BOSTON, Mass. — Major League Lacrosse (MLL) announced today the introduction of an Honorary Draft Pick for the 2020 Collegiate Draft Presented by Cascade. The Honorary Draft Pick allows each MLL team the opportunity to recognize a member of their community who is aiding in the fight against COVID-19.

MLL is invested in each community for which we are a part. We are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to thank and celebrate individuals in our communities who are going above and beyond to serve others during this unprecedented time.

With a ceremonial league selection, Major League Lacrosse is proud to announce today that our partner, Cascade Lacrosse, is the league’s Honorary Draft Pick. Cascade nimbly pivoted and reopened their factories when the demand for personal protection supplies became apparent. They built face shields for our medical professionals, putting their health on the line to help others. Their team’s ingenuity found ways to repurpose their talents, resources and suppliers in under 72 hours. Major League Lacrosse would like to thank the dedicated team at Cascade for all they are doing in the fight against COVID-19.

The Chesapeake Bayhawks have chosen to honor TJ Kim with their Honorary Pick. Kim, a sophomore lacrosse player for Landon has been using his down-time in quarantine to fly PPE to rural hospitals and clinics in the Chesapeake region.

The Philadelphia Barrage will honor registered nurse and lacrosse photographer, Laura Kupsey with their Honorary Pick. Kupsey, a nurse for 17 years, saw her role shift with the introduction of the virus, but is looking forward to getting back to the MLL sidelines soon.

The Connecticut Hammerheads’ Honorary Pick is John Arrix. Arrix, the CEO of Lax.com, has teamed up with the Wilton, New Canaan and Darien high school girls lacrosse programs to raise money for Norwalk Hospital.

The Boston Cannons are honoring Sophia Lubrano with their Honorary Pick. Lubrano, an alumna of the Bowdoin women’s lacrosse team, hosted a virtual run/walk 5k race, raising $27,545 for the COVID-19 Response Fund launched by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP).

The Denver Outlaws have chosen to honor Gabby Windey, a Denver Broncos cheerleader who is also an ICU nurse working on the front lines at UCHealth.

The New York Lizards’ Honorary Pick is NYPD Officer, Chris Hughes. Hughes was a local, South Huntington lacrosse product who went on to play for St. John’s and now serves on the front lines.

There are so many in our community on the front lines in the fight against the coronavirus, and we are grateful to them all for the work they do. We look forward to playing in front of our fans soon; but until then we are proud to stand with local healthcare workers, first responders, national and local leadership in respecting the quarantine directive.

Congratulations to Cascade and each of our Honorary Draft Picks. Major League Lacrosse would like to thank you for selflessly working on the front lines, caring for, protecting and supporting those most in need during these unprecedented times.

MLL’s 2020 Collegiate Draft Presented by Cascade will begin at 7:30 p.m. EST. Results will be announced on MLL’s social media platforms. (Instagram: @majorleaguelax, Twitter: @MLL_Lacrosse)