way. Get that tattoo! You won’t regret it! So much love for you man. Keep moving forward and stay fucking relentless

[@patricknodriscoll]

So much respect Jesse

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you Patrick, means a lot brother!

[@arlenewest9896]

Jesse you are such a mature young man. Hearing you talk like that is amazing. You have to follow your own heart and make your own happiness. Best of luck in your new path.

[@JesseJamesWest]

thank you man!

[@jakewilson1652]

Mad respect been following you for a while now good luck with what the future holds for you brother

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you so much brother

[@zachwatson8184]

Stumbled on this video by accident, not sure you'll ever see this but you articulated the feeling that many college athletes and students go through very well. You really thought this through and from my experiences, I think you'll look back and find you made the right choice. More people need to hear messages like this. Best of luck at Montclair, I hope everything works out for you!

[@JesseJamesWest]

thank you Zachary it truly means more than you know!

[@MBAlax17]

Jesse, I can’t explain to you how much this video hit home for me. A lot of guys that watch your videos are probably younger and still have college ahead of them. But as someone who’s gone through exactly what you’re going through, I can say you’ve made the right choice. I attended The University of Tampa for my freshman year of college and played division 2 lacrosse there. Just like you, it was a dream of mine for years. Also just like you, I was never fully sure what I was doing was the right decision. After spending a year there, I had to look at my own future and what was right for ME. I made the exact decision you did and transferred home to The University of Tennessee. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. This goes for everyone: follow your heart. Don’t make major decisions in your life because of the way other people feel. Weigh your options and make the decision you know in your heart is the right one. Good luck my friend. I hope you find the sense of peace you’re looking for while still enjoying the sport we all love!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you so much man it means a lot brother 🔥

[@sarahhanley1228]

Thank you for this beautiful message. I’m a current freshmen and I play women’s lacrosse and field hockey at Ohio Wesleyan University. I felt like I was in the same situation as a senior where people were telling me, “you can do better than that school” “that schools in Ohio, why are you going there?” People made me feel like I needed to go somewhere in Michigan (where I’m from) or a big ass school like MSU or GVSU or other big 10 or large schools. At first, those were the places I wanted to go, but in my heart, that wasn’t right. They didn’t feel like home and I wasn’t comfortable with the size and what why offered me academically. I found my home as soon I walked through the doors of OWU. I told my dad, “dad, I want to go here.” I met my current teammates and coaches and all the people that helped me on my visit and I never felt that welcomed at a big school I visited. I’ve been thinking for a while that I was not in the right place though and that I should have gone to another school I’ve played that’s better or a school that had more money and fancy facilities. It was a terrible mindset for me to be in. Your words helped me realize that what matters is what I’m getting from my experience, and that’s the people I’m surrounded by, my academics, and being apart of a great environment and community for myself to “thrive” in. I would of never thrived at MSU or another big school. I would of done fine at some other schools, but I know right now, I’m doing what I love and studying what I’m interested with excellent grades. That’s what I’m at college for anyways. D3 is a perfect balance of athletics and academics and I’m glad I made this choice because now I can still play the 2 sports I love. I was never even close to playing D1 or maybe D2 for my sports, but why does that matter? D1 is not for everyone. It’s for those who are more experienced and would rather focus more on their sport as it is. Athletics seems to be more on focus that academics in a way. I would like that idea, if my grades didn’t determine if I continued going to that school or moving on with my life. Only few go pro and that doesn’t make a living. I’m glad I am where I am and you helped me with this vision. Thank you and bless you!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you so much for sharing it means the world to me!

[@sarahhanley1228]

Jesse James West ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Wheatoninak]

Finding your passions and priorities is a lifelong process - rarely a direct path, more likely winding around, maybe even covering the same ground. You seem confident that you’ll figure it out - that is the first step, since it gives the courage to take action. Lax, lifting, & studies are all means to an end. Not one breath you take depends on them.

[@JesseJamesWest]

Ben Nordstrom very true word man

[@mads9679]

Thanks for posting this video and sharing your story!! I related to a lot that you said. I’m a sophmore in high school and last year I went to a top private school. This year I transferred back to my home public hs. It’s been a lot. I was recruited in 8th grade to play lax at this boarding school. I saw it as an amazing opportunity. But I never felt at home and I rapidly got more and more depressed being there. Over the summer I had panic attacks and anxiety about going back to that school and I knew that’s not right. So I switched back to my public school. Now I’m actually excited for lacrosse season again. Much respect for you dude. Best, mads

[@dylancolter9583]

I did the same thing man, played college lacrosse for a semester and transfered to a new school to play club instead and it was a great decision. college lacrosse felt to me like an entire different sport. I was doing well but i knew that school wasn't my home. Im a sophomore now and everything is going good just stay on your path brotha you got this.

[@JesseJamesWest]

thank you for sharing man means a ton

[@lamp-gramp980]

This really inspired me man. I’m pretty young and this is definitely inspiring me to make my own decisions for what’s best for me. Congrats on your change I hope all goes well, and thank you for giving me great advice to make the right decisions.

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you man!!!!

[@tyleryoung1083]

Excellent video. My 3 years playing D3 lacrosse were some of the best years of my life. Best of luck to you.

[@rocknation7065]

I think you made a very good choice on what you really want to do. Not what others say . You are your self , you should control your self . This is a good video for younger kids going into middle school,high school , and college later on . This can give people an idea that you don’t have to go D1 because you just got an offer. You should think deep about it, especially the campus, athletes, #1 the size of the school. Some people like bigger schools, some like smaller and that’s ok. Everyone has their own opinions . Great example for lots of people . I wish you the best of luck going into MSU , that’s a very good school, with lots of athletes in school history. I hope you enjoy your day, thanksgiving. Yet again this is an awesome video you made .Decision making is the big thing when you get older .Can’t wait to see the rest of your journey coming along.Best example for young athletes.

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you so much means a ton🙏

[@jamesnaughton3053]

It's all about doing what you love. Good luck on your new path Jesse. You're gonna kill it.

[@JesseJamesWest]

thank you

[@tropicalskittles8144]

Bro i completely understand, the decision is hard but it is well worth it. Completely behind u, this exactly how I feel bro and this helped.

[@JesseJamesWest]

glad it can help in any way, thank you

[@pizzasams1]

I respect the choice to make your own decisions and grow as a person mad respect man 🤙

[@JesseJamesWest]

Julian Sams means a lot!

[@albertesquivel8077]

It is so Awesome that you had the Courage to be Honest to yourself...... and you’re Blessed with support from family and Friends , I’m sure they’re are a lot of Athletes going through the same feeling that have had for how long......wish you All the Best of Luck.

[@coach8140]

Well done & well said Jesse! Solid hand shake and high five coming your way. Impressively honest, reflective and insightful. I wish you for you great success with your new path and congrats on have the COURAGE TO STEP OFF THE PATH YOU WERE ON AS IT WAS NOT YOUR PATH TO YOUR DESTINY. BRAVERY FOR SURE. Be well and I'm grateful to have your video to share with those struggling at this time of life as well. If time allows on your end can you shoot out some updates? We wish you well on this next part of your journey.

[@JesseJamesWest]

coach thank you means a ton!

[@andrewbutler5183]

Hey man I have a lot of respect for this video and your decision. I think this is something that a lot of other athletes face but something not to many people talk about. Wish you the best at Montclair!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Andrew Butler Media thank you so much!

[@jackstorer9122]

I’ve loved being able to see your career throughout the years through this KZbin channel. Thank you for sharing this with us

[@JesseJamesWest]

anytime, thanks for supporting man

[@Blakecollins23]

Just now seeing this video. I now feel way better about the decision that I made this year. I decided to stop playing basketball because of the same reasons. Mental health is so important bro, I learned that through the hard times. And just like you said, now that I’m doing what I want, I’ve never been happier and my path has never felt more clear. Thank you for posting this man.

[@nk0spewock101]

Takes a lot of toughness to make a change like that, I respect the decision you made though a challenging one, just keep making one inch of progress every day to become a champion in life

[@JesseJamesWest]

hell yeah, thats a great way to put it

[@creativehops]

I felt the same playing Division 1 Hockey. I appreciate you sharing this because it helps me understand I’m not the only athlete at such a high level dealing with the same problem.

[@dylanleclair7279]

Unreal, its never easy to make these changes and especially let people know all about them. Truly inspiring, especially coming from such a good player like yourself. Best of luck

[@chasetranquillo51]

I did the same thing bro! I went D1 my freshman year first semester and was not happy, the school was not the right fit and was overwhelmed! I truly started to dislike lacrosse and I felt like I was not me. I transferred first semester from Mount and now and a sophomore and just play club. Trust me your making a decision you won’t regret! Best of luck in the future bro!

[@JesseJamesWest]

thanks man means a lot more than you know

[@matthoffman1165]

I know exactly how you feel, I've been in a similar situation, I'm glad you're making a decision to make yourself happier.

[@JesseJamesWest]

thanks for the support man

[@marykatherinehill7896]

I think this is an awesome video! I’m going to be playing D3 lacrosse at Oglethorpe U next year and even though it’s a really new program and they don’t have an amazing winning streak, the campus and people really clicked for me. It’s so important to find somewhere that works for YOU and it’s different for every single person. Some people think that D3 is somehow worse but the main difference is really just the intensity, like there are amazing and bad teams at every single level. Kudos for making this video, I’m glad you touched on how you can lose your love for a sport when you’re being pushed too far.

[@codealvo]

Kinda similar to my situation haha I was fortunate enough to play D1 baseball, then sustained an injury, realized what my priorities were and was able to focus on other things that I really was passionate about instead :) As long as you’re pursuing your goals and it makes you happy, there’s no reason to continue doing something that takes time and energy away from that. Great video man, old, but gold 😎 A lot of people don’t realize the sacrifices associated with being an athlete in college, especially at the Division 1 level.

[@avery4959]

loved the part about even though something might be a great opportunity, it might not be your home/right fit for you. congrats and keep up the great work!

[@StoicTrader]

same thing happened to me with D2 college football, then finance and managing money... as you evolve and change, your desires change... you just have to follow your intuition and what feels right, only you know what's right for you... if you're in tune with yourself you will create your own unique path that's not the same as most of society, this vid was made a day after my bday btw, good stuff bro, good channel

[@reidrl2113]

I play d3 and I know you'll love it, and your work ethic will make you one of the most successful d3 guys out there

[@TM45967]

I'm happy you've found the courage to focus on the betterment of your life and not for those who supposedly 'support' you, but berate you for doing exactly that. I wish I had made the move early on in college but got caught up because I tried to treat lacrosse as a total outlet from all the negativity. So much more matters. Good luck at Montclair!

[@JesseJamesWest]

thanks man means a ton!

[@dereke4186]

Loving the GRETA VAN FLEET at the beginning, one of my favorite bands

[@drewcaliri3055]

hey, I want to thank you for sharing your story. I feel like this will be a great example and a positive example for many lacrosse players. thank you.

[@JesseJamesWest]

thank you

[@christiangaeta7611]

This is how I feel about football, I’m going D1 as well. At the moment I’m thinking about doing the same as you Jesse, thanks for helping me reflect upon what I want to do!

[@derrenthompson8667]

Great vid couldn’t agree more with the points you made. I tore my acl in fall ball after coming back from a season ending foot injury, went through a really dark place mentally. Glad you found a place you love man !

[@liamronan5747]

Total respect for what you’re doing. Best of luck to you man happiness is everything

[@SaratogaStrings]

I went through something so similar my guy. I chose a school last year solely because I wanted to continue playing lacrosse and didn't even like the school. I pushed through it cause I thought it was what I wanted but it wasn't. I got a career ending injury and it almost seemed like a sign to follow my real dreams. Now I'm transferring and going to be with my best friends. I support you dude, live your life and always let your ambitions take you

[@mattbertone]

These are amazing words Jesse. Even two years later

[@jaxonshlaxin1844]

Feel the same way, brother. I’ve been rowing for 4 years and have a shot at going D1. My parents try to force it on me but I know that it’s not my passion and more of something that I just do, like you said. Great vid

[@1gecky123]

I get where you are coming from, I had the opportunity to play d3 tennis but decided not to as it wasn't everything in my life and wasn't the right fit. I've enjoyed my college experience more because of that and actually joined our club lax team and its been good. I also face anxieties, you just have to work them out. A song I've been listening to a lot lately is disease by beartooth and I've used that to get through some of my struggles. Just know things happen for a reason and don't regret your decisions.

[@brandsongrams9144]

U got me into lax and lifting and now I have the most confidence I've ever had

[@jamesvanosdol8040]

I feel you bro I was gonna play at a DIII school but I realized I was just going there because that’s what everyone expected of me and it wasn’t what I wanted to do. That’s why I stopped playing and just going to community college to figure out what I want to do. Good for you bro!

[@rx1hunter923]

Never live your life by other people’s expectations. Hearing you makes believe you gave this a lot of thought and reflection. You’re a bigger person for making the video and helping others. Good to go!!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Grow N' Guide thanks man means a ton! I really appreciate the love❤️🙏💪

[@amyflood6400]

Holy crap you explained something that I’ve been trying to explain my entire life dude I’m going through the same thing right now at 15 and idk what to do

[@ethangarz]

This video popped up at the perfect time for me. I’ve been playing lacrosse since 3rd grade and about 2 weeks ago I decided to pull out of the game and not play my junior year at Rhodes College (that D3 life baby). Different passions of mine have slowly started to take priority in my head, whether that’s music or videography, and after playing the preseason and turning down one too many video opportunities, I had to call It. Granted, the injuries I faced last season probably sped up this decision of mine, but all year I’ve taken lacrosse as a given, something I have to do just because I’ve been playing my whole life. You’re 100% right man, you’ve gotta live for yourself. Big decisions like this are fuckin brutal to make but when your gut is telling you what you need to be doing, you can’t ignore that. If you’re in the middle of an NCAA tournament game and youre thinking to yourself that you hope you lose so you can go home, that’s a red flag that you need to call It. I fuckin love this sport, but we all gotta do what’s best for us. Great video brotha, keep doing you man Im happy for your decision. Who knows, if Im feeling good next year maybe I’ll give It one more shot my senior year because after that it’s goodbye to this game I’ve lived my whole life playing. Cheers mate.

[@JesseJamesWest]

Cheers to you man. I wish you the best! Also thank you so much for the support!

[@mattostovitz1098]

you are young dude. you're learning. just keep going forward

[@Agent3040]

I definately felt the same thing with my d1 experience. All Lax and school. No time for much else. The school i went to wasnt my “tribe” I stuck it out 4 yrs. But I still look back on those for years as unfortunate. Wanted to transfer but also wanted to get through school and start life. The most profound thing you said is don’t just take something because it’s a good opportunity make sure it’s an opportunity that fits for you

[@JesseJamesWest]

I truly appreciate this comment Mike, thank you

[@thebuzz7282]

Deep respect for your decision, do what you love

[@JesseJamesWest]

thanks bro

[@hellhoundmotorcycles317]

The greta van fleet in the beginning 👏🏼

[@masonziegenfuss1794]

In the exact same boat as you man. Committed to play D1 football, thought it was what I truly wanted to do, but when I got there for camp I realized I got way too caught up in being a "Division 1" athlete. Transferring to a D3 school this December, and couldn't be happier. Best of luck

[@maxmovshin9875]

Nothing but respect ✊🏻 love you man

[@MidSotaa]

ive been watching this man before he was even in highscool or whenever you made your first shooting video.. keep up the work man

[@JesseJamesWest]

thanks man you're an OG

[@MidSotaa]

Jesse James West been here for about 5 years man

[@gradyholmes5386]

Great message, every secializing sport athlete needs to see this. Sorry Lehigh didn’t work out and play like a boss where your headed.

[@hhopp4730]

Gonna miss seeing you go HAM at Taylor. Good luck at the next step, way to take initiative of your future. Inspiring.

[@Portgas_D_wayne]

We support you man. Good luck at Montclair state!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Dj Thomas thanks DJ

[@tperm3819]

good luck dude youll do great wherever your go

[@bugred]

One of the greatest parts of DIII sports is that it's really similar to high school athletics in that you're getting all the same benefits of athletics, but you have the time to join other organizations or clubs and get involved academically or in extracurriculars in addition to athletics. As a transfer and 2 sport DIII athlete, I enjoyed those benefits, although I dropped down to only lacrosse after a year.

[@duanemayeda4056]

Great and honest video! Best of luck on your new adventure!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thanks!!

[@susanbrettmax]

My son and I have been watching you from afar for a few years. I know that this had to be a tough decision. Sure, you may have some regrets down the road - but then again, don't we all. Most importantly, you are focusing on your health. I teach high school juniors and seniors and I've seen many students and athletes go through what you've endured. If it isn't right, it will eat at you and you'll begin to resent the people around you, and, essentially, yourself. Turn that energy into positive energy and pursue your new passions - and education - with renewed vigor from a new perspective!

[@JesseJamesWest]

worded very well... thank you for the support!

[@Lax-Sharks]

Thanks for sharing, very open and honest and brave to share what you’ve been thinking like that.

[@ejakerblom6258]

Most inspirational thing I've seen in a while

[@JesseJamesWest]

thanks man means a lot more than you know

[@universityoffloridabasebal1726]

I have had the exact same journey as you but I’m a junior in high school and I realized this last year and I switched to tennis from baseball. Nice to see that someone had a similar experience

[@madlaxer340]

Very well thought out and mature decision. Must not have been easy. Well done young man, best of luck in lacrosse and your other passions.

[@nicholasdennis8799]

Big fan of yours man - this video was awesome. Way too many people don’t get this. So glad you’re doing what makes you happy!!

[@JesseJamesWest]

Appreciate it!

[@kailacrozier8395]

If more people were honest like you, I'm sure their own futures would be enjoyable and fulfilling.

[@JesseJamesWest]

Could be man could be b

[@samcamacho6406]

Lots of respect man big things still to come!

[@JesseJamesWest]

oh yes!

[@coltonraichl2985]

Really impressive putting yourself out there my man. Good on ya

[@JesseJamesWest]

Thank you so much!

[@ginganinja1775]

Good luck bro wishing you the best in your future

[@JesseJamesWest]

thanks man

[@chrisdeal7220]

Well said Jesse. It’s takes guts to do what you are doing. Never stop fighting for what you want.

[@knuckleslacrosse7513]

I am always gonna be a loyal fan. Chase your dreams and do what you feel is right. I wish you the best of luck for everything

[@TrystanJennings]

Greta Van Fleet in the beginning! Good luck man!

[@sarkasticninja6902]

bro i genuinely have no idea who you are. your video was recommended and player on autoplay after i discovered what the PLL was. But this was somehow exactly what i needed to hear. truly inspiring and im thankful you made this video. hope everything has been going well for you

[@JesseJamesWest]

Sarkastic Ninja wow, crazy how things work out man. I hope you’re doing well

[@tylerutter5674]

This video spoke volumes to me. Before I went to high school I decided to not follow my passion and go to film school. I decided to go to the best school I got into academically and for lacrosse and those were the only two factors that got me there. And I felt the same as you the only thing keeping me there were the players and coaching staff. About a month ago I made a decision to leave the school I was at and now I’m going to community college in the spring. Coming this fall I’ll be walking onto Keene State College and going to film school and following my dreams. Thanks for this vid Jesse it makes me feel less isolated and alone in this journey I’m going on. Been watching you for years your a great dude. Good luck to you brother.

[@georgehorner6046]

Good luck Bro , way to make decisions on your own 👍

[@JesseJamesWest]

George Horner thanks man🙏

[@malinz1703]

Randomly stumbled across this video. I quit lacrosse about two years ago as a sophomore playing varsity in one of the toughest divisions on Long Island. I played at a very high level and was on a path to play college lacrosse but it just never felt right. I was always stuck on the lacrosse path because it’s what everyone knew me for and it’s what was expected of me. The summer going into my sophomore year I broke and dislocated my finger, causing me to get surgery and miss all of summer ball. In that short two moth time span I realized that there were other things I was passionate about and wanted to continue putting my time into. When I got back to lacrosse my drive just wasn’t the same, I didn’t want to devote every hour of every day to the game, I wanted something new. I quit playing competitively to peruse other fields and enjoy life for what it’s meant to be. For anyone looking to get committed, ask yourself if it’s really for you, if it’s what you want to spend your time doing. College is a place to grow and spend some of the best four years of your life, it’s best to enjoy it.

[@andresummers7097]

Very happy and proud of you for standing up for yourself. Really hope younger players watch this.