Livingston High’s Frank Bagolie Inks with D-2 Emory Riddle Lacrosse; Ready to Fly High

LIVINGSTON, NJ — After committing in June, senior Livingston High School lacrosse goalie Frank Bagolie has recently signed a letter of intent (LOI) to attend Division II Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where he will continue his athletic career while studying to be a pilot.

Part of Florida’s increasingly competitive Sunshine State Conference, Embry Riddle, located in Daytona Beach, Florida, looks to increase its lacrosse success with the hiring of two-time NCAA II National Champion head coach John Jez, whom the university brought in last season to take over the program, personally recruited Bagolie. 

One of the most decorated head coaches in NCAA men’s lacrosse history, coach Jez has a history of producing All-American caliber type of players. 

Grateful beyond belief, Bagolie mentioned everyone who has helped him enjoy success in the sport while getting recruited to man the net in college.

“I wish to thank my parents and brothers for being my biggest fans, and all my coaches – especially coach (Brad) Dzama, a significant factor in my success who has let me grow as a Lancer, and Coach Jez and Coach Curry for recognizing my potential to play and excel at the next level,” Bagolie said.

Bagolie finished the 2024 lacrosse season with 174 stops, an impressive 58 save percentage, and All-State, SEC Division, and Bianchi Conference accolades. Over his high school lax career, he has recorded 389 saves, maintained a consistent 58 save percentage and secured 18 career wins.

This season, Bagolie will be on a mission to claim the top spot for all-time saves and wins for a Livingston goalie.

Bagolie’s talent was evident in some of last season’s biggest games. He played a crucial role in helping the Lancers clinch the North Jersey Interscholastic Lacrosse League-Bianchi Division title over St. Peter’s Prep, making six stops with a 78 save percentage to help lead Livingston to a 6-2 victory. It was the Lancers’ first outright title since 2018. 

In the 20th annual Jake Cup Game, Livingston (10-9) edged out rival Millburn, 7-5, thanks partly to Bagolie’s remarkable 18 save and 78 save percentage performance.

Fast forward to this year, after suiting up with most of the same team members since his early playing days, Bagolie feels the Lancers can be even more competitive on New Jersey high school lax scene than they were last season.

“I have been playing with most of this team since Super Scoopers in kindergarten and believe we have the talent and passion to be a real contender,” he said. “The off-season will be dedicated to becoming a better leader and teammate and working to come in stronger in my senior year.”

Bagolie is a member of the inaugural Dominican Republic Men’s Lacrosse Team that secured a bronze medal at the Pan American Lacrosse Association (PALA) Sixes Cup in Jamaica and also plays box lacrosse for Team Israel.  When not playing lacrosse, he is an area lifeguard and working to secure his private pilot’s license.

— Jerry Del Priore

Photos courtesy of Ricky Bagolie