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06/04/2014 12:00 AMAlex Hassen-a senior at Notre Dame-West Haven and a North Branford resident-has attained his 7th-grade goal of being accepted into the U.S. Naval Academy and part of it is thanks to his athleticism and involvement in three sports.
"I was very excited. It was very surreal because I've wanted it for so many years," says Alex. "I want to serve my country and get a great education. I visited there a few times growing up and was fortunate enough to attend a one-week summer seminar last summer and it was a great experience. When I found out I was accepted, I was thrilled, excited, honored, and relieved. I am looking forward to finishing my senior year, but I am equally excited to get to Annapolis this summer to start my Naval career."
Alex was a three-sport star at Notre Dame, earning captaincy for the cross country, swimming, and lacrosse teams. Being a captain was important to Alex, who felt it gave him a chance to demonstrate his leadership abilities.
"I definitely think it'll help me in the future. I've kind of learned what works and what doesn't work when you're trying to motivate people and trying to get them to come together and compete," says Alex. "I just think my teammates respected me and thought I'd be a good person to be the voice when something needed to be said. When things are tough, I always try to be there for my teammates."
Alex was very much respected by those at Notre Dame for his approach to all three sports.
"Alex is a throwback in terms of being a three-sport athlete," says Athletic Director Tom Marcucci. "You don't see that a lot anymore and his three chosen sports take a different skill set to excel in each. He has succeeded in all three and represented Notre Dame with class throughout his career."
Of the three sports, Alex prefers lacrosse and he played attack for the Green Knights, displaying great ability with the ball to find cutting teammates in front of the net. However, swimming and cross country are the two Alex felt most likely helped steer him toward the Navy.
"I always wanted to challenge myself with the running and, at practice, we do a lot of running, running a lot of miles, and I thought it would be good for mental toughness," says Alex of cross country. "I do like swimming. The Navy is water-related, obviously, so I guess that had something to do with it."
Alex was also heavily involved with the Sea Cadets throughout his high school career, rising as high as batallion commander.
"It's a youth military program I did throughout high school and it's every other Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.," says Alex. "It's like a reserve drill almost and you learn marching and other military stuff. You work out and it's just a youth military thing."
As well as that, Alex was a member of Notre Dame's band and an active member in the community to make himself a well-rounded individual.
"Alex is very deserving of this award and recognition," says Notre Dame President Br. James Branigan, C.S.C. "The manner in which he applied himself successfully to his academics and his athletic endeavors, combined with his leadership skills and respect of his peers, is a small reason for his earning this award. We are extremely proud and honored that Alex has chosen to attend the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis."