Waterdogs LC goalie Charlie Cipriano has announced his retirement from professional lacrosse.

Drafted by the Denver Outlaws in 2012 out of Fairfield, Cipriano began his career behind two-time All-MLL goalie Jesse Schwartzman.

"Charlie was a consummate team guy," said Whipsnakes LC head coach and GM Jim Stagnitta, who coached Cipriano in Denver. "He set the standard for what was expected for backup goalies. He would come and take shots. He'd stay after practice and let guys take 2s on him. He did whatever was in the best interest of the team."

"When I went to Charlotte [in 2016] and we needed a goalie, that was the guy I wanted," said Stagnitta.

Cipriano made 174 saves for Stagnitta's Charlotte Hounds in 2016, leading them to a playoff berth.

In 2020 when Waterdogs LC was formed and Andy Copelan -- who coached Cipriano at Fairfield -- was named the head coach, he too knew who he wanted to bring in to his new club.

"Anyone who has a 10+ year professional career, you're not accomplishing that without being totally made of the right stuff. Charlie certainly is," said Copelan. "He's been in a variety of roles. As the starter. As the backup. I don't think it has ever changed his commitment to the game and his teammates and the locker room that he represents."

Cipriano released the following statement:

This is bittersweet but I am going to be retiring this year after 10 professional years playing lacrosse. My time in the MLL and PLL has been incredible and beyond belief. Two Championships, an All-Star selection, and a brand new professional league later, it is time.

I want to thank all of those involved that made this possible. The Coaches, General Managers and ownership who gave me an opportunity and took a chance on someone without the biggest name. I’ve learned so much from you all. I want to thank all of the staff, trainers and medical teams that took care of me. All those behind the scenes from the Denver Outlaws, Charlotte Hounds, New York Lizards, Florida Launch, Chaos and Waterdogs who made this possible. To my teammates, I couldn’t have asked for better people to go to battle with. I have endless stories that will last a lifetime and always put a smile on my face. I will miss the locker rooms, the travel, the practices and all the prep that goes into game week and in to the off-season. To the trainers, equipment managers, sales teams, media teams, grounds crews and all the unsung heroes behind the scenes thank you. To the fans, this does not happen without your support and passion. The sport is in great hands with the PLL and headed to a place we always wanted it to be: national spotlight. I am so proud and happy to have been a part of it. Always remember the ones who came before us to make this game fun and possible. Respect it, love it and always have fun with it. I look forward to coaching lacrosse at all levels and maybe one day coaching on a PLL sideline.