Tewaaraton award finalists. Tewaaraton Award 2023: Top Lacrosse Players Honored

Who were the nominees and winners of the 2023 Tewaaraton Award. What criteria are used to select the top college lacrosse players in the United States. How does the nomination and selection process work.

The Prestigious Tewaaraton Award: Recognizing Excellence in College Lacrosse

The Tewaaraton Award stands as the pinnacle of recognition in college lacrosse, honoring the top male and female players in the United States annually. Established to celebrate exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and character, this award has become a coveted accolade among collegiate lacrosse athletes.

How is the Tewaaraton Award different from other sports accolades? Unlike many awards that focus solely on statistical performance, the Tewaaraton takes into account a player’s overall contribution to their team, leadership qualities, and impact on the sport. This holistic approach ensures that the recipients truly embody the spirit of lacrosse excellence.

The 2023 Tewaaraton Award Nominees: A Showcase of Talent

The 2023 Tewaaraton Award nominees represent a diverse array of talent from across the collegiate lacrosse landscape. With players hailing from 17 different schools in the men’s category and 14 in the women’s, the nominations reflect the broad spectrum of skill and dedication present in the sport.

Men’s Nominees: A Closer Look

Among the 25 men’s nominees, several standout players caught the attention of the selection committee:

• Notre Dame led the pack with three nominees
• Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Maryland, Rutgers, and Virginia each boasted two nominees
• 11 players returned from the previous year’s nominee list
• 2022 finalists Sam Handley (Penn) and Connor Shellenberger (Virginia) were once again in contention
• Pat Kavanagh of Notre Dame, a 2021 finalist, also made the list

Women’s Nominees: Breaking Down the Field

The women’s category showcased an equally impressive array of talent:

• Northwestern topped the list with four nominees
• Syracuse followed closely with three nominees
• Boston College, Denver, Florida, James Madison, Loyola, and Notre Dame each had two nominees
• Seven players returned from the 2022 nominee list
• Former finalists Meaghan Tyrrell (Syracuse, 2022) and Izzy Scane (Northwestern, 2021) were among the nominees

The Selection Process: From Nominees to Finalists

The journey from nominee to winner is a rigorous process designed to identify the truly exceptional players in college lacrosse. How does the selection committee narrow down the field?

1. Initial Watch Lists: Released on February 10, 2023
2. Additions: Announced on March 9 and March 30, 2023
3. Nominee Announcement: Made on April 20, 2023
4. Finalist Selection: Five men’s and five women’s finalists to be announced on May 11, 2023
5. Award Ceremony: Finalists invited to Washington, D.C. on June 1, 2023

This multi-stage process ensures that players have ample opportunity to showcase their skills throughout the season, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of their performance.

2023 Tewaaraton Award Winners: Celebrating Exceptional Talent

The anticipation culminated in the announcement of the 2023 Tewaaraton Award winners, recognizing two outstanding athletes who left an indelible mark on the lacrosse field:

Women’s Winner: Izzy Scane, Northwestern

Izzy Scane’s journey to the Tewaaraton Award is a testament to perseverance and skill. How did she clinch this prestigious honor?

• NCAA Tournament MVP for national champion Northwestern
• Set Northwestern’s single-season record with 99 goals
• Led Division I with 4.95 goals and 6.7 points per game
• Named Big 10 Attacker of the Year
• Averaged 8 points per game in the final three playoff matches
• Became the fourth Tewaaraton winner from Northwestern

Men’s Winner: Brennan O’Neill, Duke

Brennan O’Neill’s exceptional performance for Duke secured him the men’s Tewaaraton Award. While specific details about his achievements were not provided in the original text, his selection as the winner speaks volumes about his impact on the field and his contribution to Duke’s lacrosse program.

The Impact of the Tewaaraton Award on College Lacrosse

The Tewaaraton Award has become more than just an individual accolade; it has significantly influenced the landscape of college lacrosse. How has this award shaped the sport?

• Motivation for Excellence: The award inspires players to elevate their game and strive for continuous improvement.
• Recognition of Diverse Skills: By considering various aspects of a player’s performance, the award highlights the multifaceted nature of lacrosse excellence.
• Spotlight on Emerging Talent: The nomination process brings attention to rising stars in the sport, potentially influencing their future careers.
• Promotion of Lacrosse: The prestige of the award helps raise the profile of college lacrosse on a national level.

Historical Context: Past Tewaaraton Award Winners

The legacy of the Tewaaraton Award is built on the achievements of past winners. How have previous recipients influenced the sport?

In the women’s category, Northwestern University has established itself as a powerhouse, with Izzy Scane joining an illustrious list of winners:

• Kristen Kjellman (2006, 2007)
• Hannah Nielsen (2008, 2009)
• Shannon Smith (2011)

These athletes have not only brought glory to their university but have also set benchmarks for future generations of lacrosse players.

The Future of the Tewaaraton Award

As college lacrosse continues to evolve, so too does the Tewaaraton Award. What can we expect in the coming years?

• Increased Competition: With the growing popularity of lacrosse, the pool of exceptional players is likely to expand, making the selection process even more competitive.
• Technological Integration: Advanced analytics and performance tracking tools may play a larger role in the evaluation process.
• Expanded Recognition: The award may evolve to recognize excellence in various aspects of the game, beyond just offensive prowess.
• Global Impact: As lacrosse gains traction internationally, the Tewaaraton Award may influence the sport’s development on a global scale.

Tewaaraton Award: More Than Just a Trophy

While the Tewaaraton Award culminates in the presentation of a trophy, its significance extends far beyond the physical accolade. How does winning this award impact an athlete’s career?

• Professional Opportunities: Many Tewaaraton winners go on to successful professional careers in lacrosse.
• Leadership Roles: The recognition often leads to leadership positions within the sport, both on and off the field.
• Ambassadorship: Winners become de facto ambassadors for lacrosse, helping to grow the sport’s popularity.
• Legacy Building: The award cements a player’s place in lacrosse history, inspiring future generations of athletes.

The Tewaaraton Award not only celebrates individual excellence but also serves as a catalyst for the growth and development of lacrosse as a whole. As we look to the future, the award will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of college lacrosse and beyond.

The Role of Coaches in the Tewaaraton Award Process

Behind every Tewaaraton Award nominee and winner stands a dedicated coaching staff. How do coaches contribute to their players’ success in this prestigious competition?

• Skill Development: Coaches work tirelessly to hone their players’ abilities, pushing them to reach their full potential.
• Strategic Positioning: By placing players in roles that showcase their strengths, coaches help elevate their performances.
• Mental Preparation: Coaches play a crucial role in developing the mental toughness and resilience necessary to excel under pressure.
• Nomination Support: Coaches often advocate for their players during the nomination process, highlighting their achievements and character.

The relationship between coaches and players is symbiotic in the pursuit of the Tewaaraton Award. While players execute on the field, coaches provide the guidance, strategy, and support necessary for success.

The Selection Committee: Guardians of Excellence

The Tewaaraton Award selection committee plays a pivotal role in identifying and honoring the cream of the crop in college lacrosse. Who are these individuals, and what qualifies them for this important task?

• Composition: The committee comprises premier college coaches appointed annually by the Tewaaraton Foundation.
• Expertise: Members bring years of experience and in-depth knowledge of the sport to the selection process.
• Objectivity: The diverse makeup of the committee helps ensure a fair and balanced evaluation of nominees.
• Responsibility: Committee members shoulder the weighty task of narrowing down a field of exceptional athletes to identify the very best.

The selection committee’s role extends beyond simply choosing winners; they are custodians of the award’s prestige and integrity, ensuring that each year’s recipients truly embody the spirit of lacrosse excellence.

The Tewaaraton Award’s Influence on Recruiting and Player Development

The prestige of the Tewaaraton Award reverberates through all levels of lacrosse, from high school recruitment to professional development. How does the award impact these crucial aspects of the sport?

Recruiting Dynamics

The Tewaaraton Award has become a powerful tool in the collegiate recruiting process:

• Attraction of Talent: Programs with a history of Tewaaraton nominees and winners often have an edge in attracting top high school prospects.
• Player Aspirations: Young athletes may choose schools based on their perceived opportunity to compete for the award.
• Program Prestige: Consistent representation in the Tewaaraton nominations can elevate a program’s national profile.

Player Development

The award also plays a significant role in shaping player development strategies:

• Holistic Improvement: Players aspiring to the award focus on developing all aspects of their game, not just statistical performance.
• Leadership Skills: The award’s consideration of character and leadership encourages players to develop these crucial off-field qualities.
• Long-term Focus: The possibility of winning the Tewaaraton can motivate players to maintain high performance levels throughout their collegiate careers.

By influencing both recruitment and development, the Tewaaraton Award helps shape the future of lacrosse talent in the United States.

The Tewaaraton Award in the Digital Age

In an era dominated by social media and digital communication, the Tewaaraton Award has adapted to engage with a broader audience. How has the digital landscape impacted the award’s reach and significance?

• Social Media Presence: The Tewaaraton Foundation maintains active profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, providing real-time updates and engaging content.
• Online Voting: While not part of the official selection process, online fan engagement helps generate buzz around nominees.
• Digital Coverage: Livestreams of the award ceremony and digital press conferences have made the event more accessible to fans worldwide.
• Data Analytics: Advanced statistics and performance metrics, easily shareable online, provide additional context for player evaluations.

The digital evolution of the Tewaaraton Award has not only increased its visibility but has also fostered a more interactive and engaged lacrosse community.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Tewaaraton Award and Beyond

As we reflect on the 2023 Tewaaraton Award, anticipation already builds for the 2024 edition. What can we expect in the coming year and beyond?

• Emerging Talent: Keep an eye on underclassmen who showed promise in 2023, as they may be the frontrunners for future awards.
• Program Dominance: Will programs like Northwestern and Duke continue their strong showing, or will new powerhouses emerge?
• Rule Changes: Any significant rule changes in college lacrosse could impact playing styles and, consequently, the types of players who excel.
• International Influence: As lacrosse continues to grow globally, we may see an increasing international flavor in the nominee pool.

The Tewaaraton Award will undoubtedly continue to evolve, adapting to changes in the sport while maintaining its status as the premier individual honor in college lacrosse.

2023 Nominees – The Tewaaraton Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. April 20 – The Tewaaraton Foundation has announced the 2023 men’s and women’s Tewaaraton Award Nominees. The Tewaaraton Award is recognized as the pre-eminent lacrosse award, annually honoring the top male and female college lacrosse player in the United States. The selection committees are comprised of premier college coaches and are appointed annually by the Tewaaraton Foundation.

Five men’s and five women’s finalists will be selected from these groups, to be announced May 11 at the conclusion of the regular season. 

The men’s Tewaaraton Award Nominees include players from 17 different schools, led by three from Notre Dame and two each from Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, Maryland, Rutgers and Virginia. In all, 11 men’s players return from last year’s Nominees, including 2022 finalists Sam Handley (Penn) and Connor Shellenberger (Virginia). Notre Dame’s Pat Kavanagh was a finalist in 2021. 

25 Men’s Nominees:

Gavin Adler, Cornell – Sr. , Defense
Will Bowen, Georgetown – Grad. Student, Defense
Matt Brandau, Yale – Jr., Attack
Kenny Brower, Duke – Sr., Defense
Matt Campbell, Villanova – Grad. Student, Midfield
Zach Cole, St. Joe’s – Grad. Student, Face Off
Payton Cormier, Virginia – Sr., Attack
Tucker Dordevic, Georgetown – Grad. Student, Attack
Liam Entenmann, Notre Dame – Sr., Goalie
Sam Handley, Penn – 5th Year, Midfield
Pat Kavanagh, Notre Dame – Sr., Attack
Chris Kavanagh, Notre Dame – Soph., Attack
CJ Kirst, Cornell – Jr., Attack
Shane Knobloch, Rutgers – Jr., Midfield
Tye Kurtz, Delaware – Sr., Attack
Coulter Mackesy, Princeton – Soph., Attack
Brett Makar, Maryland – Grad. Student, Defense
TJ Malone, Penn State – Grad. Student, Attack
Will Mark, Syracuse – Jr., Goalie
Brennan O’Neill, Duke – Jr., Attack
Ross Scott, Rutgers – Sr., Attack
Connor Shellenberger, Virginia – Sr., Attack
Mike Sisselberger, Lehigh – Grad. Student, Face Off
Luke Wierman, Maryland – Sr. , Face Off
Josh Zawada, Michigan – Sr., Attack

This year’s list of women’s Tewaaraton Award Nominees features players from 14 different schools, led by Northwestern with four players, Syracuse with three, and two each for Boston College, Denver, Florida, James Madison, Loyola and Notre Dame. In all, seven players return from the 2022 list of nominees. Former finalists from 2022 (Meaghan Tyrrell of Syracuse) and 2021 (Izzy Scane of Northwestern) are among this year’s Nominees. 

25 women’s nominees:

Madison Ahern, Notre Dame – Sr., Attack
Meghan Ball, Rutgers – Sr., Defense
Abby Bosco, Maryland – Grad. Student, Defense
Kasey Choma, Notre Dame – Sr., Midfield
Erin Coykendall, Northwestern – Sr., Attack
Katie Detwiler, Loyola – Grad. Student, Defense
Mairead Durkin, James Madison – Sr., Defense
Emma LoPinto, Florida – Soph., Attack
Ellie Masera, Stony Brook – Jr., Midfield
Ashlyn McGovern, Virginia – Grad. Student, Attack
Trinity McPherson, Denver – Grad. Student, Defense
Jenn Medjid, Boston College – Grad. Student, Attack
Emily Nalls, North Carolina – Sr., Defense
Isabella Peterson, James Madison – Jr., Attack
Sarah Reznick, Florida – Redshirt Junior, Goalie
Hailey Rhatigan, Northwestern – Grad. Student, Attack
Izzy Scane, Northwestern – Grad. Student, Attack
Belle Smith, Boston College – Jr., Midfield
Jill Smith, Michigan – Soph., Attack
Delaney Sweitzer, Syracuse – Sr., Goalie
Sam Thacker, Denver – Sr., Defense
Meaghan Tyrrell, Syracuse – Grad. Student, Attack
Emma Ward, Syracuse – Jr., Attack
Sammy White, Northwestern – Soph., Defense
Jillian Wilson, Loyola – Grad. Student, Midfield

The 2023 Tewaaraton Watch Lists were first unveiled Feb. 10, with additions announced March 9 and  March 30. The five men’s and five women’s finalists will be announced May 11 and will be invited to the Tewaaraton Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 1.

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2023 Winners – The Tewaaraton Award

The Tewaaraton Foundation has announced Northwestern attacker Izzy Scane and Duke attackman Brennan O’Neill as the women’s and men’s winners of the 2023 Tewaaraton Award, given annually to the top female and top male college lacrosse players in the United States.

The NCAA Tournament MVP for national champion Northwestern, Scane finished her impressive comeback season as the Wildcats’ single-season record-holder with 99 goals and sitting atop Division I with 4.95 goals and 6.7 points per game. The Big 10 Attacker of the Year and 2021 Tewaaraton Finalist (before sitting out 2022 with an injury) averaged eight points per game over NU’s final three games of the playoffs. The grad student from Clarkston, Michigan (Cranbrook Kingswood) is the fourth Tewaaraton winner from Northwestern, joining Kristen Kjellman (2006, 2007), Hannah Nielsen (2008, 2009), and Shannon Smith (2011). 

Scane was joined by fellow 2023 Tewaaraton Finalists, grad student Jenn Medjid (Boston College), senior Erin Coykendall (Northwestern), junior Isabella Peterson (James Madison), and grad student Meaghan Tyrrell (Syracuse).  

On the men’s side, O’Neill, the 2023 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, led the Blue Devils to the NCAA Final with a career-high 95 points, good for first in Division I. O’Neill was named the USILA Lt. Raymond Enners Award winner after placing second nationally with 5.28 points per game, 16th with 3.00 goals per game and 14th with 2.28 assists per game. The junior from Bay Shore, N.Y. (St. Anthony’s) is the third Blue Devil to win the Tewaaraton Award, joining current Duke assistant coach Matt Danowski (2007) and Ned Crotty (2010). 

O’Neill was joined by fellow 2023 Tewaaraton Finalists, grad student Tucker Dordevic (Georgetown), senior Pat Kavanagh (Notre Dame), junior C.J. Kirst (Cornell), and Virginia senior Connor Shellenberger (Cornell). 

“This was an electrifying season of college lacrosse marked by the great skill, athleticism, and grit of the student-athletes, and we’re so proud to honor the two judged by our Selection Committees to be the best among them – Izzy Scane and Brennan O’Neill,” said Tewaaraton Foundation President Andy Phillips. “The talent and determination they displayed in leading their teams this season – Izzy leading Northwestern to the national title and Brennan helping take Duke to the NCAA Final – was inspiring, and we congratulate them on truly special seasons.”

The selection committees are composed of 16 men’s and 18 women’s current college coaches, and are chaired by US Lacrosse National Lacrosse Hall of Fame coaches Jack Emmer (men’s) and Alicia Groveston (women’s). 

Guidelines for finalists and recipient selections are as follows:

• Finalists will be the best five players chosen, without regard to institution.
• Finalists will be selected based on individual performance and a player’s contribution to the success of their team.
• Finalists are chosen based on the current year’s regular-season performance (date of selection is at the conclusion of the regular season, before the playoffs).
• Recipients are chosen based on the current year’s regular season and playoff performance.
• Sportsmanship can play a role in the selection process, and it is important that the recipient upholds the mission and values of the Tewaaraton Award.

The 2023 Tewaaraton Watch Lists were first unveiled Feb. 10, with additions announced March 9 and  March 30 and the nominees announced April 20. The five men’s and five women’s finalists were announced May 11.

Men’s Recipients

Women’s Recipients

90,000 The Tewaaraton Award is the highest individual award in collegiate lacrosse. » AllLacrosse.org

The Tewaaraton Award is given annually to the best players in men’s and women’s lacrosse at the end of the college championships. The award has been in existence since 2001 and is the highest individual award in collegiate lacrosse.

“Lacrosse is a game played by Native Americans in times of war and times of peace to sort of honor the creator,” says Taylor Cummings of Maryland, the first and only three-time winner of the Tewaaraton Award in 2014-2016 .

Tewaaraton (pronounced deh-wa-al-la-don or teh-war-a-ton) is the Iroquois word for lacrosse. It is believed that the Iroquois people are the founder of this sport.

When the University of Washington DC decided on the name of the award, it seemed natural to link the trophy to the roots of its heritage.

“The club looked to a lot of resources, which led them to name Tewaaraton,” said Geoffrey Harvey, chairman of the Tewaaraton Foundation. “We had to get permission from the National Council of the Iroquois before we officially adopted the name. ”

While the Foundation sets the criteria for the award, it also sets up a committee of top lacrosse coaches that ultimately decides the winner.

“We think it’s an exceptional process because the coaches make sure everything is right,” Harvey said.

Michael Powell of Syracuse University became the first player to win the Tewaaraton award twice. Kristen Kjellman of Northwestern University became the first woman to win the award twice and the first player of both sexes to win it in a row.

“When my name was announced as the winner, it was an incredible feeling. Most of my goals were the result of team play, so it was an amazing and unexpected recognition,” said Kjellman.

Native American player first received the award in 2014. It was also the first and only year that two players shared a trophy between them.

Lyle and Miles Thompson, brothers who played for the University of Albany, both took the stage to receive the honor after both broke the long-standing NCAA single-season scoring record (Lyle scored 128 and Miles 119). They were (and still are) one of the highest scoring offensive duos in the history of the sport. The Thompsons are from the Onondonga Nation, one of the six nations that make up the Iroquois Confederacy.

That year it was hard to choose between me and Miles,” said Lyle Thompson. “For that matter, we wanted the other to win, but both of us won really unexpectedly.”

Lyle will receive the award again in 2015, this time without his brother.

One of the Foundation’s goals is to celebrate the honor and legacy of lacrosse, which is why a trophy has been created that reflects this. Frederick Keil, a native of the Iroquois tribe, designed and created a bronze statue of an Iroquois player on a granite slab in the shape of a hexagon. The hexagon represents the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy.

The original trophy is on display in Maryland at the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Replicas are awarded to the winners each year.

“The Tewaaraton awards ceremony is a must for every lacrosse fan,” says Harvey.

The Tewaaraton Foundation hosts this event annually at the Smithsonian National Native American Museum, surrounded by historical artifacts of Native American culture and rituals.

All women laureates:

• 2022 – Charlotte North (Boston College)
• 2021 – Charlotte North (Boston College)
• 2020 – season was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• 2019 – Megan Taylor (Maryland)
• 2018 – Sam Appuso (Boston College)
• 2017 – Zoe Stackenberg (Maryland)
• 2016 – Taylor Cummings (Maryland)
• 2015 – Taylor Cummings (Maryland)
• 2014 – Taylor Cummings (Maryland)
• 2013 – Katie Schwartzman (Maryland)
• 2012 – Katie Schwartzman (Maryland)
• 2011 – Shannon Smith (Northwestern)
• 2010 – Caitlin McFadden (Maryland)
• 2009 – Hanna Nielsen (Northwestern)
• 2008 – Hanna Nielsen (Northwestern)
• 2007 – Kristen Kjellman (Northwestern)
• 2006 – Kristen Kjellman (Northwestern)
• 2005 – Katie Cross (Duke University)
• 2004 – Emmy Appelt (Virginia)
• 2003 – Rachel Becker (Princeton)
• 2002 – Erin Elbe (Georgetown)
• 2001 – Jen Adams (Maryland)

All male winners:

• 2022 – Logan Visnauskas (Maryland)
• 2021 – Jared Bernhardt (Maryland)
• 2020 – season canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
• 2019 – Patrick Spencer (Loyola University)
• 2018 – Ben Reeves (Yale)
• 2017 – Matt Rambo (Maryland)
• 2016 – Dylan Molloy (Brown)
• 2015 – Lyle Thompson (Albany)
• 2014 – Lyle Thompson and Miles Thompson (Albany)
• 2013 – Rob Pannell (Cornell)
• 2012 – Peter Baum (Colgate)
• 2011 – Steel Stanwick (Virginia)
• 2010 – Ned Crotty (Duke)
• 2009 – Max Seibeld (Cornell)
• 2008 – Mike Leveille (Syracuse)
• 2007 – Matt Danowsky (Duke)
• 2006 – Matt Ward (Virginia)
• 2005 – Kyle Harrison (Johns Hopkins)
• 2004 – Michael Powell (Syracuse)
• 2003 – Chris Rotelli (Virginia)
• 2002 – Michael Powell (Syracuse)
• 2001 – Doug Shanahan (Hofstra)

Rambo IV

Rambo IV

15:04
13 October

Matt Rambo is staying with the Philadelphia Wings for another year, according to the Wings’ official Twitter account.

Rambo has been playing in the NLL since the 2018-2019 season. In 2018, Philadelphia received the League’s Expansion Draft and selected Matt with the 11th overall pick. Although the year before, Matt Rambo was selected in the 2017 NLL Draft by the New England Black Wolves, but he decided to skip the season and instead of playing at a professional level, only attended training camps. Matt Rambo is the winner of the 2017 Tewaaraton Award and also holds Maryland’s all-time NCAA goalscoring and scoring records.

In “Philadelphia” he will spend the fourth season. In the first three seasons, Rambo consistently scored more than 20 goals. In total, in 46 games played, he scored 69 goals and made 97 assists, while making 117 requisitions and 88 returns of the ball.

Tags: Philadelphia

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