Mouctar Balde spent four seasons as a member of the Mount Vernon varsity boys’ lacrosse team. As a senior, Balde was named Defensive Player of the Year in Conference 13, and earned first-team all-state honors in 5A. He helped the Majors finish 10-5 and reach the conference championship game.

Balde, who will continue his lacrosse career at Arcadia University, recently participated in a Q&A via email with The Gazette.

Gazette: You’ll be playing lacrosse at Arcadia University next season. What made Arcadia the right choice for you?

Balde: Arcadia was a school that showed a lot of interest in me since my junior year and I feel I will be entering a program that will nurture me.

Gazette: What position(s) will you play?

Balde: I will be playing defense and possibly long stick midfield.

Gazette: What are you most looking forward to about going to college?

Balde: I'm looking forward to the competition level and intensity of college ball.

Gazette: At what age did you start playing lacrosse?

Balde: I started playing lacrosse when I was 13.

Gazette: When did you realize playing college lacrosse was an option for you?

Balde: The summer of my sophomore year is when I realized that college ball was an option.

Gazette: Mount Vernon went 10-5 in 2015 and finished Conference 13 runner-up. What are your thoughts on the season went?

Balde: It was a fun season. Losing in the conference championship was disappointing, but doesn't change the great memories our team made.

Gazette: What is your favorite memory of playing lacrosse at Mount Vernon?

Balde: My favorite memory playing Mount Vernon lacrosse was from my freshman year, listening to Coach Dale Nalls' pregame speeches.

Gazette: Do you have a specific game day routine?

Balde: I had to get some Moe’s every game day but that's about it.

Gazette: What do you like to do when you’re not playing a sport?

Balde: When I'm not playing a sport I enjoy working out and talking with friends.

Gazette: Are you a pro sports fan? Which team(s) do you root for?

Balde: When it comes to football, I'm a Colts fan, but I support every other D.C. team.

Gazette: What location is the farthest you've traveled from the Washington, D.C metro area?

Balde: Farthest distance I have traveled is Dakar, Senegal.

Gazette: What’s your favorite food?

Balde: My favorite food is the chicken sandwich.

Gazette: Who is your favorite music artist? Why?

Balde: My favorite artist is Kid Cudi because he only makes feel-good music.

Gazette: What is your favorite movie? Why?

Balde: My favorite movie is “Fight Club.” It makes my head feel funny.