In the final game of the 2019 Hill School boys’ lacrosse season, the Blues faced Culver Military Academy, the nation’s top-ranked team which featured more players committed to Division I collegiate programs than could be on the field at once.  Hill put forth a valiant effort throughout the game, one which then- first-year coach Mike Murphy used as a measuring stick for his young team.

One particular player, the youngest player on the field, continuously caught Murphy’s attention throughout the game: long stick midfielder Will Schaller ’22. 

“Will simply fit in with those players,” Murphy recalled.  “He wasn’t overwhelmed by their talent, but rather he used it as motivation throughout the game.” 

The Bel Air, Md. native competes in tournaments throughout the summer for his club team, Team Maryland 91.  This past summer, Schaller had an outstanding tournament season, which culminated with the news that Inside Lacrosse ranked him as one of the top-five boys’ lacrosse players in the nation for the Class of 2022.  Schaller also was ranked a five-star recruit, making him one of just 22 five-star recruits in his class.  

“At first glance, I was really surprised that I was ranked fifth, as I had never been ranked that high or ranked above a few of the other guys in previous lists,” Schaller said.  “As it sank in, it was an amazing feeling knowing that a lot of hard work and a solid summer had paid off. I am extremely grateful for Coach Murphy, my club coach, Coach Millon, my teammates, and my family for guiding me and pushing me to really become the best I can be.” 

Schaller began playing lacrosse at age four, inspired by his father, Chris, who was teammates with Hamilton Pollard ’95 on the Penn State University men’s lacrosse team.  Arriving at The Hill for his third form year, Schaller immediately made an impact on the lacrosse field.  A steady presence in the midfield, he collected 71 ground balls in 15 games and quickly established himself as a tenacious, hard-working player and a defender against whom opposing forwards did not want to match up. 

“Will is never one to shy away from the work, which is a credit to him,” Murphy said.  “And I think others see that, and they see the success that he’s having, and it makes them work harder.  He can be a great motivator for his peers.”

A talented ice hockey player, Schaller also has been a member of the varsity boys’ hockey team since his third form year.  His impact on campus extends well beyond Hall/Eccleston Arena and Harry L. Price Field, however.  Academically, he earned straight-A’s for the 2019-2020 school year and he currently is taking four Advanced Placement courses.  He is a residential prefect in Foster Dormitory; it is a high honor to be selected as a prefect as a fifth form student at Hill.  Last year prior to the School’s winter break, Schaller spearheaded a fundraising effort within his dormitory for the Ricketts House Foundation, which uses the collected funds to purchase toys for children who live in low-income households for the holiday season.  And, after serving as a tour guide last year, the Admissions Office tabbed Schaller as a Head of Tour for the 2020-2021 year. 

“This community means everything to me,” Schaller said.  “Throughout my first two years here, I have tried to do as much as possible to immerse myself within the community, seek out new opportunities, meet new people, and understand the character and tradition this school possesses. Lucky enough to be called a leader, I am extremely excited to help the next generation find their place within the community and hopefully impact them the way that my leaders impacted me. 

“I love Hill," Schaller continued. "It’s more than a school, more than a sports team. It’s a family. It’s my family, and for that I will always be grateful.”