Chandler senior defenseman Austin Marie has committed to play NCAA Division II lacrosse at Mesa State College.

Marie said he also considered Arizona State, Lindenwood and Northern Arizona before he settled on the Grand Junction, Colo.-based school. Marie is one of 25 players who have committed to the fledgling program that will begin play in the 2011 season.

Marie said he picked Mesa State because of financial reasons and because he wanted to play NCAA lacrosse.

“Basically, they offered me a scholarship, and it’s a club sport at ASU and I would have had to pay to play there,” Marie said. “Looking at their roster, the team is really diverse, and it seems like it’ll be really fun to play there. Coach (A.J.) Stevens is really nice, and he seems really excited.”

Marie, who has played club lacrosse with the Brady’s Bunch, said he thinks he’ll be prepared to take his game to the next level.

“I think I’m ready,” Marie said. “My coaches at my high school have prepared me, and playing on Brady’s Bunch for Mike Wein helps a bunch. He really improves me and helps me correct things I do wrong.”