When East Islip lacrosse coach Tom Zummo told Matt McIntee that he would wear the No. 16 in honor of Christian Koehler, he hesitated initially.

"He didn't want to accept the accompanying scholarship, not because he didn't appreciate the honor, but because he felt someone else might need it more," Zummo said.

That’s the type of thoughtful leader McIntee is. Combine that with his skill at the attack position and he was the 2024 Lt. Ray Enners Award selection, presented to the top lacrosse player in Suffolk County.

McIntee, an All-American, All-Long Island and All-Suffolk County selection, will play college lacrosse at Syracuse.

We caught up with McIntee on what it means to win the Enners Award.

What does it mean for you to win the Enners Award?
It means everything to me that I won this award it shows that I’m not just one of the best players but one of the best human beings and leaders there is. It really plants my legacy and to showcase my school as being the first person in East Islip history to win this award, it’s a huge honor to be awarded this award.

What does the Enners Award mean to you?
This award means to me that not only am I a great lacrosse player but a great leader, friend and teammate on the field and off the field. This award is not just about lacrosse but about how you conduct yourself anywhere you are.

Describe yourself as a leader.
I am a lead-by-example type of leader, but I will be vocal if I have to. Usually, on and off the field, I lead by example by doing community service and practicing helping out local travel teams.

How would your teammates describe you?
My teammates would describe me as a funny guy and a hardworking person. They would say that I hate to lose and put all my effort into everything.

How important is the purpose of team and program culture to you?
This team means everything to me I grew up with most of my teammates, and so they mean a lot to me, but without a team, lacrosse wouldn’t be a sports team, and culture is everything with a great team. If you have a great group of guys like we had that came every day to work, didn’t complain, and just listened to our coaches, then you would be successful. It all starts with culture. A winning mindset and a championship-type atmosphere give you a mindset to win.

Best moment of your career so far?
The best moment of my career was winning the Suffolk County Championship because it was the first time in East Islip's history that we had won this championship. I was so proud and happy for our team and community, which has come a long way.

Describe what it means to play at East Islip.
I wouldn’t want to play at any other school than East Islip it’s a great place to be for all sports, not just lacrosse our community and alumni and teachers who have supported us through the years now get to see us succeed is so special and amazing.

College goals?
My college goals would be to win an NCAA championship and be an All-American.

Career goals?
Play for Team USA and win an NCAA championship.