Galasso Leaving North Carolina

Former West Islip High School lacrosse star Nicky Galasso has been granted a release from the University of North Carolina (UNC) and will be exploring transfer options, Tar Heels head coach Joe Breschi said on Tuesday.

According to a press release from UNC, Galasso has indicated he plans to complete the fall semester academically at UNC before transferring for the spring semester to another NCAA Division I lacrosse program.

"Obviously, it's disappointing to have a young man like Nicky leave our program.  We appreciate all that he has brought to Carolina lacrosse over the past two years and we wish him the best of luck both academically and athletically at his new school,” said Breschi. “Nicky leaves here in great academic standing and we're proud of the way he achieved in the classroom at UNC.”

In 2011, Galasso was the Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman of the Year, just the fourth in UNC history, and a third-team USILA All-America at attack.  He led UNC in scoring with 56 points that season including 24 goals and a UNC freshman record 32 assists.

After breaking his foot in November 2011, Galasso returned to the Tar Heels in February 2012 but struggled to recover from the injury throughout the season. He saw action last year in a reserve role and as an extra-man specialist. He finished the season with six goals and three assists for nine points while playing in 13 games.

A 2010 West Islip High School graduate, Galasso was the nation’s top lacrosse high school recruit that same year and finished his Lions career with 258 goals and 242 assists and four New York State Class A championships. In addition, his 500 career points are the most for any Long Island high school lacrosse player.