While it may have taken Mitch Stein some convincing, the Texas-bound attackman from Northern California is now glad that he listened to his older sister's advice when asking about where to attend college and, ultimately, continue his lacrosse career.

"I only applied because [my sister] highly recommended it, and it was probably the best advice she has ever given me," Stein said. "My first visit to Austin was in April, and I had the exact same reaction to the college as she did. I love the school spirit and really look forward to being part of it."

Another recommendation Stein is thankful for was when his best friend's mother told him about the sport of lacrosse. Stein played baseball at the time but confessed that he had never been a fan of baseball's slow speed, but because of his strong running and endurance, he decided to switch to lacrosse.

"I kind of jumped into the sport blindly... I got into the sport at its beginning's and love to play the game. Another piece of advice I am so glad I listened to."

When he started playing for his youth team, Stein said the game was still not very popular where he lived. But since then, lacrosse has exploded in California, and his high school team has a place in that history. Stein's Monte Vista Mustangs have been league champs four times as well as divisional champions three times, which is the highest level reachable for high school lacrosse teams right now in California. Monte Vista's run included an appearance in the North Coast Section finals during Stein's senior year, as he helped the team back to the playoffs with a one-goal performance in the section semifinals against Amador Valley.

"I know that it will be difficult to get playing time [at Texas], but I have been playing lacrosse since 6th grade and have always been a part of competitive and winning programs so I hope that helps me," Stein said.

Coach Fink thinks Stein seeing some playing time is a real possibility.

"Mitch is going to be a great fit with the Longhorns," remarks Fink. " He is a quick and shifty attackmen who has a knack for being in right place at the right time. He has strong skills, great quickness and exceptional character. He experience playing for a strong high school program will allow him to challenge for a starting spot. We can't wait to get him on the field and see where he fits in."

And while Stein is traveling far from home to attend college, he'll see some familiar faces this season as the Longhorns face off against the class of the MCLA.

"A bunch of my friends are playing on such teams as SDSU, [University of Arizona], Oregon, UCSB and Sonoma, so I am hoping to run into a few of them this coming year and wrecking shop," Stein said.