Warrior box lacrosse equipment. Kieran McArdle: The Rise of a Lacrosse Star and His Journey to PLL Championship

Who is Kieran McArdle and how did he become a Premier Lacrosse League champion. What challenges did McArdle face in his lacrosse career. How did personal tragedy shape McArdle’s path to success in professional lacrosse.

The Unlikely Friendship That Shaped a Lacrosse Star

In the world of professional lacrosse, unexpected connections can shape careers and lives. Such was the case for Kieran McArdle, whose chance meeting with veteran player Steven Brooks would set the stage for an extraordinary journey in the sport.

Their friendship began with a simple candy wrapper. As Brooks recalls:

• He heard the crinkling of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups wrapper
• Brooks exclaimed, “Yo! Let me get some of that.”
• McArdle offered to share, leading to an instant connection

This seemingly insignificant moment sparked a friendship that would last for years, with Brooks taking the rookie McArdle under his wing. Their bond was built on shared values and habits:

• Preferring quiet nights and Mexican food over partying
• Staying up late and falling asleep with the TV on
• A mutual respect for hard work and professionalism

Brooks, impressed by McArdle’s work ethic and determined attitude, saw potential in the young player. He took it upon himself to mentor McArdle, teaching him the ins and outs of being a professional athlete both on and off the field.

From Rookie to All-Star: McArdle’s Rise in Major League Lacrosse

Kieran McArdle’s entry into professional lacrosse was nothing short of impressive. His talent and dedication quickly became apparent as he made his mark in Major League Lacrosse (MLL):

• Drafted by the Florida Launch in 2014
• Named MLL Rookie of the Year in his debut season
• Earned three MLL All-Star selections

McArdle’s success in the MLL laid the groundwork for his future achievements. His ability to adapt to the professional level and consistently perform at a high standard set him apart from his peers.

Overcoming Personal Tragedy: The Loss of a Mother and Finding New Purpose

In September 2021, McArdle faced a devastating personal loss when his mother, Patty, passed away after a seven-month battle with colorectal cancer. This tragedy occurred just days after a significant playoff game:

• McArdle had a standout performance with three goals and three assists
• The Waterdogs lost to the Whipsnakes in the 2021 PLL semifinals
• Four days later, Patty McArdle passed away at the age of 59

In the wake of this loss, McArdle found new motivation in his grief. “I’ve been playing for her ever since,” he reflects. This sentiment resonated deeply with his friend and mentor, Steven Brooks, who had lost his own mother to cancer at a young age.

Brooks shared his experience with McArdle, encouraging him to find purpose in his grief:

“You need to find that purpose, that passion and what it is inside that your mom loves. She loves you as a lacrosse player.”

This advice would prove instrumental in shaping McArdle’s approach to the game in the years to come.

The Year of the Six: A Season of Triumphs

2022 proved to be a transformative year for Kieran McArdle, both personally and professionally. Dubbed “the Year of the Six” by his wife Alyssa (a reference to his jersey number), it was marked by a series of significant milestones:

• Marriage to his college sweetheart, Alyssa Goldrich
• The birth of his daughter, Emerson
• An MVP-caliber season in the Premier Lacrosse League
• Winning his first championship at any level
• Induction into the St. John’s Athletics Hall of Fame
• Selection to the 23-man U.S. national team roster for the world championship

These achievements were not just the result of talent, but of a newfound purpose and drive. As Steven Brooks observed, “I saw a different look in his eyes going into last season. He had a whole different purpose to play for — not only for his mom, but for his daughter as well. Something flipped in his brain. And he just started taking over.”

The Making of a Lacrosse Prodigy: McArdle’s Early Years

Kieran McArdle’s journey to lacrosse stardom began long before his professional career. His early years were marked by a dedication to honing his skills, often with the help of his mother:

• Practiced catching and throwing in the backyard of their Long Island home
• His mother would hold out a stick, allowing McArdle to work on his accuracy
• These early practice sessions helped develop his precision passing skills

McArdle’s talent caught the eye of Dan Paccione, then an assistant coach at St. John’s University, during the Under Armour All-America tryouts. Paccione recalls the moment he first noticed McArdle’s exceptional abilities:

“He catches a pass that’s skimming across the mud and one-times it out of the corner of his eye to someone on the goal. Hands and vision. That’s what I wrote in my book. That was elite to me.”

Despite his evident skills, McArdle was not heavily recruited by the top lacrosse programs. Inside Lacrosse ranked him as the No. 64 recruit in the high school class of 2010, but many of the traditional powerhouse schools overlooked him.

Why was McArdle overlooked by top lacrosse programs?

Several factors may have contributed to McArdle being overlooked by major lacrosse programs:

• His smaller frame compared to other recruits
• Being a late bloomer in an era of early recruitment
• The intense competition in Suffolk County, known for producing top lacrosse talent

This lack of attention from top programs would ultimately shape McArdle’s path to success, fueling his determination to prove himself at every level of play.

The College Years: Emerging as a Star at St. John’s

Kieran McArdle’s college career at St. John’s University was nothing short of spectacular. Despite not being recruited by traditional lacrosse powerhouses, McArdle seized the opportunity to shine at the Big East school:

• Set numerous school records for points, goals, and assists
• Earned All-American honors
• Named Big East Attack Player of the Year
• Led St. John’s to its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance

McArdle’s success at St. John’s demonstrated his ability to excel regardless of the program’s prestige. His performances caught the attention of professional scouts and set the stage for his entry into Major League Lacrosse.

How did McArdle’s college experience shape his professional career?

McArdle’s time at St. John’s was crucial in developing his skills and mentality:

• Playing against top competition in the Big East conference
• Learning to be a leader on a team striving for national recognition
• Developing a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality that would serve him well as a pro

These experiences prepared McArdle for the challenges he would face in professional lacrosse, instilling in him the work ethic and determination that would become hallmarks of his career.

The Transition to Professional Lacrosse: Challenges and Triumphs

Kieran McArdle’s transition from college star to professional lacrosse player was marked by both challenges and early success. Drafted by the Florida Launch in the 2014 Major League Lacrosse draft, McArdle quickly made his presence felt:

• Named MLL Rookie of the Year in his debut season
• Established himself as a key player for the Launch
• Formed a strong on-field connection with veteran teammate Steven Brooks

However, the path to sustained success in professional lacrosse is rarely smooth. McArdle faced several obstacles as he worked to establish himself as an elite player:

• Adapting to the increased physicality of the professional game
• Dealing with the pressure of high expectations following his rookie success
• Navigating the business side of professional sports, including trades and league changes

How did McArdle overcome the challenges of professional lacrosse?

McArdle’s success in overcoming these challenges can be attributed to several factors:

• Mentorship from veteran players like Steven Brooks
• A relentless work ethic and dedication to improving his game
• The ability to adapt his playing style to different teams and leagues
• Mental toughness developed through his experiences as an overlooked recruit

These qualities would serve McArdle well as he navigated the evolving landscape of professional lacrosse, including the transition from Major League Lacrosse to the Premier Lacrosse League.

The Premier Lacrosse League Era: Reaching New Heights

The formation of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) in 2019 marked a new chapter in Kieran McArdle’s professional career. Initially overlooked in the league’s early stages, McArdle would go on to prove his worth and achieve new levels of success:

• Left unprotected in the 2020 PLL expansion draft
• Selected by the Waterdogs LC, a new franchise in the league
• Quickly became a centerpiece of the Waterdogs’ offense
• Led the team to a PLL championship in just their third year of existence

McArdle’s journey in the PLL is a testament to his resilience and ability to thrive in new environments. His success with the Waterdogs not only solidified his status as one of the game’s elite players but also vindicated his belief in his own abilities.

What factors contributed to McArdle’s success in the PLL?

Several elements played a role in McArdle’s rise to prominence in the Premier Lacrosse League:

• The PLL’s tour-based model, which allowed for increased exposure and competition
• A playing style that suited the fast-paced, dynamic nature of PLL games
• The opportunity to be a foundational player for a new franchise
• Personal growth and motivation following the loss of his mother

These factors combined to create an environment where McArdle could showcase his skills and leadership, culminating in the Waterdogs’ championship victory in 2022.

Legacy and Future: McArdle’s Impact on Lacrosse

As Kieran McArdle continues to build his legacy in professional lacrosse, his impact on the sport extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. His journey from overlooked recruit to PLL champion serves as an inspiration to young players and has helped shape the modern game:

• Demonstrating the value of precision and skill over pure athleticism
• Proving that players from non-traditional lacrosse powerhouses can succeed at the highest level
• Setting an example of professionalism and dedication for younger players

Looking to the future, McArdle’s career is far from over. With his selection to the U.S. national team for the upcoming world championship, he has the opportunity to add international success to his already impressive resume.

How might McArdle’s career influence the next generation of lacrosse players?

McArdle’s journey offers several lessons for aspiring lacrosse players:

• The importance of perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity
• The value of mentorship and learning from experienced players
• The potential for continued growth and improvement throughout a career
• The ability to find motivation and purpose in personal experiences

As Kieran McArdle continues to compete at the highest level of lacrosse, his story serves as a powerful reminder that with talent, dedication, and resilience, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness in the sport.

The Year of the Six: There’s No Stopping Kieran McArdle

Steven Brooks did not know what to expect of his new roommate until he heard the crinkling of the candy wrapper. He looked over and saw Kieran McArdle ripping open the orange plastic.

“Yo!” Brooks exclaimed as he ogled the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. “Let me get some of that.”

“You like these?” McArdle asked.

“Dude, it’s what I need every night before a game,” Brooks answered before quoting “Step Brothers,” the Will Ferrell-John C. Reilly buddy comedy. “Did we just become best friends?”

A veteran midfielder acquired by the Florida Launch midway through the 2014 Major League Lacrosse season, Brooks took the rookie attackman under his wing. They roomed together for the next four years. When their teammates entertained the night life of Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Brooks and McArdle conversed over Mexican food at Rocco’s Tacos in Boca Raton. They liked to stay up late and fall asleep with the TV on.

“It was like two peas in a pod,” Brooks said. “What attracted me to Kieran was his work ethic and how he carried himself. He played with a chip on his shoulder. I wanted to teach him everything I knew — what it’s like to be a pro and how to treat others.”

Brooks, 38, and McArdle, 30, remain close friends today. Even as rivals in the Premier Lacrosse League. The PLL’s inaugural season in 2019 was their last as teammates. Brooks retired and became an assistant coach with the Atlas, who left McArdle, a three-time MLL All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, unprotected in the 2020 expansion draft. The Waterdogs snatched up McArdle and made him a centerpiece of the new team that would win the PLL championship just three years into its existence.

But lacrosse was the farthest thing from either of their minds when Brooks called McArdle to console him after his mother, Patty, died two Septembers ago. Four days after the Waterdogs lost to the Whipsnakes in the 2021 PLL semifinals, Patty McArdle lost her seven-month bout with colorectal cancer. She was 59.

“I had a real good game,” said McArdle, thinking back on his three-goal, three-assist performance in his last game before she died. “I’ve been playing for her ever since.”

Brooks could relate. His mother died of lung cancer when he was 13. The wife of an FBI agent, she raised four boys in Illinois — the youngest of whom dared to say he would grow up to be a professional lacrosse player.

“Everybody laughed at me,” said Brooks, who would go on to lead Syracuse to an NCAA championship as the national midfielder of the year in 2008. “My mom was the only one saying, ‘Go do what you want to do.’ When she passed away, I was like, ‘I’m going to fulfill what my mom wanted me to do.’ That was my calling.”

Brooks shared this with McArdle and encouraged him to find similar purpose in his grief. “You need to find that purpose, that passion and what it is inside that your mom loves,” he told his friend. “She loves you as a lacrosse player.”

A month later, McArdle married his college sweetheart, Alyssa Goldrich. Shortly thereafter, she became pregnant with their daughter, Emerson. The milestones piled up in 2022, when McArdle capped an MVP-caliber season by winning his first championship at any level, was inducted into the St. John’s Athletics Hall of Fame and made the 23-man U.S. national team roster that will compete for the world championship this summer in San Diego. His wife calls it “the Year of the Six,” the jersey number he wears.

“I saw a different look in his eyes going into last season,” Brooks said. “He had a whole different purpose to play for — not only for his mom, but for his daughter as well. Something flipped in his brain. And he just started taking over.”

“I saw a different look in his eyes going into last season.”

— Steven Brooks on Kieran McArdle

WHEN MCARDLE PLAYED catch with his mother in the backyard of their Long Island home, he’d ask her to hold a stick facing out. He would take care of the rest. “It definitely helped with my accuracy,” he said.

Precision. That’s what then-St. John’s assistant coach Dan Paccione noticed about McArdle when he first saw him play during the Under Armour All-America tryouts on a messy grass field in Massapequa, New York.

“He catches a pass that’s skimming across the mud and one-times it out of the corner of his eye to someone on the goal,” said Paccione,  now the head coach at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “Hands and vision. That’s what I wrote in my book. That was elite to me.”

It wasn’t that McArdle was overlooked. Inside Lacrosse had the Connetquot (N.Y.) attackman ranked as the No. 64 recruit in the high school class of 2010. But for whatever reason — his sleight frame, perhaps — the blue bloods stayed away. He was a late bloomer at the advent of early recruiting. The No. 1 recruit in his class, Nicky Galasso of Suffolk County rival West Islip (N.Y.), sent shockwaves through the lacrosse community when he committed to North Carolina in eighth grade. McArdle did not make varsity until he was a sophomore.

McArdle did the recruiting circuit that summer. Top 205. Peak 200. When the dust settled, his offers came down to Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, St. John’s and a few Division II schools. If he couldn’t play for Notre Dame or Syracuse or any of the other teams he watched on NCAA championship weekend, the next-best thing was to play against them in the Big East.

At the end of his junior year, McArdle chose St. John’s, which had revived its lacrosse program in 2005 following a decade-long hiatus. It just fit, oddly. “Underdog mentality. Blue-collar mentality. Work your [butt] off every day,” McArdle said. “Nothing’s handed to you. We had [crappy] locker rooms and never the best gear.”

A 6-foot-1 attackman who also played basketball, McArdle added bulk going into his senior year of high school. He went from 155 to 175 pounds, finished second (to Galasso) in Suffolk County with 112 points and earned USA Lacrosse All-American honors.

He only got better in college. St. John’s head coach Jason Miller encouraged Paccione to design an offense centered on their prized recruit. His new teammates learned to keep their head and stick up lest they take an unexpected skip feed off the face mask.

On May 1, 2012, when McArdle quarterbacked St. John’s to one of the greatest upsets in Big East tournament history. The sophomore lefty scored three goals and added four assists in an 8-7 semifinal win over Notre Dame, the No. 2-ranked team in the country that would go on to play in the final four.

On the field after the game at Villanova, a reporter asked McArdle if he would consider transferring after the season.

“It just never even crossed my mind,” he said.

St. John’s beat Notre Dame again the next year and rose to No. 10 in the national rankings. McArdle went on to become a three-time All-American and graduated in 2014 as the Red Storm’s all-time leader in goals (125), assists (139) and points (264).

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE when you grow up? A self-described “mama’s boy,” the third-grade boy surprised even his own family with his response to the journal prompt.

McArdle’s mother was a real estate appraiser. But he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. He wanted to be a gym teacher.

Jack McArdle taught health and physical education for 30 years at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset, New York. He retired as the school’s athletic director in 2015.

“Why did I choose this profession?  My dad, for one,” McArdle said. “And two, I love sports. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”

Not that he ever envisioned doing it here in Washington Heights, a predominantly Dominican neighborhood in upper Manhattan. After graduating from St. John’s, he moved to Long Beach in Nassau County and lived there for four years while earning his master’s degree and a physical education certificate at Hofstra.

When Goldrich, a litigation and criminal defense attorney, got the opportunity to work at a leading law firm in the city, McArdle followed her there. They moved into an apartment together and he landed a job as a K-5 teacher at P. S. 48, a school with 97-percent minority enrollment that serves mostly low-income families.

It’s hard to reconcile these two parts of McArdle. As an athlete, he’s notorious for his temper.  In his first National Lacrosse League game with Toronto in 2017, he launched himself into Saskatchewan goalie Aaron Bold — a no-no in box lacrosse. He wound up fighting three guys and earning the nickname “The Enforcer.”

But Monday through Friday, he’s Mr. McArdle. Sometimes he’s a shark, as in Sharks and Minnows. Other times, he’s a bear, growling while demonstrating bear crawls along the gym floor beside Broadway and 186th Street.

“These kids don’t come from much of anything,” McArdle said. “At the end of the day, if I’m making these kids smile, they’re having fun and they’re active, that’s a big win.”

Teaching lacrosse reminds McArdle of how he felt the first time he grasped a stick, even if new students occasionally mistake theirs for a tennis racket or call the pocket a pouch. They got to watch him play during his two seasons with the NLL’s New York Riptide and when the PLL came to Red Bull Arena in New Jersey in 2019.

McArdle thrived as a weekend warrior, but a championship eluded him. It kept him up at night. Brooks too.

“One thing he’s always said to me is he’s never won anything,” Brooks said.

THe Waterdogs were 0-2 and MccArdle was a non-factor. Relegated to a utility role, he managed just two measly goals. He had just turned 30. Was this it?

“I was questioning my game a little bit,” McArdle said. “And then Mikey Sowers gets hurt.”

With Michael Sowers out for Week 3 on Long Island, McArdle moved back to attack and carved up the Chrome for three goals and four assists, convincing coach Andy Copelan to keep him in the lineup when Sowers returned. The Waterdogs rode their resurgent star to five straight wins and a playoff spot. McArdle finished second in the PLL in scoring with 19 goals a league-best 23 assists.

But even in the hazy afterglow of their championship victory over the Chaos at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania — sifting through the cigar smoke and celebratory spritz of Michelob Ultra — it was easy to lose sight of McArdle.