CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. — Matthew Flood is a Faceoff Specialist on the Shenendehowa Varsity Lacrosse team with a mission. As a senior, he looks back on his time with the team with satisfaction. “I love that I can work on my craft as a Faceoff Specialist and help my team. I spent many nights going to Mamaroneck to train with the best Faceoff guys in the state,” he says.

In May 2021, Matthew fractured his back in two places, but worked hard to overcome the setback so he could finish out his senior year. When Russia invaded the Ukraine earlier this year, Matthew knew he wanted to do something to help. The cause had a special place in his heart since his family is Ukrainian. His mother, Councilwoman Amy Flood, had organized a Ukrainian fundraiser for the Town of Clifton Park, and Matthew thought the whole team could help out. He spoke with the coach and his teammates, and they created a one-time event for the community to come out and donate what they could. The team carried boxes and organized and separated the medical supplies people donated. By the time it was over, the event raised $12,000! However, the community can still help out. Anyone interested in volunteering can reach out to the St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church in Watervliet or at 518Ukrainains.com.

In school, Matthew loved his business classes and has decided to major in Business at LeMoyne College in Syracuse this coming fall. In addition to lacrosse, he has also participated in youth football, hockey, and wrestling. In his free time, he loves to hunt, fish, workout, and listen to music.

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