In 25 games since the start of the 2018-19 season, Casey Jackson has proven himself to be an indispensable lacrosse player for the San Diego Seals with 56 goals, 95 points and 69 looseballs. Jackson led the team in goals in the 2019 season.
RM: When did you discover box lacrosse, when did you start playing and was it your first sport of choice?
Jackson: I started playing box at 7 years old when my parents thought I would enjoy it because my other friends were playing. Hockey was always my primary sport until scholarships started coming in and hockey I never got a full ride, and lacrosse I did, and when my family has no money it was an easy choice.
RM: What has been the most rewarding part of lacrosse?
Jackson: The most rewarding thing about lacrosse to me is the relationships you build with your teammates and coaches. I've always found that lacrosse has built a bond nothing else can. Going to battle with a group of guys and then seeing them years later after you don't at together and you just have a specific connection with them. It's something I most cherish when looking back on my career and also what I look forward to the most.
RM: San Diego, how has that experience been?
Jackson: San Diego has been incredible! The fan interaction and the city is better than I could have imagined.
RM: How is San Diego different than in Victoria, Canada?
Jackson: First difference I find is the weather which I'm sure everyone says, but the lacrosse aspect it's a little more intense every game because of the parity in this league compared to my summer league. Anyone can beat anyone on any given night so you need to be dialed in and ready for every game and every shift.
RM: Did you ever meet Patrick Merrill before he drafted you?
Jackson: I never met Patty in person before the draft but we spoke a few times and I know he met with a few guys I was close with like Rob Hellyer who was playing with me that summer and he told me I'm gonna love playing for him if he drafts me. He was right!
RM: Austin Staats and yourself have become leaders on the floor, does that carry to the locker room?
Jackson: Yes, me and Austin have a good connection going on and off the floor and when it comes to leadership we’re polar opposites which is funny. He’s a loud and fiery type guy which everyone feeds off of, and I'm more of a quiet let-me-play, do-the-talking type guy so we compliment each other well and it translates to how we play together.
RM: Seals Owner Joe Tsai and Seals President Steve Govett... are they “hands on” or allow the coaches to handle business?
Jackson: Joe and Steve are very hands on and the guys like it that way it makes it feel more like a family. They have found a perfect balance of letting everyone do their job and being extremely supportive with anything you need or want.
RM: Brodie Merrill, a sure Hall of Farmer... how much of an influence has he been on you... and the team?
Jackson: Brodie is a guy I've looked up to since I've started playing lacrosse and I'm sure almost every player would say the same. He might not know this but he has so much respect from me, not only as a player, but as a human being off the floor that when he gives us team speeches I get chills. Having a guy with that much experience, fire, grit, determination and leadership qualities it bleeds into everyone else. He is bar none the best captain I've ever had carrying a team with his play and words on the floor but also his ability to talk and galvanize the team chemistry. I learn from him everyday I'm with him and I take every second I'm playing beside him as a privilege.
RM: The Seal fan base... probably the most supportive in the NLL... do you have a special pride to play in front of them?
Jackson: I think I can speak for everyone on the team and say there is a huge pride in playing in front of our fans in San Diego. Some fans haven't seen indoor lacrosse before so we want to put on a show, and also the wins feel a little sweeter when we get to enjoy them with everyone at Pechanga [Arena].
RM: Which team, if any, is one you would consider a rival? Which team is your favorite to face? Do you think Vancouver gave up on you too soon?
Jackson: Almost two seasons in and I feel like we have a few rivals. Especially in Vancouver and Calgary. Those guys always feel like a war and have a certain intensity to them because there's a hatred built up in such a short amount of time I wouldn't use the words ‘give up’ but they didn't watch me play enough. I thought I should have been protected just from the type of season I was having in the summer [league] but not being protected and chosen in the expansion draft by Pat was the best thing that's ever happened to me in my lacrosse career because he knew what I could bring to the table and he believed in me, and I'll always be grateful for the opportunity he gave me and the confidence he had in me.
RM: If there was one thing you could share about lacrosse that you think would inspire a child to be the next Casey Jackson what is it?
Jackson: One thing I would say is have fun. Lacrosse is the most creative sport on earth so bring your stick to school, put a can against a wall and shoot at it with overhand shots, underhand shots, backhands or any other way you wanna shoot it but make sure you're having fun and learning at the same time. You don't have to play, you get to play.
I would like to personally thank Casey Jackson answering these questions for the Lacrosse fans in San Diego and for bringing the sport you love to our wonderful city.