Senior John Carter Hawkins committed to play division three lacrosse at Rhodes College this past week.

“I felt like a small liberal arts school was a good fit for me,” Hawkins said, “and the community is great.”

Hawkins also wanted to thank his teachers, coaches, friends, family and God for helping him get to where he is. He was appreciative of the role St. George’s has played in the process.

“I feel like I’m very prepared for college,” Hawkins said. “I feel like I’m very ready to take that competition and academic level to the college level.”

Hawkins cites playing wall ball and helping out at St. George’s lacrosse clinics as reasons why his game has improved. Senior Grady Cotham speaks highly of Hawkins ability and work ethic, especially with the time he worked on the lacrosse wall.

“[He’s] always giving his all on the sprints and putting in extra time on the wall,” Cotham said.

“He’s a very capable player…and he has a high IQ for the game.”

Hawkins plays for No-Excuse lacrosse team, a competitive lacrosse team within the Memphis Area, and believes it helped improve his game.

“Playing club lacrosse with some of the best kids in the city of Memphis has really helped,” Hawkins said.

During his decision process, Hawkins also considered the University of Mississippi and the University of Arkansas before deciding to sign with Rhodes.