Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. It’s Kyle Harrison’s last ride.
After an unparalleled career, Harrison announced via a video from the Premier Lacrosse League last night that 2021 will be his final year of professional lacrosse. The 2005 Tewaaraton winner and national champion at Johns Hopkins inspired a generation of players with his split dodge and on-the-run shot, but also with how he carried himself on and off the field.
Selected first overall in the 2005 MLL Draft by the New Jersey Pride, Harrison will play the first game of his final pro season tonight when the PLL’s Redwoods take on the Cannons at 7 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.
“I have been so fortunate to do this as long as I have,” Harrison said.
.@KyleHarrison18 has announced that the 2021 Season will be his last season.
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) June 4, 2021
Take a bow, K18.
You're a living legend pic.twitter.com/5K5Mnaq14A
2. Connor Buczek’s interim tag has been removed.
After being named interim head coach of the Cornell men’s lacrosse team in April 2020 and leading the team over the past year when the Big Red played no games because of COVID-19 protocols, Buczek and his staff were elevated yesterday to permanent positions.
Buczek, a 2015 Cornell grad and midfielder for the PLL’s Cannons LC, will continue as the Richard M. Moran Head Coach. Jordan Stevens will serve as the Mario St. George Boiardi '04 Associate Head Coach and Paolo Ciferri will take over as a full-time assistant coach.
Read the full release here.
3. World Lacrosse announced today the team seeding for the 2022 World Lacrosse Women’s World Championship, which will be held June 29 - July 9, 2022 in Towson, Md.
Full seeding here.
4. The NLL Hall of Fame will open its doors for eight more legendary players and two more referees instrumental to the game's growth. Amongst those being honored are John Grant Jr., Casey Powell and Regy Thorpe.
Read more about the full list of inductees here.
5. The lacrosse community has rallied once more for a former college All-American who has suffered a traumatic brain injury because of a vehicular accident.
Derek Maltz established a GoFund Me Page for former Syracuse star Hakeem Lecky, who was reportedly riding home from work in New York City on a scooter May 22 and was struck by another vehicle.
More here.
6. Charlotte North has taken the lacrosse world by storm.
Now she’s gaining attention from those outside of it like two-time Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach.
Just watching this game replay right now, and holy crap Charlotte North is legit. We need to get her into @AUProSports uniform pronto!!! https://t.co/15YGsrONPc
— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach) June 4, 2021
WHAT WE’RE READING
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USA Lacrosse CEO Steve Stenersen reflects on his tenure leading the organization.
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The latest from Blaxers Blog on how London Booker and the Roc E6 Program in Rochester are changing lives.
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The Gait Brothers launched the GC3 men's lacrosse head.
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Patrick Stevens looks at Lars Tiffany’s already significant imprint on UVA lacrosse.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
More insight into how Lyle Thompson became one of the best players in the world in this powerful video feature from The Players’ Tribune with Thompson’s father, Jai.
.@lyle4thompson is considered by many to be the best lacrosse player in the world.
— The Players' Tribune (@PlayersTribune) June 3, 2021
Before the @PremierLacrosse season starts tomorrow, his father, Jai, tells Lyle's story of why he plays the game for his family and the creator. pic.twitter.com/UQSAzlBfzx
WHAT’S ON TAP
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Get your popcorn ready. The Premier Lacrosse League season kicks off with the Redwoods vs. Cannons at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough (Mass.) at 7 p.m. Eastern. The game will be broadcast exclusively on Peacock.