In 2023, undrafted rookie BJ Farrare signed with the Redwoods, made the 25-man roster out of training camp and was released in the span of three weeks.
Two seasons later, he was a gameday roster regular thanks to his versatility. That versatility also earned him a spot on the California Redwoods’ roster for the 2026 Championship Series.
It’s a significant accomplishment in his young professional lacrosse career.
“To be a part of it now and see the hard work paying off, coming back after two years of not playing to playing again, it’s meant a lot to me, the hard work, the dedication and everything,” Farrare said. “I’m appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been given. I’ve got to keep putting my best foot forward to show that I’m deserving of them.”
Redwoods defensive coordinator Chris Collins said adding Farrare to the team’s Championship Series roster was a no-brainer because of the physical skills he brings to the table. Collins called Farrare “a freak of an athlete” who could run for days while also playing a physical, “bump and run” style of lacrosse.
He believes Farrare has all the skills needed to be successful in Sixes.
“Any time you get an off-the-chart athlete in a smaller venue, you’re going to look at him like he’s in fast forward,” Collins said. “It creates opportunities for guys that are super skilled, are versatile and have the ability to play all day.”
Collins also acknowledged that Farrare stepping up for California and moving away from his usual long-stick midfielder position to play short-stick defensive midfield in a time of need during the 2025 season played a role in his selection to the Championship Series lineup.
Farrare played his college career at the University of Pennsylvania with a long pole, predominantly at the LSM position. He did, however, get some reps at SSDM in high school and in college when the situation called for it. Redwoods general manager Joe Spallina knew this about Farrare and told him they liked that he could play both positions and would utilize that ability if needed.
That need arose when SSDM Chris Merle exited the team’s third game of the season with an ACL tear. Following a bye week, Farrare was assigned to play SSDM during the team’s Homecoming Weekend in San Diego. He said it was a “wake-up call” because he had to move his feet a lot more, but he also enjoyed the experience and was glad the coaching staff trusted him in the role.
Farrare said two of his best on-field attributes are his foot speed and reaction time, which helped him make the transition between positions. He also reached out to good friend and former college teammate Piper Bond for advice.
“He gave me some drills to work on my feet, understanding you can’t overrun as much,” Farrare said. “You have to be technically sound and more on the hips. He was ready to help me figure out and be the best I can be at the position.”
Farrare went back to Bond for information about what to expect at the Championship Series after Bond helped the Utah Archers reach the tournament’s championship game in 2025. Bond told him it was an extremely fast-paced game. Farrare needed to be in shape and ready to be dodged on for the entire game by offensive players salivating at the opportunity to take on someone with a short stick instead of a long pole. He also told Farrare to be ready to get out and guard “pretty much at the midfield line.”
Farrare feels ready for the Championship Series, both physically and mentally. He saw a lot of his opponents in action last summer and knows some of their tendencies. He’s more confident with a short stick after playing SSDM this past season.
He is excited about the opportunity to get out and push transition like he did in college, be a threat on offense and help the team score quick goals. His focus and primary role, though, is to be the best defender he can be.
“I understand this is a smaller space. You’ve got to be technical, hands-on, up-and-out, with a great approach,” he said. “That’s always been my motto, regardless of what kind of stick is in my hand. You have to have a great approach, and you’ve got to get guys to go the way you want them to go.”
This past season taught Farrare that he can adapt, respond to adverse situations and figure things out quickly. He was proud of his ability to step up for his teammates and earn their trust.
The Championship Series is just the latest opportunity for Farrare to show what he is capable of.
“The biggest thing I learned on the journey is that belief and that trust in yourself should never subside,” he said. “It should never go away. You’ve got to live in it. You’ve got to love it. It has to be you. I’m going to be honest, there were moments there where I maybe thought I wasn’t good enough or the opportunity wasn’t going to find me or I wasn’t going to find the opportunity.
“When I sat down, let things come to me, prayed and let God handle it, he gave me that opportunity where I could go out and play and be a successful player. I’m really grateful my prayers were answered and I got my opportunity to go out there and show what I could really do on the lacrosse field.”
