When you're one of only two players on a team from a different school, building connections takes extra effort. For Livonia Franklin senior Bryce Napier, that challenge shaped his entire high school lacrosse experience.

Napier, a standout attacker for the Livonia United boys lacrosse co-op team, has spent the past four years forging bonds with teammates who mostly hail from Stevenson High School, the host school for the Livonia Public Schools squad. While many Spartans grew up playing together, Napier had to work harder to earn their trust on the field.

"It's been quite the grind, going to a different school than everybody else," Napier said. "It's harder to build friendships, relationships. It's harder to build their trust, so I've just had to work even harder to earn their trust so that they trust me with the ball."

That determination paid off. Napier recently reached the prestigious 100-goal milestone for his career, and on May 13, he took the next big step in his journey. During Franklin's second annual signing day event at its Performing Arts Center, Napier officially committed to Madonna University — a decision that keeps him close to home and surrounded by familiar faces.

Napier was one of 17 Franklin Patriots celebrating their college commitments that day, but his signing carried special meaning. He'll join his older brother, Aiden, who already attends Madonna and will be a senior on the football team next year. The family connection runs deep — Napier started playing lacrosse in second grade because of his brother's influence.

"The big factor and main reason I'm going there is my older brother — he plays football there," Napier said. "I started playing lacrosse in second grade because of my older brother playing lacrosse, and I've always followed in his footsteps and tried to be as good or better than him."

Napier won't be the only familiar face on the Crusaders' roster. Current Livonia United teammate Luke Beri, a Stevenson senior, signed with Madonna just a week earlier. The two have played together in football and lacrosse leagues since elementary school, forming a brotherly bond that will continue at the collegiate level.

There's also a strong coaching connection. Napier already has a close relationship with Madonna head coach Carlos Matta, who coached him with Premier Lacrosse Group. That comfort level, combined with family ties and proximity to home, made Madonna the perfect fit for a player who values relationships above all else.

For Napier, choosing a college was about more than just lacrosse — it was about finding a place where he already felt like he belonged. And at Madonna, he's found exactly that.