Lacrosse, often dubbed as the fastest game on two feet, has a rich history that spans centuries.
The sport has witnessed numerous exceptional players who have left an indelible mark on the game.
In this article, we will delve into the careers and accomplishments of 10 of the greatest lacrosse players in history.
From their dominance on the field to their lasting impact on the sport, these individuals have solidified their positions as legends of the game.
Gary Gait
When it comes to the greatest lacrosse players in history, one name stands tall above the rest – Gary Gait.
Hailing from Canada, Gait’s exceptional skills, remarkable achievements, and unrivaled impact on the game have solidified his status as one of the all-time greats.
Born on April 5, 1967, in Victoria, British Columbia, Gary Gait’s journey to becoming a lacrosse icon started at an early age.
As a member of the Syracuse Orange men’s lacrosse team, he achieved a lot of success, winning three consecutive NCAA championships from 1988 to 1990.
Gait’s exceptional talent and athleticism continued to shine during his time at Georgetown, where he won two Lieutenant Raymond Enners Awards.
These prestigious awards are bestowed upon the best college lacrosse players, further cementing Gait’s reputation as an extraordinary talent in the sport.
However, it was in the professional leagues where Gait truly established himself.
From 1995 to 1999, Gait competed in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). He received league MVP recognition five times consecutively, proving his unmatched skill, leadership, and impact on the game.
Throughout his NLL career, Gait shattered records and set new standards for excellence.
He holds the league record for points in an indoor career with a staggering 1,091, a testament to his offensive prowess and ability to consistently contribute to his team’s success.
Brodie Merrill
Born in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada is a name synonymous with defensive excellence in the sport.
His extraordinary skills, unmatched defensive prowess, and success have established him as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
Merrill’s career is marked by championships, individual honors, and records that highlight his immense impact on the field.
Merrill burst onto the professional lacrosse scene in 2005 as a member of the Baltimore Bayhawks in Major League Lacrosse (MLL). His remarkable debut season earned him the MLL Rookie of the Year title, showing his exceptional talent and immediate impact as a defenseman.
Throughout his career, Merrill’s defensive prowess was unmatched.
He earned the MLL Defensive Player of the Year title a remarkable four times, a testament to his consistency, skill, and dominance on the field.
His ability to shut down opposing attackers, disrupt plays, and create turnovers made him a formidable force and an integral part of his teams’ success.
In 2009, he joined the Toronto Nationals, and his impact was immediate.
He played a big part in leading the team to capture the MLL Championship in their debut season.
Merrill’s outstanding defensive contributions were recognized once again as he secured his fourth consecutive MLL Defensive Player of the Year title, underscoring his unparalleled excellence in his position.
This record reflects his tenacity, hustle, and ability to win possession battles, further solidifying his reputation as a dominant force on the defensive end of the field.
He also made his mark on the international stage, representing Canada in lacrosse tournaments.
His outstanding performances earned him recognition as one of the best defenders in the world, as he received All-World honors after being named the Best Defender at a tournament.
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Paul Rabil
A highly successful lacrosse player. He co-founded the Cannons Lacrosse Club and has played professionally with the team.
In the 2008 MLL Collegiate Draft, he was selected as the first overall pick by the Boston Cannons. That same year, he participated in the MLL All-Star Game.
Paul’s skills and contributions to the sport were recognized early in his career.
In 2009, he received the MLL MVP (Most Valuable Player) and Offensive Player of the Year awards. These awards acknowledged his exceptional performance and offensive contributions to his team during the 2009 season.
Continuing his success, he was named a first-team all-pro in 2010.
He also earned a spot on the MLL All-Star squad for the third consecutive year. The following year, in 2011, he secured his second MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards, showing his consistent excellence on the lacrosse field.
Paul’s skill set extends beyond his overall performance. In 2011, he achieved a notable feat by becoming the first player to win both the MLL Bud Light Skills Competition and the MLL Fastest Shot Competition.
These further solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s top athletes.
John Grant Sr.
He is a renowned lacrosse player who has made big contributions to the sport.
He was born on November 7, 1974, in Toronto, Ontario. Grant Jr. has played in various lacrosse leagues, including Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA).
Grant Jr.’s lacrosse journey started with the Peterborough Lakers in the Junior A Lacrosse League of the OLA.
He quickly established himself as a promising player, earning recognition as an All-American in 1993, 1994, and 1995.
In 1995, he was honored with the Top Rookie of the Year award while playing for the Peterborough Lakers in the Major Series Lacrosse (MSL).
Throughout his career, Grant Jr. has achieved numerous accolades and milestones.
In 2000, he was named the MSL Most Valuable Player.
His remarkable skills and contributions to the sport have garnered him immense respect among fans, cementing his status as one of the greatest lacrosse players in history.
Grant Jr. has also had a successful international career.
He represented Canada in several international lacrosse competitions and was a key member of the Coquitlam Adanacs in the Western Lacrosse Association, where he earned All-Star recognition from 2002 to 2003.
Oren Lyons
Oren Lyons is not only recognized as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time but also as a prominent advocate for Native American rights. His contributions extend beyond the sport, highlighting his commitment to social justice and his heritage.
He started playing lacrosse during his time at Syracuse University, where he honed his skills and became a standout player.
His talent and achievements in the lacrosse field quickly gained attention, and he soon became a sensation in North America.
As a lacrosse goalie, Lyons showed his abilities while representing various teams, including clubs in New York and New Jersey.
His style of play as a goalie was different and embraced the traditional box lacrosse approach.
He used several parts of his body, such as his elbows, shoulders, chest, and even his head, to make saves. This approach highlighted his agility, reflexes, and fearlessness in the goal, captivating fans with his acrobatic saves.
Lyons has also been involved in preserving the cultural heritage of lacrosse.
On the Onondaga Nation, he has participated in games where “old” men compete against “young” men, using wooden sticks and playing without protective pads.
This tradition shows the roots of lacrosse and emphasizes the importance of preserving the sport’s indigenous origins.
Jimmy Lewis
Recognized as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time, having had an exceptional career at the United States Naval Academy from 1964 to 1966.
During his time at Navy, Lewis led his team to national titles for three consecutive years and achieved perfect seasons each time.
The national champions were determined by a committee, and the Navy won their titles using the Wingate Memorial Trophy format.
Lewis’ outstanding performance on the field and his contributions to the team earned him honors and recognition.
He scored a total of 169 points throughout his Navy lacrosse career, which places him fifth on the all-time scoring list.
He was honored with the Jack Turnbull Award in 1964, 1965, and 1966, proving his consistent excellence. Lewis’ skill and impact led to his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1981, solidifying his status as one of the best lacrosse players in history.
In 1966, he was also honored with the Sword for Men Award.
Jim Brown
Jim Brown’s versatility and impact extended beyond the football field, as he had a deep love and admiration for lacrosse.
While he excelled in football, he expressed his fondness for lacrosse and even stated that he would have chosen it over football if professional lacrosse had been an option during his playing days.
There is a common misconception that Brown simply clamped the stick to his chest and relied solely on his athleticism in lacrosse.
However, while Brown’s athleticism undoubtedly played a role in his success, it is important to recognize that lacrosse requires skill, technique, and strategic thinking.
Brown’s ability to adapt and excel in different sports demonstrates his remarkable athleticism and dedication to his craft.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Jim Brown’s philanthropic work and his foray into acting further solidify his legendary status.
He has been actively involved in numerous charitable endeavors, using his platform to uplift and support his community.
The fact that Jim Brown embraced lacrosse and expressed his passion for the sport adds to his legacy.
Izzy Scane
Scane is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated female lacrosse players of all time. Her contributions to the sport are remarkable, both at the team and individual levels.
She played a big part in the U.S. U-19 team’s gold-medal performance at the Canada Olympics, showing her talent on an international stage.
At the high school level, her skills and dedication were evident through several achievements.
She earned the record of being a three-time All-State honoree, highlighting her consistent excellence throughout her high school career.
She also holds the record for career points in her state, proving her exceptional scoring ability and overall impact on the game.
Scane’s leadership and performance on the field were recognized by her teammates and coaches.
She was named the Team MVP in 2017, a testament to her valuable contributions to her lacrosse team. And, she received the honor of being a two-time All-American and All-Midwest honoree, underscoring her status as one of the top players in her region.
Her success continued at the collegiate level, where Scane made her mark in the highly competitive Big Ten conference.
In her freshman year, she was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, indicating her immediate impact and potential as a rising star in the sport.
Michael Powell
The younger brother of Gary Gait, indeed had an stellar career as an attacker.
His achievements and records solidify his status as one of the greatest players in the sport.
Powell’s dominance as an attacker in Division I lacrosse is evident through his remarkable four consecutive wins of the Jack Turnbull Award.
This prestigious award recognizes the best attacker in Division I lacrosse, and Powell’s ability to claim it four times in a row flaunting his skill and impact on the field.
He was also recognized as a four-time First Team All-American, further underlining his consistent excellence throughout his college career.
Powell managed to win the Tewaaraton Trophy twice, an award given to the top collegiate lacrosse player in the nation.
Making it to the finals on four separate occasions demonstrates his ability to perform at a high level in critical moments and his overall impact as a player.
Even in high school, his talent was evident, earning him All-American honors.
He left a lasting mark with several records at the high school level, including the most points in a season with an impressive 194 points.
His ability to contribute both as a scorer and playmaker is further pointed up by his record for the most assists in a season in 1999 and 2000.
Powell’s achievements in high school foreshadowed his future success and served as a springboard for his stellar college career.
Jim Thorpe
He was indeed a remarkable lax player and his versatility is undoubtedly fact to his exceptional talent and athleticism.
While he is widely celebrated for his success in track and field, particularly winning the pentathlon and decathlon in the 1912 Olympics, his impact in lacrosse, should not be overlooked.
Thorpe’s prowess as a lacrosse player was notable, and he proved his skill by defeating prominent teams such as Army, Pittsburgh, Harvard, Penn, Syracuse, and Nebraska.
His success on the lacrosse field further solidifies his status as one of the greatest athletes of his time.
Thorpe’s career spanned across various sports, including professional baseball and football, where he made major contributions and garnered recognition.
His title as the “world’s greatest athlete” bestowed by King Gustav V reflects the immense respect and admiration he garnered.
It is worth noting that despite Thorpe’s achievements, his gold medals in the 1912 Olympics were controversially revoked due to technical reasons related to his prior involvement in semi-professional sports.
This decision has been widely debated, with many viewing it as an injustice to his legacy as an extraordinary athlete.
Greg Cattrano
Known as “Beast,” he left an indelible mark as a faceoff specialist. His records and success in the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) proved his exceptional skills and impact on the game.
His statistics as a faceoff specialist are truly remarkable. He amasses an impressive 993 ground balls, proving his ability to secure possession for his team.
He also achieved an amazing 2,004 faceoff victories out of 3,387 faceoff attempts, showing his dominance in this crucial aspect of the game.
His success as a faceoff specialist led to the rewriting of the history books in the MLL.
Cattrano set the league records for single-season faceoff winning percentage with an outstanding 73.3%.
This record underscores his ability to consistently come out on top in faceoffs, providing his team with a significant advantage in possession. He also set a record for the most faceoff wins in a season, winning 280 victories.
Cattrano’s contributions were not limited to individual success. He played a big part in helping the Lizards win the MLL championship, exhibiting his ability to perform at the highest level in critical moments.
Jason Coffman
During his time at Salisbury, he achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer with 451 points.
Even with the evolution of the shot clock era, it seems unlikely that this record will be surpassed anytime soon.
Coffman, a member of the Salisbury team, played a big part in winning the first two national championships. He also earned several personal honors.
As an attackman, he was selected for the All-American first team four times (1993, 1994, 1995, and 1996) and received the Player of the Year title twice (1994, 1995).
Beyond his impressive statistics, including 249 career goals, 202 career assists, and a single-season record of 126 points, Coffman ranks among the NCAA’s top five players in terms of career points.
Despite his outstanding career and remarkable in-game performances, Coffman remains underrated and underappreciated.
He deserves rightful recognition and respect comparable to other lacrosse legends in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. His name should be celebrated alongside the greats of the game.
Jen Adams
She is widely regarded as one of the greatest lacrosse players in history, with an impressive list of success and records. She had big impact on her team, the Maryland Terrapins, leading them to four out of the seven consecutive national championships.
Her outstanding performances on the field did not go unnoticed, as she was named National Player of the Year three times, a fact of her skills and influence on the game.
This recognition highlights her dominance and impact as a player during her time at Maryland.
Her individual success was exemplified by her recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Tewaaraton Trophy. This prestigious award is given to the top collegiate lacrosse player in the nation, and she earned this honor after leading the country in both goals and assists.
Her ability to contribute to her team’s offense in such a well-rounded manner showcased her versatility and overall excellence as a player.
Jen’s career statistics speak to her remarkable impact on the game.
She amassed an impressive 445 points and 178 assists, setting two NCAA records along the way.
Kylie Ohlmiller
Kyle Ohlmiller stands out as one of the top female lacrosse players, known for her exceptional achievement. Her ability to read and navigate through defensive pressure, even when the focus is on her, embodies her skill and impact on the field.
Ohlmiller’s remarkable numbers and records speak to her incredible talent and contributions to the sport. She was a finalist for the prestigious Tewaaraton Award in 2017.
Her ability to distribute the ball and create scoring opportunities is evident in her record-setting numbers. She leads the NCAA in single-season assists with an impressive 86, highlighting her playmaking ability and vision on the field. Additionally, she holds the record for single-season points with 164, showcasing her ability to both score and assist her teammates.
In terms of career records, Ohlmiller holds the NCAA record for career assists with 235. Moreover, she also holds the record for lifetime points with 469, underlining her overall offensive impact and consistent performance.
Some Other Notable Greatest Lacrosse Players
- Del Dressel
- Courtney Murphy
- Greg Gurenlian
- Ryan Boyle
- Brian Dougherty
- Kyle Harrison
FAQs
Who is the greatest lacrosse player of all time ?
Gary Gait
When it comes to the greatest lacrosse players in history, one name stands tall above the rest – Gary Gait.
What is the record for the fastest shot in lacrosse?
127 miles/hour
The record for the fastest shot in lacrosse goes to Nick Diegel, a legendary player, who achieved an unmatched speed of 127 miles/hour with his stick.
Also, Zack Dorn also delivered an impressive shot at 116 miles/hour during the MLL All-Star game.
What qualities make a great lacrosse player?
To become a great lacrosse player, you need to have exceptional speed, impressive ball control, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively with your team.
What is the most important skill in lacrosse?
Cradling is widely recognized as one of the most vital skills in lacrosse.
This is ability of a player to maintain possession of the ball on their lacrosse stick. While various cradling techniques exist, professional players often rely on a full cradle to ensure superior ball handling.
Who has the most goals in Major League Lacrosse history?
| 1. John Grant Jr. | 15 | 393 | 2.3 |
| 2. Paul Rabil | 14 | 355 | 2.1 |
| 3. Brendan Mundorf | 10 | 316 | 2.6 |
| 4. Marcus Holman | 11 | 298 | 2.4 |
| 5. Rob Pannell | 11 | 295 | 2.4 |
| 6. Joe Walters | 16 | 289 | 1.7 |
| 7. Kevin Leveille | 11 | 287 | 2.3 |
Final Whistle
These players have not only inspired generations of lacrosse enthusiasts but have also played vital roles in promoting the growth and popularity of the sport.
Their legacies will continue to shape and influence the future of lacrosse for years to come.
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