Who were the top performers in NAIA men’s lacrosse for 2023. How did Keiser University’s lacrosse team dominate the season. Which players received First Team All-American honors and why. What records were broken during the 2023 NAIA lacrosse season.
Keiser University’s Impressive Season and Championship Victory
The 2023 NAIA men’s lacrosse season saw Keiser University rise to prominence, ending Reinhardt’s long-standing dynasty. The Seahawks, led by Head Coach Patrick Johnston, achieved an outstanding 17-1 record and clinched their first NAIA Lacrosse National Championship. Johnston’s exceptional leadership earned him the Coach of the Year award, solidifying Keiser’s place at the top of NAIA lacrosse.
How did Keiser manage to dethrone the reigning champions? The answer lies in their well-rounded team and standout individual performances. Four Seahawks received First Team All-American honors, demonstrating the depth and talent of the squad that propelled them to victory.
Keiser’s All-American Quartet: A Closer Look at Their Achievements
Keiser University’s success was largely due to the exceptional performances of four key players who received First Team All-American honors:
- AJ Badik: Scored 41 goals, including 8 in the championship game, earning him Tournament MVP.
- Cam Provines: Achieved a career-high .737 faceoff win percentage and collected 157 groundballs.
- Christian Tomei: Set school records in wins and saves, leading the nation with a 68.9 save percentage.
- Jackson Marshall: Caused 23 turnovers and gathered 38 groundballs, anchoring the team’s defense.
These players’ contributions were instrumental in Keiser’s championship run, showcasing the team’s strength in every aspect of the game.
Indiana Tech’s Standout Performers in a Runner-Up Finish
Despite falling short in the championship game, Indiana Tech boasted three First Team All-Americans who demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the season:
- Nate Langille (Attack): Led the team in points and assists, ranking sixth in the NAIA for both categories.
- Josh Bramley (Midfield): Accumulated 72 points with 42 goals and 30 assists.
- Tom Piotrowski (Defense): Led the NAIA in caused turnovers with 57 and collected 74 groundballs.
These players’ performances highlight the strength of Indiana Tech’s program and their ability to compete at the highest level of NAIA lacrosse.
Cameron Cochran: NAIA Player of the Year and Offensive Powerhouse
Reinhardt University’s Cameron Cochran stood out as a dominant force in NAIA lacrosse, earning both Player of the Year and First Team All-American honors. What made Cochran’s season so exceptional?
- Ranked second in the nation for points (104) and assists (56)
- Set career highs in goals (48), assists (56), and points (104)
- Led Reinhardt to the NAIA Lacrosse National Tournament Quarterfinals
Cochran’s impressive statistics and leadership on the field solidified his position as the top player in NAIA lacrosse for the 2023 season.
Record-Breaking Performances and Program Firsts
The 2023 NAIA lacrosse season saw several players achieve remarkable feats and set new records for their respective programs:
- Breck Putzier (William Penn): Became the program’s first First Team All-American, leading the NAIA in most offensive categories with 68 goals, 60 assists, and 128 points.
- Damien Hudson (Lawrence Tech): Accumulated 42 goals, 20 assists, and 62 total points in just 12 games.
- Chrystian Coleman (University of Cumberlands): Repeated as First Team All-American Defensive Midfielder, tallying 78 groundballs, 29 caused turnovers, and 19 points.
- Ethan Wissink (Siena Heights): Excelled as a sophomore long-stick midfielder, contributing 14 goals, 3 assists, 25 caused turnovers, and 62 groundballs.
These performances demonstrate the high level of talent across NAIA lacrosse programs and the potential for players to make significant impacts on their teams.
The Selection Process and Recognition of Excellence
How are NAIA Lacrosse All-Americans chosen? The All-American Committee carefully selects players for First and Second Teams based on their outstanding performances throughout the season. This recognition highlights the best players in NAIA lacrosse and serves as a testament to their skill, dedication, and impact on their respective teams.
The NAIA awards only one Player of the Year honor, which can be given to a player at any position. This approach ensures that the most deserving player, regardless of their role on the field, receives the highest individual accolade in NAIA lacrosse.
Emerging Talents and Future Prospects in NAIA Lacrosse
The 2023 NAIA lacrosse season not only showcased established stars but also highlighted emerging talents who could shape the future of the sport. Which players should we keep an eye on in the coming seasons?
- Ethan Wissink (Siena Heights): As a sophomore, Wissink’s exceptional performance suggests he has room for further growth and could become a dominant force in NAIA lacrosse.
- Boston Romero (William Penn): Named to the Second Team All-American list as a midfielder, Romero has the potential to elevate his game and join his teammate Breck Putzier on the First Team in future seasons.
- Noah Sorenson (Concordia): Recognized as a Second Team All-American defensive midfielder, Sorenson could develop into a key player for Concordia in the coming years.
These rising stars, along with other talented underclassmen, represent the bright future of NAIA lacrosse and the potential for new dynasties to emerge in the sport.
The Impact of All-American Selections on NAIA Lacrosse Programs
All-American selections play a crucial role in the development and recognition of NAIA lacrosse programs. How do these honors benefit both the players and their schools?
- Recruitment boost: Programs with All-American players become more attractive to prospective student-athletes, potentially improving the quality of future recruiting classes.
- National recognition: All-American honors bring attention to smaller schools and help elevate the profile of their lacrosse programs on a national level.
- Player development: The pursuit of All-American status motivates players to continually improve their skills, benefiting both individual athletes and their teams.
- Professional opportunities: All-American recognition can open doors for players seeking to continue their lacrosse careers at the professional level or in coaching roles.
As NAIA lacrosse continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness, the importance of All-American selections in shaping the landscape of the sport cannot be overstated.
Analyzing the Competitive Balance in NAIA Lacrosse
The 2023 season demonstrated a shift in the competitive balance of NAIA lacrosse. With Keiser University ending Reinhardt’s dynasty, has the sport entered a new era of parity? Several factors suggest that NAIA lacrosse may be becoming more competitive across the board:
- Distribution of talent: All-American selections came from a variety of programs, indicating that top players are spread across multiple teams.
- Emerging programs: Schools like William Penn and Lawrence Tech had standout performers, suggesting that newer or less established programs are making strides in player development.
- Close competition: The championship game between Keiser and Indiana Tech highlighted the narrow margin between the top teams in the NAIA.
This increased competitiveness bodes well for the future of NAIA lacrosse, as it may lead to more exciting seasons and a higher overall level of play across the league.
The Role of Coaching in NAIA Lacrosse Success
While individual player performances are crucial, the impact of coaching on team success cannot be overlooked. Keiser University’s Head Coach Patrick Johnston’s Coach of the Year award underscores the importance of effective leadership in achieving championship-level results. What qualities make a successful NAIA lacrosse coach?
- Tactical acumen: The ability to develop game plans that maximize team strengths and exploit opponent weaknesses.
- Player development: Skill in nurturing talent and helping players reach their full potential.
- Program building: Capacity to recruit effectively and create a winning culture within the team.
- Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust strategies based on the evolving landscape of NAIA lacrosse.
As the sport continues to grow and evolve, the role of coaches in shaping successful NAIA lacrosse programs will remain paramount.
The Future of NAIA Lacrosse: Trends and Predictions
As we look ahead to future seasons of NAIA lacrosse, several trends and potential developments emerge based on the 2023 season results:
- Increased parity: With Reinhardt’s dynasty ended, we may see more programs contending for the national title in coming years.
- Offensive evolution: High-scoring players like Breck Putzier and Cameron Cochran could inspire a trend towards more dynamic, high-scoring offenses across the NAIA.
- Defensive innovation: The success of defensive standouts like Tom Piotrowski may lead to increased focus on developing shutdown defenders and innovative defensive schemes.
- Specialized roles: The recognition of players in specialized positions, such as face-off specialists and long-stick midfielders, may lead to more emphasis on these roles in team strategies.
- Program growth: The success of emerging programs could inspire more schools to invest in their lacrosse programs, potentially expanding the NAIA lacrosse landscape.
These trends suggest an exciting future for NAIA lacrosse, with the potential for new rivalries, evolving playing styles, and an overall increase in the quality of play across the league.
The Importance of Balance in Building Championship-Caliber Teams
Keiser University’s championship victory highlighted the importance of a well-rounded team in achieving success at the highest level of NAIA lacrosse. What lessons can other programs take from Keiser’s balanced approach?
- Offensive depth: Keiser’s attack featured multiple threats, making it difficult for opponents to focus on shutting down a single player.
- Midfield dominance: Strong performances in face-offs and groundball collection provided Keiser with crucial possession advantages.
- Defensive solidity: A combination of caused turnovers and strong goalkeeper play formed the foundation of Keiser’s success.
- Team cohesion: The Seahawks’ ability to perform under pressure in the championship game demonstrated strong team chemistry and mental toughness.
As NAIA lacrosse programs look to build championship-caliber teams, focusing on achieving balance across all aspects of the game will likely be a key factor in their success.
NAIA Names 2023 Men’s Lacrosse All-American Selections
Fresh off a thrilling title game victory against Indiana Tech, Keiser picked up four NAIA Lacrosse All-Americans, and Head Coach Patrick Johnston won Coach of the Year. Johnston led his team to a 17-1 season that ended with the Seahawk’s first NAIA Lacrosse National Championship. With the win, Keiser ended the Reinhardt dynasty, which had won every title until this season.
Four Seahawks Receive All-American Honors#DefendTheBeach https://t.co/8JMzm6e82W
— Keiser Seahawks (@KUSeahawks) May 16, 2023
AJ Badik, Cam Provines, Christian Tomei, and Jackson Marshall received First Team All-American honors for their performances during Keiser’s breakout season. Tomei backstopped the Seahawks to the title by setting school records in wins and saves and finished with a 68.9 save percentage, which led the nation. Provines picked up his second All-American honor by recording a career-high . 737 faceoff win percentage and picking up 157 groundballs. Marshall picks up his first All-American honor after having a stellar season on the back end. He caused 23 turnovers and picked up 38 groundballs for the Seahawks. Rounding out the award winners is Badik, who scored 41 goals this season, including eight in the championship game while picking up Tournament MVP.
Joining the First Team are three members of runner-up Indiana Tech. Attackman Nate Langille, midfielder Josh Bramley, and defender Tom Piotrowski were named First Team All-American. Langille led the team in points and assists, recording the sixth most in the NAIA in both categories. He finished the season with 82 points on 42 goals and 40 assists. Bramley was one of three midfielders named to the First Team. He was a force to be reckoned with in the midfield all season, as he picked up 72 points on 42 goals and 30 assists. Piotrowski, a senior from Brookfield, Wisconsin, garnered his second straight First Team All-American honors after a stellar season on defense for the Warriors. He led the Warriors and the NAIA in caused turnovers with 57 while also picking up 74 groundballs.
Cameron Cochran of Reinhardt (Ga.) picked up the Player of the Year and First Team All-American honors. Cochran ranked second in the nation in points (104) and assists (56). The senior posted season career-highs in goals (48), assists (56), and points (104). He also helped lead his team to the NAIA Lacrosse National Tournament Quarterfinals this season after helping the Eagles win multiple national titles in years past. Joining Cochran with NAIA First Team All-American honors is teammate Matt Potvin. Potvin is a senior defender for the Eagles and repeats as an All-American.
Breck Putzier became William Penn’s first First Team All-American in program history. Putzier led the entire NAIA in most offensive categories, scoring 68 goals with 60 assists for 128 points. He also tallied 50 groundballs and caused 15 turnovers.
Damien Hudson was Lawrence Tech’s lone All-American. Hudson played in all 12 games for the Blue Devils, accumulating 42 goals, 20 assists, and 62 total points. Chrystian Coleman was the University of Cumberlands’ lone First Team selection at defensive midfield. Coleman repeated as the NAIA First Team All-American Defensive Midfielder after he tallied a team-high 78 groundballs to go along with 29 caused turnovers and 19 points on the year.
Siena Heights Ethan Wissink rounds out the team at the LSM Position. Wissink, a sophomore long-stick midfielder, was vital for SHU on both ends of the field. In the offensive zone, he had 14 goals and three assists. Wissink was one of Siena Heights’ top ball controllers with a team-high 25 caused turnovers. He finished second on the team with 62 groundballs.
All of the selections are made by the All-American Committee and are comprised of First and Second Teams. The NAIA only gives out one Player of the Year Award that can be at any position.
NAIA Lacrosse First Team All-Americans
Name | School | Position |
Cameron Cochran | Reinhardt (Ga. ) | Att. |
Nate Langille | Indiana Tech | Att. |
Breck Putzier | William Penn (Iowa) | Att. |
AJ Badik | Keiser (Fla.) | Mid. |
Damien Hudson | Lawrence Tech (Mich.) | Mid. |
Josh Bramley | Indiana Tech | Mid. |
Jackson Marshall | Keiser (Fla.) | Def. |
Matt Potvin | Reinhardt (Ga.) | Def. |
Tom Piotrowski | Indiana Tech | Def. |
Chrystian Coleman | Cumberlands (Ky.) | DM |
Ethan Wissink | Siena Heights (Mich.) | LSM |
Cam Provines | Keiser (Fla.) | Face-Off |
Christian Tomei | Keiser (Fla.) | GK |
NAIA Lacrosse Second Team All-Americans
Name | School | Position |
Chase Jackson | Webber (Fla. ) | Att. |
Christian Vanover | Cumberlands (Ky.) | Att. |
Vincent DeMarco | Ottawa (Kan.) | Att. |
Jordan Rodriguez | Benedictine (Kan.) | Mid. |
Boston Romero | William Penn (Iowa) | Mid. |
Jake Gallaher | Siena Heights (Mich.) | Mid. |
Kent Westrick | Madonna (Mich.) | Def. |
Sam Anderson | Indiana Tech | Def. |
Jordan Elam | Webber (Fla.) | Def. |
Noah Sorenson | Concordia (Mich.) | DM |
Ezequiel Ceant | Reinhardt (Ga.) | LSM |
Joe Bianchi | Benedictine (Kan.) | Face-Off |
Bryce Peltier | Columbia (Mo.) | GK |
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St. Pius X High School USA
Age
from 14 to 17 years old
For whom
mixed
languages
English
Founded
1956
Total number of students
545
Number of foreign students
5%
Student/faculty ratio
11:1
Accommodation
Apartment / studio
price
from $70,850 for a year of full-time study, incl. accommodation
Submit a request
St. Pius X High School (SPX) is a private high school, opened in 1956 in Houston (USA), which is part of the Amerigo chain of leading schools. It accepts students from 14 to 18 years old, about 5% of the total number of students come from abroad.
The school offers AP, Honors (more than 100 courses in these programs) and Dual Enrollment programs, where students receive parallel credits that will be credited towards a bachelor’s program at a college or university. SPX has strong training in STEAM subjects. Separately, the unique engineering program “Engineer Your World”, developed jointly with NASA and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Texas – Cockrell School of Engineering, is singled out. The program is ranked 11th on the list of top engineering programs in the United States.
SPX also has a unique advisory course. Students are divided into mini-groups of several people, each group is assigned a mentor, selected and the number of teachers. The mentor helps students to adapt and build relationships with each other and with the teaching staff.
Foreign students additionally study English (minimum 10 hours per week).
All students attend a 4-year University Advantage program where they prepare for admission. Graduates are guaranteed admission to one of the top 50 US universities subject to certain academic achievement requirements. Also, all students can take summer internships at Stanford University or Chicago as part of the Global Scholars program.
The most successful students receive an invitation to a special Amerigo Honors Track program, where they actively prepare for further studies at the university – they learn to write essays, compose resumes, and pass career guidance tests. Students who once received an invitation to the program undertake to take part in all additional activities and preparation activities, annually confirming the level and qualifications. Successful completion of the program guarantees admission to one of Amerigo’s top 50 partner universities. Graduates who choose a university from the TOP-30 or a college from the TOP-10 receive a scholarship of $15,000.
French, Spanish or Latin are offered as foreign languages. Additionally, students can choose elective courses, training in 20 sports teams and classes in 30 clubs of interest.
Among the famous graduates there are many representatives of creative professions and outstanding athletes.
On weekends, together with curators and teachers, the children go on educational excursions, visit sights, cultural and sports events. On Thanksgiving Eve or during spring break, long trips are organized.
Age | from 14 years to 17 years |
For whom | mixed |
Languages | English |
Founded | 1956 |
Total number of students | 545 |
Number of international students | 5% |
Student/faculty ratio | 11:1 |
Accommodation | Apartment / studio |
cost from $70,850 for a year of full-time study, incl. accommodation | Leave a request |
Admiral Farragut Academy (USA) – secondary education abroad
Admiral Farragut Academy is a naval school. It was founded in 1933 and named after the first US Air Force Admiral, David Farragut. The Admiral Farragut Academy program focuses on foreign languages (Spanish and Chinese), engineering, marine science, sailing and aviation.
The American school Admiral Farragut Academy sees its mission not only in preparing the student for entering the university, but also instilling in him the skills of leadership and self-discipline. Pupils here are called “cadets”, and the school uniform bears the insignia of the navy. Along with standard subjects, it is customary to study marine sciences, dive under water at the academy, and from the age of 14 you can get a sailing certificate and a pilot’s license from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. By the way, the legendary astronauts Alan Shepard (the first American in space) and Charlie Duke (the tenth man on the moon) studied at the Admiral Farragut Academy.
Girls and boys from 27 countries study at the Admiral Farragut Academy. For them, this is not just a high school, but a second home. Therefore, a special pride of the school is life at the boarding school. Here, children have access to all conditions for sports and recreation, from basketball courts and a fitness center to a boat base. Admiral Farragut Academy believes in nurturing a well-rounded individual. Students who play sports learn to manage their time, they are always active and easily make friends outside of the classroom.
Mandatory part of training – participation in the training program for junior reserve officers. Each student in grades 8-12 spends three years studying maritime science, history, and the operation of the US Navy.
Admiral Farragut Academy graduates go not only to naval schools – for example, to the US Naval Academy, but also to other prestigious universities, including Boston College, UCLA, Florida State University, American University.
The Admiral Farragut Academy campus is located in St. Petersburg, Florida. Famous films such as “Once Upon a Time in America” and “Ocean’s Eleven” were filmed in this city. Here the sun shines on average 361 days a year, for which this city was nicknamed “sunny”. St. Petersburg is no less famous for its beaches, interactive museum, and art.
US High School Diploma
- English
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- History
- Geography
- Engineering
- Spanish
- Chinese
- Marine biology
- Art
- Information technology
- Physical education
AP Academic / Advanced Courses
- English Literature
- Biology
- Mathematical analysis
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Public Administration
- Economy
- Microeconomics
- Statistics
Extra-curricular activities
Admiral Farragut Academy gives you the opportunity to develop after class. Creative people can join an art club, take up acting, sing in a choir or play in an ensemble. Other clubs of interest include chess, debates, ecology, photography, theatre, yoga, mathematics, sailing, foreign languages and much more.
Sports
- swimming
- basketball
- tennis
- volleyball
- football
- athletics
- golf
- lacrosse
- rowing
- sailing
- triathlon
- scuba diving
- canoe
Preparing for Admiral Farragut Academy
Preparation for entrance exams (tests, interviews, essays)
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SSAT: US School Admissions Test
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