Livingston HS Sophomore Lacrosse Goalie Frank Bagolie Takes Game to Next Level with Impressive Season

Livingston High School (N. J.) Boys’ Varsity lacrosse goalie Frank Bagolie, as a sophomore, enjoyed a terrific season, recording 210 saves with an impressive 59 save percentage, as well as garnering 30 ground balls. 

As a result, the Lancers, who played some stiff competition this past year, posted a 10-10 record, including a 13-7 win over Hillsborough in the first-round of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Group 4 Tournament on Monday, May 26th.

Additionally, Bagolie, also known as “Frankie Bags,” came up big in a game against West Essex, not permitting one by him in the fourth quarter, allowing Livingston to score five unanswered goals and pick up the 12-10 victory. He recorded 13 saves and two ground balls in the triumph.

Lacrosse goalie experts have said that Bagolie owns a great understanding of the sport and loves to get the ball out of the defensive zone quickly in transition. 

Olympian and goalie coach Jonathan Edwards said, “Bagolie is aggressive, which often results in players shooting wide or not shooting at all.  He is incredibly athletic, which allows him to play in and around the crease in a way not many goalies can. This will be the standard of lacrosse goalies in the future.”

Being an underclassman, the opportunity to start in net for Livingston was not lost on Bagolie, who dreams of playing the game at the highest level in college in the future.

“I want to thank Coach (Brad) Dzama for giving me the chance to prove myself and hope to improve my game for next year, as I would like to continue with lacrosse in college and aspire to play at the D1 Level,” Bagolie said.

As the spring high school season winds down, the summer club and showcase season heats up. Bagolie, who also suits up for the Patriot Elite Chrome club team, returns to play in the prestigious Matt Chandik One Percent Lacrosse Showcase. This invitation-only recruiting event showcases the top players in the country including athletes from New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut and as far away California, Florida, Texas and Colorado. 

 Last year, he earned All-Star status as the day concluded, with 40 players from each division, including Bagolie, being chosen to participate in the All-Star Games. Talent and an unyielding effort earned him well- deserved praise and recognition.

“I played as hard as I could, and I am honored that they chose me to play in the All-Star game,” he said. “It felt awesome and look forward to this year’s competition on June 27th.”

Bagolie began playing lacrosse with Livingston’s Super Scoopers program in kindergarten. He explained that his father first put a lacrosse stick in his hand when he was only four years old and that he has enjoyed the sport ever since.  

But this season, Bagolie said he and his teammates played inspired lacrosse, for someone near and dear to their hearts.

“This year, we dedicated our season to my former coach and Livingston Junior Lancer Lacrosse founder Eric Rosenson, who died unexpected and believe we made him proud.”

— Jerry Del Priore