Jack Turowsky will be taking his talents to the flagship in 2024. 

The Northfield Mount Hermon junior has had a big year on the lacrosse field as a midfielder and was selected to USA Lacrosse’s 18U roster this past summer. 

Colleges began calling but Turowsky — an East Longmeadow native — decided to stay local for college, committing to join Greg Cannella’s squad at UMass when he graduates next spring. 

“It was a fun process,” Turowsky said. “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions when it comes to the school stuff. It’s such a hard decision to make. With UMass, it’s such a good program with a legendary coaching staff. They’ve only had two coaches at the school for god knows how long. It’s little things like that that drive me and I know they care, want to win and have a history of winning. It’s nice to be going somewhere that’s close to home but far enough away where it feels like something new.” 

Turowsky’s decision came down toUMass, Boston University and Holy Cross. He felt the Minutemen were the best fit for him, not just on the lacrosse field but with the educational opportunities UMass provides. 

“I was looking around but UMass was the best fit for me for multiple reasons,” Turowsky said. “The coaching staff was so excited and wanted me there and you can’t pass that up. My goal is to get into the Isenberg School [of Management] at UMass to be able to set myself up for those kind of jobs in the future. Being able to play lacrosse at a great program while also getting an Isenberg education is something I just couldn’t turn down.” 

UMass assistant coach Kyle Smith, a former Minuteman lacrosse player himself, was the primary recruiter for Turowsky, helping sell him on joining the program.

Once Turowsky got to speak with Cannella, he knew it was where he wanted to continue his career. Cannella is in his 29th year running the program, where he ranks sixth in Div. 1 wins, has led UMass to nine NCAA tournaments and has been named New England Coach of the Year nine times.

“He’s a great guy,” Turowsky said of Cannella. “The whole coaching staff is great. Coach Smith did most of the recruiting but I talked to Cannella and he was so enthusiastic about me playing for him which is what he’s like with all his players. When I talked to him and got the vibe of how much he wanted me, how much he cared and how much he wanted me at the program, I couldn’t pass on that opportunity. It’s a once and a lifetime opportunity to get to play for a coach of his stature.” 

Also a star on the ice, Turowsky had to choose between playing ice hockey or lacrosse at the next level. 

College hockey is not typically a straight line path, with players often competing at the Junior level before stepping foot on campus. It made more sense for Turowsky to set his sights on lacrosse at the collegiate level. 

After being recruited by UMass, as well as seeing the 2024 class that already includes Norwell’s Will Morse, Dexter’s Ryan Mourad, Jack Whitman of Holderness, N.H., Luca Duva and Owen Salanger from New York and Pennsylvania’s Andrew Lyon, the decision was much easier. 

“You never know what can happen with hockey,” Turowsky said. “You might have to go play juniors for three or four years then end up at a Div. 3 school where you’re not competing for championships. UMass is a great program and a great school. It’s close to home and I couldn’t pass it up. I want to compete for a national championship and UMass is always a contender. I think with the class we have coming in these next couple years we can try to win a national championship at UMass.” 

For now Turowsky will spend the next two springs refining his skills at NMH, hoping to prepare himself to be ready to play as soon as he arrives at Garber Field.  

“I’m just trying to get better every day,” Turowsky said. “I’m getting to the field early and trying to get extra reps in and get better both inside and outside the classroom. I’m trying to develop and mold myself into a leader so when I get to UMass I can play right away. That’s every kid’s goal, to be able to do that, and that’s my end goal. If I want to do that I have to get bigger, stronger and faster so I’m working hard to be as ready as possible when I get to UMass.” 

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