Dylan Rice is a lacrosse icon, known for his record-breaking achievements and exemplary leadership. His journey from player to coach is marked by numerous accolades and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Dylan has been coaching with the academy for two years and is a staple of our group training program. Here are some highlights of Dylan’s exceptional career:

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• Record-Setting Performance: Dylan polished off a historic career with a record-breaking senior season, earning first-team All-American honors from USILA and IMLCA, as well as a second-team selection by USA Lacrosse Magazine. Named the IMLCA Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year, Dylan set a new school record with 72 goals, ranking eighth in the NCAA, and established a program standard with 105 total points, placing him 11th on the national leaderboard.

• Consistent Excellence: Throughout his career, Dylan demonstrated remarkable consistency, scoring at least one goal in all 20 games during his final season and recording 15 hat-tricks. His performance included a single-game record of eight goals against Roanoke and 10-point eruptions in multiple games.

• Postseason Dominance: Dylan shone in the postseason, contributing significantly to his team’s success. He scored crucial goals in the NCAA Tournament, including three against No. 14 Wesleyan and two in the Elite Eight against No. 6 York (Pa.). His ability to perform under pressure is a testament to his skill and mental resilience.

• Leadership and Versatility: As a team captain, Dylan started all 20 games in his senior season, leading by example both on and off the field. He concluded his career ranked 13th in NCAA Division III history with 244 goals and 21st with 339 points, setting new program records in both categories.

• Academic Excellence: Dylan’s achievements extend beyond the field, earning him second-team CoSIDA Academic All-American accolades. He was also named the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, highlighting his dedication to academic success.

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Alex Brendes is a lacrosse phenom whose remarkable on-field success and strategic acumen now guide his coaching philosophy. His key achievements include:

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• Elite Offensive Threat: Alex remained one of the country’s top offensive players throughout his career. In his senior year, he was honored as a second-team USILA All-American and garnered first-team All-Conference, All-State, and All-Region honors. He ranked third in the Coastal Lacrosse Conference with 86 points, marking the fifth-highest total in CNU history.

• Consistent Scorer: Alex demonstrated exceptional consistency, scoring in 21 of his 22 appearances and compiling 11 hat-tricks, including three in the NCAA Tournament. His 54 goals and 32 assists showcased his well-rounded offensive prowess.

• Postseason Performances: Alex excelled in high-pressure situations, delivering three goals and three assists in the NCAA Quarterfinals against No. 2 RIT and contributing significantly in other postseason games. His ability to perform under pressure is a testament to his skill and mental fortitude.

• Leadership and Versatility: Serving as a team captain, Alex started all 89 games during his five-year tenure at CNU, marking the longest "Iron Man" streak in school history. He concluded his career ranked second in program history with 313 points and 216 goals, and third with 97 assists.

• Recognition and Awards: Throughout his career, Alex was consistently recognized for his performance and leadership. He was named the CLC Offensive Player of the Week multiple times and secured spots on various all-tournament and all-American teams.

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Andrew Cook's versatile and impactful lacrosse career at CNU has greatly influenced his approach to coaching. His key achievements include:

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• Impressive Field Success: Andrew capped off one of the most accomplished careers by any athlete in Christopher Newport history. In his senior year, he was named a first-team IMLCA and USILA All-American and earned second-team accolades from USA Lacrosse Magazine. He was also named the USILA National Midfielder of the Year, IMLCA Region 3 Offensive Player of the Year, and VaSID All-State Player of the Year.

• Consistent Excellence: Andrew led the Coastal Lacrosse Conference with 64 goals, the fourth-highest single-season total in program history, and ranked second among league performers with 102 points. His 38 assists placed him fourth in the conference, demonstrating his well-rounded offensive skills.

• Record-Breaking Performances: Andrew’s consistent scoring streak extended to 54 consecutive games, setting a new school record. He posted 14 hat-tricks in a single season, including a standout performance with six goals against Ohio Wesleyan.

• Postseason Prowess: Andrew was instrumental in postseason games, scoring multiple goals in every postseason game, including 11 total tallies during the NCAA Tournament. His performance earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team.

• Leadership Roles: As a senior, Andrew served as a team captain, showcasing his leadership both on and off the field. His guidance was instrumental in leading his team to multiple victories and successful seasons.