Matt Lalli: From High School Standout to Professional Lacrosse
Matt Lalli is a distinguished American professional lacrosse player whose journey to the professional ranks was marked by consistent scoring prowess and leadership. Known for his versatility and offensive capabilities, Lalli transitioned from a multi-sport high school athlete to a key contributor in the Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the top-tier professional outdoor field lacrosse league in North America.
Key Facts
- Born: March 27, 1986
- Hometown: Princeton Junction, New Jersey
- College: Colgate University (Colgate Raiders)
- Professional Team: San Francisco Dragons
- Draft Position: 16th overall (2nd Round, 2008 MLL Draft)
- Career Highlight: Led Colgate to its first-ever share of the Patriot League title in 2006.
Early Life and High School Athletics
Raised in the Princeton Junction section of West Windsor, New Jersey, Lalli attended West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North. He was a natural athlete, lettering in four different sports: lacrosse, hockey, football, and soccer. His dominance in lacrosse became evident during his senior year, where he recorded 51 goals and 30 assists.
Due to his exceptional performance, he was named a high school All American and was recognized as the Player of the Year by both the Princeton Packet and the Trentonian.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Collegiate Success with the Colgate Raiders
Lalli continued his athletic development at Colgate University, playing for the Colgate Raiders men's lacrosse team. He made an immediate impact as a freshman, leading the team in scoring with 21 goals and 23 assists.
Consistent Offensive Growth
Throughout his collegiate career, Lalli remained a primary offensive threat. As a sophomore, he improved his goal count to 26 goals and 18 assists. In his junior year, he scored 22 goals and provided 27 assists, achieving the second-highest point total in the Patriot League (a collegiate athletic conference in the Northeastern United States).
Senior Year and Team Achievements
Lalli capped off his college career as a senior with 26 goals and 20 assists. This performance earned him a selection as a 3rd team All American and a spot in the prestigious North–South All Star Game. More importantly, Lalli played a pivotal role in leading Colgate to its first-ever share of the Patriot League title in 2006, which secured the team a berth in the NCAA tournament.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Professional Career with the San Francisco Dragons
Following his success at the collegiate level, Lalli entered the 2008 Major League Lacrosse Draft. He was selected in the 2nd Round as the 16th overall pick by the San Francisco Dragons.
During his tenure with the Dragons, Lalli appeared in eight games. He contributed 10 goals and five assists to the team's efforts. One of his most notable professional performances occurred on June 14, 2008, during a game against the Denver Outlaws, where he scored five goals.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Career Statistics Summary
| Level/Team | Goals | Assists | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| WW-Plainsboro North (Senior) | 51 | 30 | High School All American |
| Colgate Raiders (Freshman) | 21 | 23 | Team Scoring Leader |
| Colgate Raiders (Sophomore) | 26 | 18 | Consistent Offensive Threat |
| Colgate Raiders (Junior) | 22 | 27 | 2nd Highest Points in Patriot League |
| Colgate Raiders (Senior) | 26 | 20 | 3rd Team All American |
| San Francisco Dragons (Pro) | 10 | 5 | 16th Overall Draft Pick |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Matt Lalli go to high school?
Matt Lalli attended West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North in Plainsboro Township, New Jersey.
Which college team did Matt Lalli play for?
He played for the Colgate Raiders men's lacrosse team at Colgate University.
What was Matt Lalli's biggest achievement at Colgate?
Lalli helped lead Colgate to its first-ever share of the Patriot League title in the 2006 season, which resulted in an NCAA tournament appearance.
When was Matt Lalli drafted into professional lacrosse?
He was selected in the 2nd Round of the 2008 Major League Lacrosse Draft as the 16th overall pick.
Which professional team did Matt Lalli play for?
Matt Lalli played for the San Francisco Dragons of Major League Lacrosse.