Good morning. Here’s the latest from around the lacrosse world:
1. Another must-read feature from staff writer Nelson Rice.
Zed Williams took the Premier Lacrosse League by storm this summer, winning MVP honors for the league champion Whipsnakes. In this feature — the cover story from our upcoming September/October edition — Rice details how everything Williams does is for his family.
— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) September 1, 2020
Zed Williams, the @PremierLacrosse MVP, brought joy to his family and another championship to the @PLLWhipsnakes.
Don't miss @Nelson__Rice's cover story at 2 p.m. ET. pic.twitter.com/diGziZd65Q
“We finally did it,” Williams told his family as he Facetimed them while his teammates celebrated immediately after the championship game.
Take the time to read the story here before you catch it in print in a few weeks.
2. The NLL’s new franchise has found its general manager.
The league announced Tuesday that Bob Hamley will serve as the GM and VP of Lacrosse Operations of the new Fort Worth expansion team. Hamley won two NLL titles as a player with the Buffalo Bandits in 1992 and 1993.
Learn more about Hamley’s background here.
3. Jules Heningburg is back in the NLL.
In other box lacrosse news, Heningburg — the standout Redwoods LC attackman — signed with the New England Black Wolves. Heningburg appeared in one game for the San Diego Seals in 2019, scoring one goal.
The Pack continues to grow Welcome, Jules! pic.twitter.com/Wnz4yR9tij
— NE Black Wolves (@NEBlackWolves) September 1, 2020
Heningburg was unable to play in the PLL Championship Series after tests stemming from a positive COVID-19 test revealed he was at high risk for cardiac arrest.
4. Scott Stark was named the head men’s lacrosse coach at Maryville.
Stark spent the last six seasons as an assistant, five of which were spent as the defensive coordinator at Lindenwood.
Please help us welcome Coach Stark to the program! pic.twitter.com/WQGEe35pSr
— Maryville University Lacrosse (@MaryvilleLAX) September 1, 2020
5. Recruiting is officially under way for the Class of 2022.
Caden Whaling of Rye (N.Y.) was the first confirmed ACC commit, Ty Xanders of Inside Lacrosse tweeted. Whaling announced his commitment to UNC Tuesday morning.
I’m proud to announce my commitment to play lacrosse at the University of North Carolina. Thank you to all who have helped me along the way. Go heels. @jrsopen @tyxanders @Inside_Lacrosse @UNCMensLacrosse @GarnetLax pic.twitter.com/U5xnPRQSr0
— Caden Whaling (@WhalingCaden) September 1, 2020
In the coming days and weeks, we’ll surely learn more about other prospects announcing where they’ll play men’s and women’s lacrosse in two years’ time.
WHAT WE’RE READING
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US Lacrosse has renewed its partnership with STX, which will provide best-in-class equipment to the U.S. women’s national team athletes.
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Learn more about new Maryville men’s coach Scott Stark.
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Xanders revealed his list of five-star boys prospects in the class of 2022.
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With a loaded offense, Denver might have the most upside of any team in college lacrosse, by Lacrosse Bucket’s Tanner Demling.
WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
The social media recruiting pitch is on for the Maryland and Boston College women. Listening to Cathy Reese and Acacia Walker-Weinstein talk about their programs can leave you with chills.
Legends are made here.
— Maryland Women's Lacrosse (@MarylandWLax) September 1, 2020
Championships are won here.
Who's next?#FearTheTurtle pic.twitter.com/hoSNpCehe2
BC gives you endless possibilities. From the field to the real world, our alumni network gives you incredible opportunities once your time in Chestnut Hill is over.
— BC Women's Lacrosse (@BCwlax) September 2, 2020
Starting tomorrow, we're going to show just how large that network is... pic.twitter.com/yGUCISLoDp
A young boy in Nicaragua played wall ball with a homemade, DIY stick. #GrowTheGame
#laxingfromhome with DIY lacrosse sticks in Nicaragua! #growthegame pic.twitter.com/K8h4tpDDMZ
— @laxthenations (@laxthenations) September 1, 2020
WHAT'S ON TAP
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Some college coaches are dealing with recruiting while their own 2022 children are handling a smattering of phone calls and emails, too. We spoke with Joe Spallina of Stony Brook and Julie Myers of Virginia about the work-life balance.