In Marcus McDonnell, lacrosse trusts

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- This week's Woodlands Online student/athlete of the week is none other than high character guy, junior lacrosse player, Marcus McDonnell. Marcus started playing lacrosse in first grade in the Klein organization. When it was obvious Marcus had passion for the game, the McDonnell's moved into the Woodlands High School feeder zone so he could be exposed to the best possible coaching.

McDonnell's older brothers both played lacrosse through high school, so he spent a considerable amount of time on the sidelines before he actually started playing. In Junior High, Marcus found that he was good at multiple sports such as cross-country, track, soccer and football. This is when Marcus took a hiatus from lacrosse to pursue other athletic interests. He eventually came back to lacrosse and The Woodlands lacrosse organization. This just in, the players and coaches are glad he did.

Let's learn more about high school junior Marcus McDonnell in this week's Woodlands Online Student/Athlete of the Week profile....

1) How did you become interested in lacrosse?
Growing up, I played every sport I could—soccer, baseball, football, basketball, and track. As a kid, lacrosse was the one constant sport I always played. No matter what other sport I was trying, lacrosse remained my main focus. In 9th grade, I decided to step away from lacrosse because I wanted to try something new. I had always played lacrosse because it was just what the boys in my family did. I ended up switching to play high school soccer. However, after taking some time away, I realized how much I truly love lacrosse. Now, I feel like no other sport compares to it. I love the speed and the unique mixture of technical skills and athletic demands that are higher than most other sports.

2) Describe the 2025 TWHS lacrosse team and why you enjoy playing for TWHS.
First and foremost, my coaches are incredible. Coach Anthony DeMaio, in particular, really motivates us to work hard. When he addresses us in the locker room or during team huddles, he demands our best and inspires us to perform even better than we thought we could. As for the players, I love these guys so much! The Woodlands Lacrosse family strikes a perfect balance between having fun together and holding each other accountable. We always push each other to give our best for the team, and that bond makes playing for TWHS special.

3) Do you like TWHS?
Yes, I love being a student at TWHS. I have amazing teachers and great friends, which makes it fun to go to school every day.

4) What colleges are you looking into attending? Your major? What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?
I haven’t decided where I want to go to school yet. Of course, UT and Texas A&M are on my list, but I’m also considering some out-of-state options. I plan to major in business and see where that path takes me after graduation.

5) What do you enjoy doing away from school and sports?
When I’m not playing lacrosse, I like to work out, play guitar, and hang out with my friends.

6) Who are your role models for lacrosse?
Some of my favorite players are Myles Jones and Sergio Perkovic. Of course, my older brothers were my original role models when it came to lacrosse.

7) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do.
Without my family, I don’t know if I would have accomplished anything I have so far. From years of driving me to practices and games to helping me study for AP exams, my family has always been my biggest support system.

8) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?
I would probably donate to the American Red Cross. I remember during Hurricane Harvey how much they helped people in Houston, and that made a big impact on me.

9) Three things people don't know about you:

• I am a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada.

• I eat over 40 eggs a week.

• After a bad haircut experience, my mom is now the only person I trust to cut my hair.

10) What is your favorite song in your phone right now? Do you have a favorite group?
I like a lot of different types of music, but lately, I’ve been listening to Don’t Matter to Me by Drake. I don’t have a favorite group because I listen to so many different genres.

11) Your favorite movie of all time:
I watched The Waterboy with my older brothers all the time growing up, so that’s probably my favorite movie.

12) If you were sentenced to death and you were told you could go on one more date, who would be the lucky girl?
Ana De Armas from the movie War Dogs.

The Woodlands High School head coach, Anthony Demaio, shared his thoughts on Marcus:
“We are thrilled to have Marcus back in lacrosse pads! He has been a great addition to our team and culture that we have worked hard to build. Marcus always puts his teammates and the team in front of everything else. He’s very coachable and wants to be great and is willing to work for it. I'm looking forward to the next couple weeks and next year with Marcus! Whatever he chooses to do after college and for the rest of his life, he will be successful because of his drive to get a little better each day."

The Woodlands' first-round playoff opponent is Lake Travis on Saturday at noon, May 3rd, at The Woodlands High School's Weldon Willig Field.

Let's hope Marcus doesn't show up with eggs coming out of his ears.

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