By Nathan Max
WSL Executive Editor

MURRIETA, Calif. -- St. Ignatius Prep senior middie Rob Emery has been named the No. 1 ranked player in the Western United States by the WSL Elite 25 selection committee.

Emery verbally committed to play NCAA Division I lacrosse at the University of Virginia early in his junior season.

“He is the most versatile athlete that we saw in 2008 and 2009 at the events I scouted,” WSL Elite 25 selection committee member Scott Hochstadt said. “He was the one guy who I got calls about from all the coaches I communicate with. I was getting calls from everybody about him.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL LIST OF WSL ELITE 25 SENIOR SELECTIONS

The WSL Elite 25 was chosen by an independent selection committee and reviewed by WSL’s editorial staff. WSL will release the West’s Top 25 seniors this week, the Top 25 juniors next week and the Top 25 sophomores in two weeks.

Hochstadt said the selection process has been difficult, but he is confident the top players have been chosen.

“It’s a strong group of kids, and they all have bright futures at the next level,” Hochstadt said. “There were kids that were left off who will be very competitive and successful at the next level.”