Sports Spotlight - West Orange Times & Observer: Andrew Hartman

Ocoee High lacrosse senior Andrew Hartman has been a captain the last two seasons, and his leadership has been important for a young team. An attacker, Hartman is also part of a family tradition. His older brother, Mathis, was a captain at Ocoee, and his younger brother, Nathan, is a junior on the team. Bob Hartman, Andrew’s father, has been a volunteer coach the past few seasons.

How is your senior season going as a team captain?

It’s been the most enjoyable (season) just to kind of be in charge and have the guys look up to you, but it’s also a big responsibility to be an example on and off the field.

What do you enjoy about this group?

I’m not going to play in college, so it’s fun to just get out on the field for these last games. It’s fun to see this team, in two years’ time, they will be good and they will compete in the district. They’re young but they’re getting better really, really fast.

Of which game are you the most proud?

We had a game against Apopka — it was our first game of the season — and we put some goals on them and played with them for a couple quarters. That was just like, “Hey guys, I know we’re not winning, but we’re a lot better than last year.” 

What’s it been like to play at Ocoee with your older brother and now your younger brother?

It’s really fun, honestly. I really liked playing with my older brother (Mathis Hartman) — he was the captain of the team, and it was fun to play for him. Now, I get to play with my younger brother (Nathan Hartman) and be his captain.

What has it been like playing for your father, Bob Hartman, who has been a volunteer coach for the team?

It’s fun. ... He always gives me praise for the things I do well on and off the field, and I think since I’ve been in high school, he’s focused more on my character — how I act toward refs and the other team. That’s something he’s always been proud of me for.

Do you follow college lacrosse or Major League Lacrosse? Do you have a favorite player?

I do follow college lacrosse, and I watch some MLL. I really like Johns Hopkins University — that’s the team I’ve always followed. And then favorite player, I’d have to go with Paul Rabil, the best player in lacrosse.

What’s the best lacrosse advice you’ve received?

I would say that it’s all about fundamentals. I’ve always been told by coaches in the past to focus on fundamentals. 

Do you have a favorite teacher from your time at Ocoee?

My (Advanced Placement Psychology) teacher, Mrs. (Bethany) Luker. She introduced me to a lot of new topics and interesting things about people and their personalities.

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?

I would say, since I’m really into soccer, I want to go to England and watch some soccer games there. I’m a Liverpool supporter.