Philadelphia Waterdogs fans have waited patiently for the debut of rookie attacker CJ Kirst, and the wait should soon be over.
After being placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list earlier this month due to a lingering wrist injury, the No. 1 overall pick is now targeting a return to the field on July 11 against the Utah Archers.
“Barring any huge setback, he’ll be here with us in Chicago against the Archers in two weeks,” Waterdogs head coach Bill Tierney said.
Kirst suffered the injury during his senior season at Cornell. He initially noticed something was wrong during practice sessions when his shot began to feel off. After evaluation, it was clear surgery was eventually unavoidable.
Despite the setback, he played the remainder of his college season with a cast and tape to stabilize his hand, protecting it from checks while still managing to catch, throw and score at a high level. Playing hurt, Kirst led Cornell to its first NCAA championship in 48 years, won the Tewaarton Award and set the NCAA all-time scoring record.
Now in the professional ranks, the Waterdogs have taken a more conservative approach, ensuring Kirst is fully healthy before making his debut.
“It’s getting closer,” Tierney said. “The good news is we have the All-Star break coming up, so that gives him another week here.”
Kirst has started to pick up a stick and move around more, increasing his activity as his wrist heals.
“Being home with my family, taking a step back has been great,” Kirst said. “From my doctors and physical therapy side of things in New Jersey, having the lacrosse and athletics connections and so many people helping me out and checking in, it’s been an overwhelming amount of support.”
Despite not yet logging a professional minute, Kirst has already made a strong impression with the Waterdogs, soaking in every second he can on the sidelines and in the locker room. He’s even handed out water to keep his team fresh during the hot summer days.
“You’d be hard-pressed to find a better candidate for teammate of the year for a guy who hasn’t played yet,” Tierney said. “He’s all I thought he was going to be and more. If he can come close to fulfilling the on-field role, then we got one hell of a player.”
With the team navigating offensive inconsistencies in the early part of the season, Kirst’s impending return should provide a spark.
While Tierney admitted that conversations about how Kirst will fit into the offensive scheme are “for two weeks down the road,” the rookie has stayed physically conditioned and mentally locked in, ready for when his number is called.
“I’m able to run a lot, lift legs a little bit more and get my lower body half down,” Kirst said. “I always try to incorporate the upper body from what I can do. I’ve come up with fun ways to stay game-ready.”
If all goes according to plan, the Waterdogs faithful could see No. 15 take the field for the first time on July 11 in Chicago — a moment months in the making that could be season-altering for a team searching for its offensive rhythm.
“He’s already one of the team favorites and he’s yet to score a goal,” Tierney said. “When he starts doing that for us, then he’ll start to become a league favorite.”
