Ally Kennedy has always played fiercely, though she was not always recognized for her accomplishments.

In high school, Kennedy played for a team that consistently struggled to make the playoffs. Stony Brook head coach Joe Spallina saw something in her, and she has since become a star for the Seawolves. Returning to the program for a fifth year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the all-time program great is determined to lead her teammates to the first Final Four in Stony Brook history.

Mark Macyk profiles Kennedy, the US Lacrosse Magazine Division I Women's Preseason Player of the Year, in the cover story of the January 2021 edition of US Lacrosse Magazine, hitting homes now.

Also in the January edition: Hear from Duke players about the brilliance of Michael Sowers, by Nelson Rice; Kole Pollock repeats as the US Lacrosse Magazine Division II Women's Preseason Player of the Year, by Paul Ohanian; Ross Dickerson could graduate as the statistical top faceoff man in NCAA history, by Matt Hamilton; LaxCon is going virtual and it will be better than ever, by Matt Hamilton.

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Today, we revealed that Ally Kennedy is our Division I Women’s Preseason Player of the Year.

Why not drop our January 2021 cover, too?

Check out the edition hitting homes now. pic.twitter.com/lFHsuZiSfW

— US Lacrosse Magazine (@USLacrosseMag) December 28, 2020

UP FRONT

From the CEO: New Year's Resolutions
By Steve Stenersen

US Lacrosse CEO Steve Stenersen: "The sense of renewal and empowerment that the turn of a year brings can be both powerful and inviting."

From the Editor: A Grain of Salt
By Matt DaSilva

Editor in Chief Matt DaSilva writes about our reasoning behind revealing our preseason All-Americans and other preseason awards despite the uncertainty surrounding the spring 2021 season.

To the Editor: Forward Together

Sweetlax provides more information on the racial incident that occurred at a tournament this summer. The information comes in response to our story from November titled "No Racism Allowed."

From the Field: LaxCon For All

The US Lacrosse Convention — aka LaxCon — is going virtual Jan. 15-16. US Lacrosse is converting the halls and walls of the convention center into an all-encompassing, immersive experience for coaches and fans alike.

ONLY ON USLAXMAGAZINE.COM

• Reclassified: The NCAA has reclassified men's and women's lacrosse as intermerdiate risk for COVID-19 transmission (as opposed to high risk).

• Deja Vu: Ten months after the pandemic began, the Ivy League has already put itself as the forefront of caution, postponing spring sports through February.

• Soul Patrol: Brian Simpkins of Blaxers Blog details the incredibly rich history of Hobart's all-Black midfield line from the 1980s.

• Method Mad: Method Man of Wu-Tang Clan fame is back in lacrosse, repping his merch line with the Premier Lacrosse League.

• USL on "Jeopardy!": In one of the late Alex Trebek's final episodes as the host, our headquarters appeared on "Jeopardy!"

• And She Oop: Charlotte North went viral again for another trick shot with Boston College. What else is new?

FUEL

The Show Goes On
By Matt Hamilton

The pandemic cannot stop LaxCon. It is coming to you virtually.

Wired Differently
Sponsored Content

Gait brothers are making their mark in the women's game.

Her Own Path
By Samantha Croston

Syracuse commit Chloe Jones is a rising star in lacrosse and a role model in her community.

'Guys, I'm Gay'
By Noah Knopf

Knopf, a Harvard alumni, came out to his teammates in November 2019 and was welcomed with open arms.

FEATURES

The Girl Who Cried Wolf
By Mark Macyk

Why Ally Kennedy was destined to become Stony Brook's next big star. Additional reporting by Kenny DeJohn.

As Good As It Gets
By Nelson Rice

Michael Sowers takes his ankle-breaking talents to Duke — aka Attack U.

One Last Shot
By Paul Ohanian

Kole Pollock headlines group of five Adelphi seniors running it back in 2021.

Answering the Bell
By Matt Hamilton

Tampa faceoff ace Ross Dickerson won't let new NCAA rules slow him down.

Earley Returns
By Laurel Pfahler

Middlebury's Jane Earley poised to be D-III headliner for years to come.

Jumbo Package
By Jonathan Sigal

Mac Bredahl embodies the best of Tufts' legendary attackmen.

A Season Like No Other
By Justin Feil

The summer-fall lacrosse circuit offered a blueprint for getting back on the field safely in 2021.

USA Insider

Not Self, But Country
By Patrick Stevens

Navy plebe Jackson Bonitz alsoa member of the U.S. U20 team.

How To: Attack and Retreat
By Matt DaSilva

Marcus Holman's Zigzag Drill for footwork and stick positioning.

The Vault: Jojo Mojo
By Paul Ohanian

Catching up with Hall of Famer and Sept./Oct. 2000 cover subject Joanne Connelly.

Practice What They Preach
By Matt Hamilton

U.S. players who double as college coaches.

GIVE & GO

Myles Jones
Interview by Matt Hamilton

Mudding, missed passes and mismatched threads with the PLL All-Star.