Andrew Cook Named West Boys' Player of the Year

Andrew Cook’s high school lacrosse career at Torrey Pines (Calif.) is nothing short of legendary. As a four-year starter and team captain, Cook’s tenure was marked by dedication, performance and a series of accolades that cemented his status as one of the top lacrosse players in the West.

And now, Cook is the USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ West Player of the Year. USA Lacrosse writers select the regional and national players of the year with input from coaches in their respective regions of coverage.

Cook’s journey at Torrey Pines began with promise and ended with a legacy. Over four years, he established himself as a dominant force in the goal, amassing 601 saves.

His consistency and goaltending skills were key factors in four consecutive CIF championships. Cook’s performance in critical moments earned him three CIF Finals MVP awards.

The 2024 season was a crowning achievement for Cook. With 172 saves and a goals-against average of 5.2, he earned 2024 CIF Player of the Year and 2024 Avocado League Player of the Year recognition.

Cook’s accolades don’t stop there; he will graduate as a two-time USA All-American and two-time first-team All-CIF San Diego section honoree. He will showcase his skills on the national stage after being selected to play in the Nike National Senior All-Star game, a recognition reserved for the nation’s top high school players.

“Andrew was a tireless worker and a total lacrosse junkie,” Torrey Pines head coach Jono Zissi said. “He worked so hard at his craft and continued to improve over his career through his effort and pure desire. He will leave California as one of the best goalies to ever come out of the West.”

Cook’s impact extended beyond his game statistics and awards. As a captain, he was a leader both on and off the field, where his teammates looked up to him. His leadership helped foster a culture of hard work and perseverance, contributing to the Falcons’ achievements over the last four years.

Torrey Pines had one of its best seasons yet, dropping only three games, two of which were to out-of-state powerhouses from Maryland and Texas. Against St. Paul’s (Md.), the Falcons fell 11-10 in extra time. It was the most goals scored against Cook all season.

In their sixth straight CIF title, the Falcons won by 14 — the largest scoring margin ever in a San Diego Section championship match. Cook had six saves on 13 attempts and even took one shot himself against runner-up La Costa Canyon (Calif.).

“Our team has worked hard and dedicated ourselves to being the absolute best, toughest, and hardest working team we could be each of my years, and that manifested itself in four championships while playing one of the strongest strength of schedules west of the Mississippi,” Cook said.

As Cook prepares to take the next step in his lacrosse journey at Johns Hopkins, the future looks bright. Johns Hopkins will provide Cook with the opportunity to further hone his goaltending skills and compete at the highest level.

Zissi’s confidence in Cook’s future is well-placed.

“We are so excited to see what he does at Hopkins,” Zissi said. “He was a beloved member of the Torrey Pines and San Diego communities, an exceptional student and a great teammate and leader.”

Cook’s achievements have set a high standard for future players at Torrey Pines and beyond. As he moves forward to new challenges and opportunities, Cook’s impact won’t soon be forgotten.

“I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to play lacrosse at the highest level with all of my best friends over the last four years,” Cook said. “I truly love my coaches, teammates, and playing for the name on the front of my jersey.”

For Cook, the journey is far from over. He has college lacrosse ahead of him and with the unwavering support of his coaches, teammates and family, he is poised to continue his upward trajectory in lacrosse.

Cook joins Dewey Egan, Evan Egan and Marco Napolitano as Torrey Pines alumni named USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ West Players of the Year.

“This award is so humbling, and I am very grateful to be recognized,” Cook said. “I am so excited to continue my career at Johns Hopkins for the next four years and plan to do whatever the team needs me to do to be successful.”