Jude Vellaringattu knows being a good teammate is sometimes the most important aspect of the game.
The Saint Augustine Preparatory School senior had to bide his time two years ago as a senior-heavy lacrosse team took the state by storm in winning the Non-Public A state championship. Vellaringattu played limited minutes toward the end of certain games that year. In sports, it’s known as “mop-up time,” as the victory is already secured and the final minutes tick down on the scoreboard. Although not very suspenseful, Vellaringattu enjoyed every moment of it.
“Sophomore year, I would play the last five minutes or so,” Vellaringattu said. “It was a little scary getting my feet wet, but I cherished those moments, as that was my stepping stone to get onto the varsity field.”
Now he’s a vital part of the Hermits’ offense, scoring timely goals in huge games. Vellaringattu also performs well under pressure in the classroom, as he was named the 2024 valedictorian of his school. It’s an honor he credits to his academic teammates.
“I would call up some of my buddies and FaceTime them, and we would study together. It was just hard work and grinding.”
He also credits another teammate – a lifelong go-to who has been in his corner since birth.
“I thank God every day that He has given me these gifts,” Vellaringattu said. “I chalk it all up to Him. That’s why I chose Saint Augustine. My faith is very important. I pray every day, every night. It was something instilled in me at an early age, and I’m grateful.”
Vellaringattu will study next year at Rutgers University, where he plans to travel a path of biology and pre-med. The idea of helping people came to him when Vellaringattu witnessed the good deeds of a therapist, caring for his sister Sofiya, who is autistic.
“Seeing her with her therapist and seeing how they helped her out and seeing her grow into the person she is today was great,” said Vellaringattu, who plans to pursue the area of orthopedics. “I don’t want to be a therapist, but I want to create that similar moment for people in my community and people in general. That’s why I want to be a doctor.”
Caring for people, especially Sofiya, has been ingrained in Vellaringattu for several years. Together, they partake in a program called TOPSports in Harrison Township. It’s an inclusive outreach program open to children ages 4-18 with special needs.
Sofiya, who attends high school in Medford, takes part in soccer, basketball and baseball in TOPSports through a buddy system. Her brother also participates as a volunteer, although they rarely play together.
“I actually don’t work with her because we know each other,” he said. “I’ll usually work with another kid who has disabilities and just be that person for them. Most of these kids are nonverbal, so they only have friends in school. Just being that extra person for them is a great experience.”
For both brother and sister, it’s a major highlight.
“That’s the highlight of her week,” Vellaringattu said. “She loves going to school, but she’s up at 6 a.m. already ready and dressed in her uniform, ready to play some ball. She loves it.”
As a sports fan, Sofiya can watch her brother help the Hermits pursue another state title. Vellaringattu had 11 goals through May 14, proving himself to be a valuable cog in the Hermits’ scoring rotation.
“He’s certainly capable,” Hermits coach J.C. Valore said. “We have a program that’s pretty balanced. You’re not going to see too many guys climb statistical ladders, but by design, we have a lot of guys who are clicking and sharing the ball. Any given day, he could be the one who is on top of the production.”
He’s worked hard to get to that point, playing on the lacrosse field and setting his future path with his studies.
“Jude is one of those guys who is in the position he’s in because of the work he’s put in,” Valore said. “It’s evident in every space in life, whether it’s lacrosse or academically. He’s just tireless in his work ethic.”
His next big task will be delivering a speech on graduation day.
“Speech is written,” Vellaringattu said proudly. “I’m practicing with my English teacher every day and honing in on the details and pronunciations to make sure it’s all good. I’m excited to speak in front of everyone.”
Especially all of his teammates.
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