On the field, Tom is currently recovering from back surgery he underwent this past fall to correct a ruptured disc. Although he’s almost back to 100 percent, he’s been finding his niche on the team as a role model and leader while he continues his recovery.

“I’m a freshman in terms of knowing the team and the game, but when it comes to toughness and being a man, I can teach the guys things by showing up every day and setting an example,” Rubel says. “I think my biggest strength is my toughness and life experience. I won’t complain. I tell them that it’s really not that bad—no matter how hard practice is, we’re still lucky. We’re at Harvard, playing a fun game. No one is shooting at us, and when practice is over in a few hours, we’ll be able to go home.”

Even though the men’s lacrosse team hasn’t even begun the season, Tom’s presence on the team has made an immediate impact.

“His disposition is always very solid,” Tillman says. “He’s always very disciplined, very organized. He’s always doing whatever it takes. He’s fantastic.”

After spending time as a sniper, kiteboard instructor, and construction worker in Australia, it’s not hard to imagine that Harvard might seem, well, boring to Tom. Although he recognizes that Harvard can be a bubble, he remains cognizant of the opportunities that he’s been granted.

“I do realize that it’s a privilege to be here,” Rubel says. “I’m just thankful that I have four years of my life planned, and I’m just enjoying it. I try to take care of what I can take care of, and I know there will be more opportunities at the end of the tunnel.”

—Staff writer Colin Whelehan can be reached at whelehan@fas.harvard.edu.