Are you a fan of lacrosse? Do you wonder who the best lacrosse players of all time are? You’re in the right place because we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best lacrosse players ever. From Gary Gait to Jim Brown, these players have left their mark on the sport and have become legends in their own right.
Who comes to mind when you think of the best lacrosse player ever? Is it Paul or Gary Gait? Or maybe it’s Mikey Powell? The debate over who holds the title of the best lacrosse player ever is a heated one, with many fans and experts weighing in on the matter. In this article, we’ll look closer at the top 10 best lacrosse players ever and explore what makes them so great.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the sport or just starting to learn about it, this list is sure to impress. These players have achieved greatness both on and off the field, setting records and inspiring future generations of lacrosse players. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of lacrosse and explore the top 10 best players ever to grace the field.
Jim Brown
When it comes to lacrosse, Jim Brown is a name that cannot be ignored. Considered by many to be the greatest lacrosse player of all time, Brown was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1983. He is also the only person to be inducted into the Halls of Fame for pro football, college football, and lacrosse.
Brown’s lacrosse career began at Manhasset High School in New York, where his midfield play earned him All-Star honors for three years. He continued to excel at the college level, playing for Syracuse University from 1954 to 1957 and earning first-team All-American honors in each of those years.
One of Brown’s most impressive accomplishments was leading Syracuse to the national championship in 1957, scoring four goals in the championship game against Navy. He finished his college career with 43 goals and 20 assists in just three seasons, as freshmen were not eligible to play at the time.
Despite his success in lacrosse, Brown is perhaps better known for his football career. He played for the Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965, earning All-Pro honors in each of his nine seasons and leading the league in rushing yards eight times. He retired from football at the age of 30 to pursue a career in acting.
In summary, Jim Brown’s dominance in lacrosse is undeniable. His impressive college career and national championship win cemented his place as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time.
Gary Gait
You cannot talk about the best lacrosse players of all time without mentioning Gary Gait. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to have ever played the game, Gait’s records and achievements speak for themselves.
Gait played college lacrosse for Syracuse University, where he earned first-team All-America honors three times and USILA player of the year honors twice. He led Syracuse to national championships in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Gait holds numerous NCAA records, including goals scored in a tournament game, single tournament, and career tournaments.
Gait’s professional career was just as impressive. He played in both the indoor National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the outdoor Major League Lacrosse (MLL). He won numerous awards and accolades, including being named the NLL’s Most Valuable Player twice and the MLL’s Offensive Player of the Year twice.
Gait also represented Canada at the international level, where he helped lead the team to three World Lacrosse Championships. He was inducted into the United States Lacrosse National Hall of Fame and the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame.
Off the field, Gait has also made significant contributions to the sport of lacrosse. He has served as a coach and mentor to many players, both at the college and professional levels. He is currently the head coach of the Syracuse University men’s lacrosse team.
In summary, Gary Gait’s legacy in the sport of lacrosse is unparalleled. His records, achievements, and contributions to the sport make him one of the greatest players ever to play the game.
Paul Rabil
If you’re a fan of lacrosse, you’ve probably heard of Paul Rabil. He’s widely considered one of the best players to ever play the game. Rabil was born on December 14, 1985, and started playing lacrosse at the age of 12. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most dominant players in the sport.
Rabil played both midfield and attack during his career. He was known for his incredible speed, agility, and shooting ability. Rabil could score from anywhere on the field and was a constant threat to opposing teams. He was also an excellent passer and could set up his teammates for easy goals.
During his career, Rabil played in both the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL). He was selected first overall by the Boston Cannons in the 2008 MLL draft and second overall by the Washington Stealth in the 2008 NLL draft. Rabil won two MLL championships during his career and was named the league’s MVP in 2009 and 2011.
Rabil was also a member of the United States national team. He helped lead the team to a gold medal at the 2010 World Lacrosse Championship and was named the tournament’s MVP. Rabil was known for his work ethic and dedication to the sport. He was constantly working to improve his game and was always looking for ways to help his team win.
Overall, Paul Rabil is one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. He was a dominant force on the field and helped revolutionize the sport. If you’re a fan of lacrosse, you owe it to yourself to watch some of Rabil’s highlights and see why he’s considered one of the best to ever play the game.
Mikey Powell
If you’re a fan of lacrosse, you’ve probably heard of Mikey Powell. He is widely regarded as one of the best lacrosse players of all time. Powell was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the lacrosse field.
Powell played for Syracuse University from 2001 to 2004, where he set numerous records and won numerous awards. He is the only player to win the Jack Turnbull Award as the top attackman in Division I lacrosse four consecutive times. Powell was also a four-time finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, the lacrosse equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, and is one of two male players to win the award twice.
Powell’s stats speak for themselves. He holds the record for the most career points (307) and is the only player to win the Tewaaraton Trophy twice. He was also a four-time first-team All-American and won the Lt. Raymond Enners Award for the best men’s lacrosse player.
Powell’s skills on the field were unmatched. He was known for his quickness, agility, and ability to score goals from almost anywhere on the field. Powell was also a great teammate, always willing to share the ball and help his teammates succeed.
In addition to his impressive college career, Powell also had a successful professional career. He played in the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the National Lacrosse League (NLL), where he continued to dominate on the field.
Overall, Mikey Powell is a true legend in the sport of lacrosse. His skills, stats, and awards speak for themselves, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever pick up a lacrosse stick.
Mike Messere
You cannot talk about the best lacrosse coaches of all time and not mention Mike Messere. The man is a legend in the game and has achieved almost everything that a coach could dream of. With 757 wins and 15 state titles, he is the all-time leader in lacrosse coaching wins and a member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
Messere played lacrosse at West Genesee High School and Cortland State, but his greatest achievements came as a high school coach at his alma mater. His record includes 20 undefeated league seasons, 165 consecutive league wins from 1978 to 1989, 24 regional championships, and 8 Class A state championships.
What made Messere stand out was not just his success on the field, but also his ability to develop players and build a winning culture. He was known for his attention to detail, his ability to motivate his players, and his commitment to the sport. Under his leadership, West Genesee became a lacrosse powerhouse and produced many talented players who went on to play at the collegiate level.
Messere’s coaching style was based on discipline, hard work, and respect. He believed in setting high standards and holding his players accountable for their actions. He was tough but fair, and his players respected him for that.
In addition to his coaching career, Messere was also a teacher and mentor to his players. He taught them not only about lacrosse but also about life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. He was a positive influence on many young people and helped shape their lives in a meaningful way.
Overall, Mike Messere is one of the greatest lacrosse coaches of all time and a true icon in the sport. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches, and his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
Casey Powell
When it comes to lacrosse, Casey Powell is a name that will always come up in conversations about the greatest players of all time. He is a Hall of Fame American former college and professional lacrosse player from West Carthage, New York. He was a four-time USILA All-American during his time at Syracuse University, where he graduated in 1998.
Powell’s talent on the field was undeniable. He was the NCAA Division I Most Outstanding Player in 1997 and 1998, securing his place in the history books. He is the only male lacrosse player with a 60-point season in two different decades, and he was named MLL Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2014.
But Powell’s impact on the sport of lacrosse goes beyond his impressive stats. He has been a true ambassador for the game, always willing to share his knowledge and passion with others. He sets up clinics at lacrosse fields and is a true legend in the eyes of many young players.
Powell’s success on the field and his dedication to the sport have earned him a place in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. He is also a Premier Lacrosse League and U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Famer.
In summary, Casey Powell is not only one of the best lacrosse players of all time, but he is also a role model for young players everywhere. His talent, passion, and dedication to the sport have left a lasting impact on the lacrosse community.
Dave Pietramala
If you’re a fan of lacrosse, you’ve probably heard of Dave Pietramala. Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the sport, Pietramala has left an indelible mark on the game.
Pietramala played lacrosse at Johns Hopkins University, where he helped his team win the 1987 National Lacrosse Championship. He was a three-time first-team All-American and won the Schmeisser Award twice as the nation’s outstanding defenseman.
After college, Pietramala went on to play professional lacrosse at Mount Washington Lacrosse Club in the 1990s. He was a member of the U.S. National Team that won the gold medal at the 1994 World Lacrosse Championship.
Pietramala’s success on the field didn’t end with his playing career. He became a highly successful head coach, leading the Johns Hopkins lacrosse team to three national championships during his tenure. He is the winningest coach in the history of Johns Hopkins lacrosse.
Pietramala’s contributions to the sport of lacrosse have not gone unnoticed. He is a member of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame and was awarded the Tewaaraton Legends Award in 2020. His legacy as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time is secure.
Ryan Boyle
You cannot talk about the best lacrosse players ever without mentioning Ryan Boyle. He is one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport, and his contributions to lacrosse both on and off the field are immeasurable.
Boyle’s accomplishments as a player are impressive. He won two national championships at Princeton University and was a four-time All-American. He was also the Ivy League Player of the Year twice and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament in 2004.
But what really sets Boyle apart is his intelligence and leadership. He is widely regarded as one of the smartest players to ever play the game, and his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions on the field was unparalleled. He was also a great leader, both on and off the field, and his teammates looked up to him as a role model.
Off the field, Boyle has been just as influential. He is the CEO of Trilogy Lacrosse, one of the most successful lacrosse training programs in the country. He is also a color analyst for ESPN and a columnist for Lacrosse Magazine, where he shares his insights and knowledge of the game with fans around the world.
Overall, Ryan Boyle is a true legend of lacrosse. His skill, intelligence, and leadership have helped to shape the sport into what it is today, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
Brodie Merrill
If you’re talking about the greatest lacrosse players of all time, you can’t leave out Brodie Merrill. The Canadian has been a dominant force in both field and box lacrosse for over two decades, and his achievements speak for themselves.
Merrill has won just about every award there is to win in the sport. He’s a two-time MLL champion, a three-time NLL champion, and a six-time MLL Defensive Player of the Year. He’s also won the Transition Player of the Year award three times and was named to the MLL All-Pro First Team six times.
Merrill’s dominance as a long stick midfielder is unparalleled. He’s collected nearly 1,000 ground balls over his 14-year MLL career, and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses is nothing short of remarkable. Merrill is also a threat on the offensive end, scoring 34 goals and adding 55 assists in his MLL career.
But Merrill’s accomplishments aren’t limited to the MLL. He’s also been a dominant force in the NLL, winning the Transition Player of the Year award three times and being named to the All-Pro First Team four times. Merrill’s ability to play both offense and defense at an elite level is a testament to his versatility and skill.
Off the field, Merrill is known for his leadership and sportsmanship. He’s been a team captain for several years and is respected by his peers for his work ethic and dedication to the sport.
Overall, Brodie Merrill is one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. His achievements on the field speak for themselves, and his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.
John Grant Jr.
When it comes to the best lacrosse players of all time, John Grant Jr. is a name that always comes up. He is widely considered one of the greatest lacrosse players in history, and for good reason. Grant Jr. has won numerous awards and championships throughout his career, and he continues to inspire young lacrosse players to this day.
Grant Jr. was born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, in 1974. He began playing lacrosse at a young age, and it quickly became apparent that he was a natural talent. He went on to play for the Rochester Knighthawks, the Colorado Mammoth, and the Chesapeake Bayhawks, among other teams. Throughout his career, he has won numerous awards, including the NLL MVP award twice and the MLL MVP award three times.
One of the things that sets Grant Jr. apart from other lacrosse players is his versatility. He is equally skilled at both indoor and outdoor lacrosse, and he has won championships in both formats. He is also known for his incredible shot accuracy and his ability to make plays under pressure.
Grant Jr. is not just a great lacrosse player, he is also a great person. He has always been known for his sportsmanship and his dedication to the sport. He has been a mentor to many young players, and he continues to give back to the lacrosse community through coaching and other activities.
Overall, John Grant Jr. is a true legend of the sport of lacrosse. His skill, dedication, and sportsmanship have made him an inspiration to countless lacrosse players around the world. If you are a fan of lacrosse, you owe it to yourself to learn more about this incredible player and his amazing career.
Final thoughts
The sport of lacrosse has seen some truly remarkable players throughout its history, but these top 10 players stand out as the cream of the crop. From their incredible skills on the field to their leadership and sportsmanship off it, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired generations of future lacrosse players. While the debate over the best lacrosse player ever may never truly be settled, one thing is clear: these players have set the bar high for future generations to strive towards.
So who is your favorite play, and who is the best lacrosse player ever as your vote?
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