JP Underwood is a standout LSM/Defenseman on the ADVNC SF & NDP ‘23 teams who is committed to follow his dream and play at the US Naval Academy. 

JP’s dream of playing lacrosse in college was hatched well before he was even born. “My dad tells the story of when he was just out of college, and working as a ski instructor in Vail,” JP said. “He was driving past a field and saw the Vail Shootout being played. He got out of his car and watched, and it was the first time he had seen lacrosse being played. He made a deal with himself, that if he ever had boys, that would be the sport they would play.”

“I thought it was the most amazing, elegant and interesting sport I had ever seen,” said JP’s dad, John Underwood. 

All three of John’s sons have played lacrosse: Parker, Jake and JP. John credits ADVNC Founder & CEO Chris Rotelli with helping teach the game to his boys. “When my oldest son (Parker) was ready to start playing, the first person I found was Chris Rotelli,” said John. “Chris started showing up in my backyard, and I had to google him. I thought, how is this guy, who won the Tewaaraton Award and the ACC Male Athlete of the Year in my yard teaching my boys? That was the start of a long friendship with Chris and our family.”

“My brothers and I have been playing lacrosse together since we were little kids,” said JP. “We were always playing some sort of game with each other and with our friends. We always had a stick in our hand. Lacrosse is the one game on earth that’s very physical, but you can be small, and still be the best in the world. It’s not like football where everyone has to be a giant. Anyone can play.”

JP is a gifted athlete who has always worked hard to be a great player. But away from the field, JP is one of the most gregarious and outgoing guys you will ever meet. “He literally knows everyone,” said John Underwood. 

“He’s always been like that,” says JP’s mom, Amy Underwood. “The lacrosse community is really special and kind of small and you just meet people really easily. But JP has always taken it to the next level. He really tries to connect with as many people as possible.”

“I like being liked by people,” said JP. “Whenever I go places, I go out of my way to make connections with people. I ask how they’re doing and ask questions about them. Then I like to stay in touch with them. There have been instances where there’s guys I was rivals with on the field, but I got to know them and we are tight now.”

JP says that playing for ADVNC has helped him form this connectivity with people. “ADVNC teammates are some of my closest friends,” said JP. “There are guys from all over the Bay Area, and with NDP, guys from all over the Seattle area too. We travel all over the country and spend so much time together in really fun spots. And we’re always meeting new people. ADVNC has given me the opportunity to create really strong relationships.”

When JP started thinking about which college he wanted to attend, he knew he wanted to look at the service academies. “I’ve always been infatuated with people who serve,” said JP. “The Navy, Army, CIA, FBI and the police. Anything I watch has to be about being an American or having to do with serving justice. At Halloween, I would always dress up in one of those uniforms.”

“My dad was a JAG and my brother in lawis an NCIS agent,” said John Underwood. “The military is a big part of who we are.”

“I really just wanted to go to Navy,” said JP. “When July 1st came around (the first day service academies can officially contact recruits) I stayed up till midnight,” said JP. “My phone rang and it was Joe Amplo (Navy Head Coach). He asked why I was awake that late, and I told him I was hoping for you to call me!”

“I committed to Navy that week,” said JP. “I want to go to Navy because I know it will be a challenge. I’ve always known it’s a very prominent place and I want to serve my country however I can.”

“I could not be more proud,” said John Underwood. “Playing DI lacrosse will be great, but serving your country and maybe one day becoming a Navy SEAL .. having a kid who wants to undertake that gives us an enormous amount of pride.”

The Underwood family credits ADVNC with helping their son achieve his dream. “Chris Rotelli has always been his mentor,” said Amy Underwood.”ADVNC coaches have always believed in JP and that has given him a lot of confidence. And all the friendships he has through ADVNC is amazing. I’ve never seen that type of connection on other clubs.”

Off the field, JP has an undeniable passion as well. “I love hunting, fishing, and being in the wilderness with my dad,” said JP. “Especially spear fishing. I’ve speared a couple monster fish in Mexico. I’m always down for the challenge. I like dealing with some muck and being gritty and trying to get through the challenge.”

The challenge of becoming a better lacrosse player has always driven JP as well. He has this advice for younger players who want to be great at lacrosse. “It takes a lot. You can’t just do it on your own. I was lucky to have very supportive parents and an amazing mentor and coach in Chris Rotelli. I’ve always thought: just doing 15 minutes of work with your stick every single day can change your life.”