Digital Edition

“He’s the best player in the world right now, case closed.”

Those bold words emblazon the cover of the January edition of US Lacrosse Magazine, featuring Tom Schreiber, the two-time MLL MVP and reigning NLL Rookie of the Year. Best in the world? You’d never hear the humble Long Islander (yes, they exist) accept such praise, but he would relish the opportunity to build on one of the best calendar years a pro player could ever piece together on the world stage by following in his father’s footsteps with Team USA. Writer Corey McLaughlin and photographer Brian Schneider take Schreiber back to his roots in this special 10-page cover feature.

Also in this edition, we profile four women — La Salle’s Lexi Kucia, Villanova’s Kathleen O’Connor, UMass-Lowell’s Noelle Lambert and official Trina Mangano — who have overcome potentially devastating life events either to return to the field or forge forward with the support of the lacrosse community.

On the Cover
Photo by Brian Schneider

U.S. hopeful Tom Schreiber just had one of the best calendar years a pro player could ever piece together. Still, he says, he has unfinished business.

Letters

From the CEO
US Lacrosse president and CEO Steve Stenersen makes the case for community lacrosse.

From the Editor
US Lacrosse editor-in-chief Matt DaSilva marvels at the fortitude with which four women faced the kinds of hardship that would make the lesser of us cower.

Features

Tom Terrific
By Corey McLaughlin

The many talents (and surprising modesty) of Tom Schreiber.

A Bump in the Road
By Justin Feil

Defender Lexi Kucia decommitted from Navy, switched to La Salle, fractured her fibula in a car accident, returned to score a goal in a league championship victory and tore her ACL— all in a span of six months. Yet she endures.

Wildcat Formation
By Justin Feil

Diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in September 2016, Villanova midfielder Kathleen O’Connor underwent aggressive chemotherapy treatments and endured their painful and dangerous side effects to send the cancer into remission just two months later. She’s back on the field in 2018.

Born to Run
By Megan Schneider

Amputee Noelle Lambert of UMass-Lowell, who lost her leg in a moped accident in July 2016, has taken the first strides in her quest to play lacrosse again.

Strength in Stripes
By Brian Logue

Official Trina Mangan is battling cancer on her own terms.

A New Start in Newark
By Jonathan Sigal

Ben DeLuca was on the cusp of an NCAA title at Cornell before an investigation into team hazing derailed his coaching career. Four years later, he replaces a legend at Delaware with greater perspective — eager to guide a sleeping giant to the summit of college lacrosse.

Fuel

New and True at LaxCon
By Megan Schneider and Paul Krome

US Lacrosse adds a box arena and first-timers join popular speakers at its annual convention.

Adrenaline Junkie
By Matt DaSilva

Alex Cade, CEO of a western lacrosse empire, stays true to grassroots.

All You Need is a Stick
By Marisa Ingemi

A “Life After Lax” interview with Jon Cooper, head coach of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, who played lacrosse at Hofstra.

Thoughts from the Field
By Matt Hamilton

A “Life After Lax” interview with ESPN NFL reporter Field Yates, who keeps lacrosse close to his heart.

What to Watch For
By Matt DaSilva

Team USA Spring Premiere returns to IMG Academy in Florida.

USA Insider

Inspired by Pioneers
By Brian Logue

New U.S. coach Jenny Levy sees the sport at a similar juncture as women’s soccer circa 1999.

How To: Win the Wing
By Matt Hamilton

C.J. Costabile knows faceoffs from every vantage point.

How To: Play with Baby Hands
By Megan Schneider

Former U.S. U19er Andie Aldave knows how and when to create opportunities.

Team USA Confidential

We polled the U.S. men’s national team on a variety of topics. Here’s what we learned.

Give & Go

Kyra Harney
Interview by Megan Schneider

Look up and you may just find Duke’s thrill-seeking senior jumping from planes or skiing off helicopters.