The California Redwoods signed short-stick defensive midfielder Marquez White through the 2025 season, bringing the California native to his hometown team.

“He’s a guy that has been on our radar,” defensive coordinator Chris Collins said. “Someone like Mr. White is someone who has the ability to step in and be an impact player right away.”

Playing in the PLL has always been a dream of White’s, one he thought might be derailed when he tore his ACL in the summer of 2024. He underwent surgery in September, and getting an opportunity to play in the PLL motivated him through the mental grind and some of the more challenging sessions.

“I stuck to it. I was consistent, hoping something like this would come up,” he said. “Physically, I’ve been working hard on that end, rehabbing so I can get back 100%. Mentally, I’ve been really breaking down the film.”

White played three seasons for Princeton University, where he helped the Tigers win the Ivy League Tournament championship in 2023 and 2024. In his senior season, he was a First-Team All-Ivy League selection and USILA All-American selection.

His accolades and his participation in high-stakes Ivy League and NCAA Tournament games – he scored a goal against Maryland in the NCAA Tournament – made him an appealing addition for the California coaching staff.

Collins and Nat St. Laurent – California’s head coach and general manager – also love his athleticism.

“We’re looking to run a little more here and get smart transition opportunities,” St. Laurent said. “He looks like a young, strong, bright superstar. When he’s ready, we’re going to give him his shot.”

As a lacrosse player, White said he’s always been labeled an athlete, and with the Redwoods, he believes he’s joining a stable of some of the best athletes in the league.

When White thinks of some of the other midfielders on the Redwoods roster, specifically Brian Tevlin, Chris Merle, Ricky Miezan and Nakeie Montgomery, he said he believes the PLL emphasizes the role of the transition midfielder more than college; seeing the successes they’ve had at the professional level helps him believe he can have a similar impact.

Collins said he wants his players to challenge the opposition at the midfield line, and that White’s athleticism and physicality will translate well to the professional level.

“You are someone who is going to have to make a play and continue making that play, riding guys down the sideline,” Collins said. “I think he has that ability. For us, with a shorter field, this type of game plays into those types of players’ hands.”

For all of White’s experience and physical gifts, Collins believes the biggest thing White brings to the table is the demeanor he will bring to the field and the locker room.

“When you look at defensive personnel, it doesn’t matter where you played,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you’ve come from, Division I, II or III, it’s attitude first, and he plays with attitude.”