Q&A with Charlie Killen: From Glen Ridge to High Point University Lacrosse

In this candid conversation with Charlie Killen, a current lacrosse player at Seton Hall Preparatory School who will be continuing his athletic journey at High Point University next year, Charlie opens up about his experiences growing up, his recruitment process, and the mental and emotional aspects of juggling academics, athletics, and life.

Q: Tell us about your childhood and how sports shaped who you are today.

Charlie Killen: I grew up in Glen Ridge, surrounded by sports. All my friends were involved in something, so I started playing everything — baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and of course lacrosse. Once I hit middle school, I focused on three main sports: football, basketball, and lacrosse. I kept myself busy year-round, playing football in the fall, basketball in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring, plus club lacrosse in the summer. Having that routine and staying active really helped shape me into the person I am today. I’m used to being on a strict schedule and having a routine, which is something that’s helped me in school and athletics.

Q: Was there ever a point when all of this became overwhelming, and how did you handle it?

Charlie Killen: Oh yeah, especially in high school. The junior and senior years are packed with academics and sports, and if you're trying to get recruited, it’s a lot to juggle. For me, music was a big help. It’s something I rely on to keep my focus and get work done. But when things start to feel overwhelming, I remind myself to focus on what's in front of me. It’s easy to get caught up in all the assignments and pressures, but I found that taking it one step at a time is key. Do one thing at a time and use that momentum to keep moving forward. And remember, no need to rush through things — slow and steady wins the race.

Q: Do you have any go-to music that helps you stay focused or pumped up?

Charlie Killen: Yeah, I listen to a lot of different music depending on what I’m doing. When I’m working out or need to focus, I’ll put on house music. It helps me stay energized. But if I’m working on school stuff, I might go with something mellow, like Zach Bryan or some country. For pregame hype, it’s all about getting locked in, so I’ll listen to rap or high-energy house music. One song that’s always a pregame favorite is “Hooked” by Notion. It's a high-paced, pump-up track that gets me in the zone before big games.

Q: You’ve been through the recruiting process — what was that like for you?

Charlie Killen: My recruiting process was a bit tough at the beginning. I didn’t get the attention I was hoping for, and that was a hard pill to swallow. When everyone around you is committing and you’re not getting that same love, it’s easy to feel the pressure. But I had to remind myself that I couldn’t control the timing or who was looking at me. I also didn’t know what I wanted at first, which made the process harder. When coaches would ask what I was looking for, I didn’t really know. But as time went on, I got clearer on what I wanted. Then I got in touch with Coach Crawley from High Point University, and after visiting, I knew it was the right fit for me.

Q: What kept you going when things weren’t going the way you wanted in the recruiting process?

Charlie Killen: Honestly, it was about controlling what I could control. I was upset about not getting the attention I thought I deserved, but I had to take a step back and focus on improving myself. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight. In today’s world, social media can make it seem like everyone is succeeding, but we don’t see the hard work and failures behind the scenes. I had to embrace failure and push through, and that’s when I started seeing progress.

Q: What advice would you give to younger athletes who are struggling with the pressures of sports or academics?

Charlie Killen: My advice would be to focus on what you can control. Don’t get overwhelmed by what’s outside of your control — like how other people are doing or the pressures from social media. Instead, focus on improving yourself and becoming the best version of yourself, day by day. Also, if you’re struggling mentally or emotionally, don’t be afraid to open up. We often think we need to be tough and bottle things up, but that only adds to the stress. You’ll be better off talking to someone you trust — whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a parent. It’s okay to not have everything figured out, and you don’t have to carry that weight on your own.

Q: If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?

Charlie Killen: I would tell my younger self that it’s okay not to have everything planned out. It’s okay to be unsure about what you want. I used to get anxious about not having a clear path, but sometimes you just have to roll with it and see where things go. I’d also tell myself to focus on controlling the controllables. Life throws a lot at you, and you can’t control everything, but if you can focus on what you can do, you’ll always be in a better position. Lastly, I’d encourage myself to open up more — talking about how you feel is important. It’s a lesson I learned later in life, especially through experiences like the “Chyros” retreat at Seton Hall, where we get real and open up. Bottling things up just creates more stress and problems in the long run.

Q: To wrap up, what are you most excited about for the next chapter at High Point University?

Charlie Killen: I’m really excited for the opportunity to play lacrosse at the next level and to continue growing both as an athlete and as a person. I think High Point is a great fit for me, and I can’t wait to get there and contribute to the team. I’m also looking forward to the whole college experience — the people, the environment, and just learning how to balance everything in a new setting.

Charlie Killen’s journey to lacrosse success at High Point University is a testament to resilience, hard work, and staying true to your passion even when things don’t go according to plan. His advice to younger athletes is invaluable: embrace failure, control what you can, and don’t be afraid to open up when the pressure gets too much. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or someone navigating life’s challenges, Charlie’s story reminds us all that perseverance and self-reflection are key to overcoming obstacles and reaching your goals.