Connor Bryant made his name as a multi-sport, all-star-level athlete at Methuen High School, Class of 2020. Through successes, disappointments, triumphs and obstacles, he truly represents an era of scholastic athletes who lived through the specter of COVID-19 and its related challenges.

Like many of his contemporaries, Bryant also battled through injuries and rehabilitation. He recently graduated from Curry College after a stellar academic and lacrosse career, and will pursue a career in law enforcement. His student-athlete career now complete, Bryant offers timely wisdom to MHS seniors and MHS grads now in college on what to expect this year, reason enough for a Sports Blitz Q and A.

Sports Blitz: Have you had time to reflect on your four years at Curry College?

Connor Bryant: My time at Curry went by extremely fast. My freshman year was during COVID, so my overall experiences were in class or at lacrosse-related events. It was very hard to connect with my teammates, which made those moments even more special. My freshman lacrosse class had all been recruited whereas I had walked on, but the team accepted me very quickly and I felt like a part of the Curry Lacrosse family. I miss being at practice every day with the men I call my brothers and wish I could relive it all again. 

SB: How did your experiences at Methuen High School influence you?

CB: I had a bunch of amazing coaches who were able to push me to be the best version of myself. Having some of those same coaches as teachers made me work even harder. I also found out how quickly things can be taken away. Losing my senior year fall and spring sports was hard, but it helped me be more grateful for the little moments with my team on the field, eating dinner together, and just walking around campus. 

SB: What impact did playing sports at Methuen have on your college career?

CB: The competitive mindset in Methuen really helped me. It was always a winning mindset no matter who the opponent was. I took that lesson with me to Curry and used it whenever I was on the field and in the classroom. I worked very hard to be a strong student-athlete and never back down from anything.

 SB: Your group of Methuen athletes faced unique challenges with COVID. How did those tough times change you?

CB: Losing my senior year to injuries and then having COVID in the spring, I realized how quickly things can be lost. I am much more grateful for the smaller things in sports. Those setbacks have made me be even more grateful for many things in life. 

SB: What was it like going from being a very well-known and popular student-athlete in Methuen to a new environment at Curry?

CB: I knew going in that I would have to earn everything and wanted to start fresh. I actually missed doing all the dirty work, fighting for my minutes, and making my opportunities count. I knew that being a walk-on in lacrosse created more adversity, but I lived for it. 

SB: Was it difficult being away from home for the first time when you went to Curry?

CB: It was definitely hard at first, but once I got into a strong routine of school, lacrosse and my friends, it became harder for me to leave campus and go home. I had created a home away from home and had such close friends that felt like family. Being on the lacrosse team, the more time we spent together, the tighter our bond became. We all wanted each other to succeed, which made us better teammates and people.

SB: Your family is deeply involved in the Methuen community and sports. What do they mean to you? 

CB: My parents (Bill and Pam Bryant) have put many people above themselves. From the Boosters in Methuen to just helping me get through the rough homesick moments at Curry, they have supported me and many others. As I embark on my journey into law enforcement, I take that lesson from them – to put people above myself and to help others. 

SB: How will being a student-athlete stay with you moving forward in life?

CB: All the lessons I learned in sports will stay with me forever. Law enforcement is very team oriented and being a good teammate is something that will help me a lot. Being able to battle adversity, staying cool and collected during stressful times, and just fighting to be the best I can be are other lessons I learned. 

SB: What advice would you give to recently graduated Methuen High School seniors on what they are about to experience in college?

CB: Be yourself, do your schoolwork, make tons of friends, and have fun. It is going to be the best four years of your life, and you can learn so much while learning about yourself and seeing yourself grow every day. 

 

John Molori is an author, columnist, and a 2011 inductee into the Methuen Athletic Hall of Fame. Facebook: John Molori, Twitter @MoloriMedia. Email molorimedia@gmail.com