Professional PLL
06:00 PM
Jul 19
Phi
Den
CHARLOTTE - Kevin Crowley is coming back.
Crowley, a former Major League Lacrosse and All-Star Game MVP, and the only player in the history of lacrosse to be drafted first overall in both professional leagues, is returning to the team that acquired him via a trade with the Chesapeake Bayhawks in 2015. The Hounds have signed the Canadian national team star to a three-year contract beginning in the 2019 season.
“I’m excited to be in Charlotte for the next three years,” Crowley said. “I love the city, it’s an easy flight for me, and the administration has always been great to me. There’s lots to look forward to: new teammates, new coaches, and the Hounds commitment to getting even more engaged in the community. I appreciate the fan support through all the changes, I promise this team will always give the fans something to cheer about.”
The Hounds initially acquired Crowley in a trade with the Chesapeake Bayhawks in 2015. In three seasons since, the midfielder has tallied 41 goals and 24 assists in 25 games. In 2016, Crowley was at the forefront of the Hounds push for a second playoff appearance. In the semifinals against the Boston Cannons, Crowley scored Charlotte's two first quarter goals before ultimately falling to the 2017 MLL Champions. Crowley only improved entering his second season in Charlotte. In 2017, the midfielder enjoyed his best offensive season since he was named the league’s MVP in 2013. Crowley netted 25 goals and tacked on nine assists, second-most on the team earning him his second MLL All-Star Game honor.
“Kevin is one of the best lacrosse players in the world and his commitment to return will benefit the Hounds and the greater lacrosse community in Charlotte,” president Jim McPhilliamy said. ”This is a great moment for our fans and our team. Plus, I just really like the guy - so wins all around.”
The staggering MLL numbers only tell half the story though. Crowley was a four-year standout at Stony Brook University and a two-time USILA All American. As a junior he recorded one of the greatest seasons in Seawolves history and become just the fourth junior since 1995 to earn the Enners Award, given to the nation's most outstanding Division I lacrosse player. He's the only player in school history to record 100 or more goals and assists, and one of just 40 players in Division I history to accomplish the feat. Crowley remains Stony Brook's all-time points leader with 232.
His collegiate success led him to becoming the No. 1 pick in both the MLL and NLL Collegiate Drafts. A member of the Philadelphia Wings, Crowley finished second in rookie scoring in 2012 and also was named to the 2012 NLL All-Star Team. He continues to play in the NLL as a member of the New England Black Wolves, where he's scored totaled 257 goals and 276 assists in 118 games. In 2018, Crowley enjoyed one of his best indoor seasons to date, score a league-leading 51 goals and 25 assists. A native of New Westminster, BC, Crowley has represented the Canadian National Teams in 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2018.
“Kevin is one of the best professional lacrosse players in world,” general manager Mike Cerino said. “He has been a tremendous leader of the Charlotte Hounds over the last three years as we competed until the last day of each season for MLL playoff breaths. Having Kevin in place on a three-year deal is a great for our team to build upon and our loyal fans to enjoy!”
Spencer Ford Named Special Assistant to MLL Commissioner
In other MLL news Monday, the league announced it has hired Spencer Ford, vice president of player perssonel for the Atlanta Blaze, as the first-ever special assistant to the commissioner for alumni development. In his new role, Ford will develop initiatives and maintain lines of communication with the league’s alumni.
An attackman in MLL during its early seasons, he played for the Washington/Chesapeake Bayhawks, Rochester Rattlers and Los Angeles Riptide during an eight-year career. He was named the league’s Most Improved Player in 2007, a season in which he set the single season record for assists (a mark that still stands.)
“Spencer has shown nearly two decades of dedication to Major League Lacrosse,” said commissioner Alexander Brown. “He understands this league through and through, from the playing field to the front office. Spencer is already a fantastic ambassador for our league’s alumni, and we are thrilled to have him in this role.”
After an injury ended his career in 2009, Ford moved to front office work, flourishing as the general manager of the Bayhawks from 2010-2016, including overseeing three MLL Championship campaigns. He then moved on to coach the expansion Atlanta Blaze in 2016, later becoming the team’s General Manager in 2017.
“I’m excited that MLL selected me for such an exciting role,” Ford said. “I’m eager to work with our players, who have paved the way for our league. I believe our players are our biggest asset and they deserved to be recognized.”