The 2025 PLL end-of-season awards were held in New York on Friday to celebrate the league’s top players.
Here is the full list of 2025 award winners:
Jim Brown Most Valuable Player
Connor Shellenberger, New York Atlas
Shellenberger was the Most Valuable Player of the 2025 PLL season.
The 25-year-old second-year attackman led the Atlas to the U.S. Bank Championship game and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a league-high 46 points (23G, 23A).
Shellenberger tallied four games with seven points and shot better than 50% in seven games. He led the league in points playing alongside 2024 MVP Jeff Teat, whose 40 points (17G, 23A) were good for third-best in the league.
“I get to play with … the best player in the world: Jeff Teat,” Shellenberger said.
Other finalists: Pat Kavanagh, Denver Outlaws; Brennan O’Neill, Denver Outlaws; Michael Sowers, Philadelphia Waterdogs
History of the award:
Widely regarded as the best athlete of all time in any sport, Jim Brown dominated in both collegiate football and lacrosse while a student at Syracuse University. A member of the NFL Hall of Fame, the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and a three-time NFL Most Valuable Player, Brown’s on-field accomplishments are remarkable. To honor Brown’s career, this award is given to the most valuable player.
Eamon McEneaney Attackman of the Year
Connor Shellenberger, New York Atlas
No shock that since Shellenberger is the best player in the league, he is also the 2025 Attackman of the Year.
Other finalists: Pat Kavanagh, Denver Outlaws; Brennan O’Neill, Denver Outlaws; Michael Sowers, Philadelphia Waterdogs
History of the award:
Behind the performance of Eamon McEneaney, Cornell Lacrosse won back-to-back NCAA titles in 1976 and 1977, with McEneaney winning Most Outstanding Player for his performance in 1977. For his contributions to the game, McEneaney was elected to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1992 and the NCAA Silver Anniversary Lacrosse Team in 1995. While serving as a Vice President at Cantor Fitzgerald, McEneaney lost his life during the September 11 attacks while in the World Trade Center. In memory of Eamon McEneaney, this award is given to the best attackman.
Gait Brothers Midfielder of the Year
Matt Campbell, Boston Cannons
Campbell paced all midfielders with 28 points (18G, 2T, 8A), averaging 2.8 points per game and leading the Cannons in goals. Campbell earned his third straight All-Star nomination and scored at least one goal in every game.
Other finalists: Andrew McAdorey, California Redwoods; Jared Bernhardt, Denver Outlaws; Bryan Costabile, New York Atlas
History of the award:
Through their unparalleled combination of athleticism, stick skills and lacrosse IQ, brothers Paul and Gary Gait revolutionized the midfield position. Both four-time NCAA All-Americans, NCAA national champions, professional indoor and outdoor champions, Canadian National Team legends, and members of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, the Gait brothers were the first true superstars of the sport. This award is given to the best midfielder.
Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year
Gavin Adler, New York Atlas
Adler was tied for third in the league in caused turnovers (13) with the Waterdogs’ Ben Randall and the Cannons’ Ethan Rall. He recorded two games with three caused turnovers and averaged 1.3 caused turnovers and 1.1 ground balls per game.
Other finalists: Jack Rowlett, Carolina Chaos; JT Giles-Harris, Denver Outlaws; Graeme Hossack, Utah Archers
History of the award:
Dave Pietramala is regarded as the best defenseman to ever play the game. A National Champion player and coach and a World Champion with the U.S. National Team, Pietramala is one of the most decorated figures in the game. Pietramala additionally holds the distinction of being the only athlete in lacrosse history to be named National Player of the Year and National Coach of the Year.
Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year
Logan McNaney, Denver Outlaws
McNaney is the first rookie in PLL history to win Goalie of the Year.
He changed the course of the 2025 Outlaws season. After an 0-2 start, McNaney made his PLL debut against the Waterdogs and tallied 14 saves (66.7%), pushing Denver to its first win of the season and earning the starting position in cage.
Since his debut, McNaney has averaged 13.6 saves per game, saving 58.3% of the shots he faced, which ranked second among starting goaltenders behind Brett Dobson (59.15%).
Other finalists: Blaze Riorden, Carolina Chaos; Liam Entenmann, New York Atlas
History of the award:
Chief Oren Lyons attended Syracuse University, where he was an All-American and National Champion while leading the school to an undefeated season. As an active member of the Onondaga reservation, he remains a leading advocate of international indigenous rights for over four decades. This award is given to the best goalie.
Paul Cantabene Faceoff Player of the Year
TD Ierlan, California Redwoods
Ierlan was second in the league in faceoff percentage (60.5%) and third in the league in ground balls (74) this season.
He outdueled Trevor Baptiste and the Atlas with a season-high 72.4% win percentage, and won 72.4% of his faceoffs against Joe Nardella and the Maryland Whipsnakes. He faced off at above 70% three separate times in 2025 and only went below 50% twice.
Ierlan tallied six points (3G, 3A) for a Redwoods team that reached the semifinals.
Other finalists: Joe Nardella, Maryland Whipsnakes; Trevor Baptiste, New York Atlas
History of the award:
Always known as one of the most intense and hardest-working lacrosse players, Paul Cantabene was an All-American during his time at Loyola and a perennial All-Star in both the indoor and outdoor professional game. Nationally known for his durability, toughness and unrelenting will to win, Cantabene remains one of the best lacrosse players of all time. This award is given to the best faceoff player.
Brodie Merrill Long-Stick Midfielder of the Year
Jake Piseno, Denver Outlaws
Piseno finished the 2025 season with 12 points (5G, 3T, 4A), 12 caused turnovers and 36 ground balls.
“To my teammates, this award is as much yours as it is mine,” Piseno said.
He recorded five games with four-plus ground balls and tallied a career-high four-caused turnovers against the Whipsnakes.
Other finalists: Troy Reh, Carolina Chaos; Mason Woodward, Utah Archers
History of the award:
With unparalleled ability to stop opponents while also making electric plays in the middle and offensive ends of the field, Brodie Merrill revolutionized the long stick midfield position. Merrill was a staple on the Canadian National Team for four terms and a regular All-Star in both the indoor and outdoor game. This award is given to the best long-stick midfielder.
George Boiardi Hard Hat Award
Ryan Terefenko, Denver Outlaws
Terefenko backed up his fourth consecutive All-Star nomination with his first George Boiardi Award as the league’s top short-stick defensive midfielder.
He tallied eight points (5G, 1T, 2A), led all SSDMs with 18 ground balls and caused two turnovers.
Other finalists: Brian Tevlin, California Redwoods; Danny Logan, New York Atlas; Dylan Hess, Philadelphia Waterdogs
History of the award:
A standout performer and four-year starter during his time at Cornell, George Boiardi tragically lost his life when he was struck by a ball in the chest during a game in 2004. An inductee to the Cornell University Hall of Fame, Boiardi’s name is synonymous in the lacrosse world with the dedication and selflessness that endeared him to his teammates and family.
Rookie of the Year
Chris Kavanagh, California Redwoods
For the second time in the past two seasons, a non-first-round pick took home the Rookie of the Year Award.
Kavanagh, the Redwoods’ second-round pick, led all rookies with 37 points (23G, 2T, 12A) and earned an All-Star nod. He scored 13 points in the final two games of the regular season to punch California’s ticket to the 2025 PLL playoffs.
Other finalists: Owen Hiltz, Carolina Chaos; Aidan Carroll, Maryland Whipsnakes; Logan McNaney, Denver Outlaws
History of the award:
This award is given to the most outstanding rookie.
Dick Edell Coach of the Year
Tim Soudan, Denver Outlaws
Soudan is now a three-time Coach of the Year. He led the Outlaws to a 7-3 record, wins in six of their last seven games, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and a spot in the U.S. Bank Championship game.
Soudan landed Bernhardt to complete his quartet of Tewaaraton winners along with O’Neill, Pat Kavanagh and Logan Wisnauskas. He made the decision to start rookie goalie Logan McNaney. He’s now seeking his first championship, as his Outlaws are set to face the Atlas for the title on Sunday.
Other finalists: Anthony Kelly, California Redwoods; Mike Pressler, New York Atlas
History of the award:
The Hall of Fame coach affectionately known as “Big Man,” Dick Edell led the Maryland Terrapins to three ACC championships, seven final fours, and 13 NCAA tournament appearances from 1984-2001. In memory of Dick Edell, this award is given to the best coach.
Comeback Player of the Year
Dylan Molloy, California Redwoods
Molloy led the league in total goals (26) and scoring points (27) in his first year with the Redwoods, earning the league’s inaugural Comeback Player of the Year Award.
The veteran Molloy was the top goal-scorer for the young, rebuilt Redwoods. They advanced to the semifinals one year after missing the playoffs.
Other finalists: Jack Kielty, Boston Cannons; Brad Smith, Maryland Whipsnakes
History of the award:
This award is given to the most outstanding non-rookie who has made a return to the professional ranks.
Jimmy Regan Teammate of the Year
Brian Tevlin, California Redwoods
Other finalists: Austin Kaut, Carolina Chaos; Trevor Baptiste, New York Atlas
History of the award:
Whether playing lacrosse at Chaminade High School, leading the Duke Men’s Lacrosse team to two ACC championships or serving our country as a Fire Team Leader with the elite Special Operations 75th Ranger Regiment, Jimmy was always the consummate team player and a friend to all. “In a world where you can be anything, be kind”… that was Jimmy Regan. In memory of Jimmy Regan, this award is given to the ultimate teammate.
Brendan Looney Leadership Award
Blaze Riorden, Carolina Chaos
Other finalists: Mike Manley, Denver Outlaws; Matt Dunn, Maryland Whipsnakes
History of the award:
Brendan Looney was a standout lacrosse player who, alongside his two brothers, led Navy to the NCAA Title Game in 2004. After his graduation, Looney was deployed as a SEAL in Korea & Iraq. He was tragically killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. In memory of Brendan Looney, this award is given to the player who demonstrates tremendous leadership.
Dave Huntley Sportsmanship Award
Joe Nardella, Maryland Whipsnakes
Other finalists: Mark Glicini, Carolina Chaos; Ryan Ambler, Utah Archers
History of the award:
A three-time All-American at Johns Hopkins and the 1979 McLaughlin Award winner as the nation’s best midfielder, Dave Huntley was a pioneer for the growth of field lacrosse in Canada. Respected by teammates and opponents alike, Huntley had a positive effect on so many lacrosse players from the high school to college to professional to international ranks. In memory of Dave Huntley, this award is given to the player who demonstrates excellent sportsmanship.
Welles Crowther Humanitarian Award
Romar Dennis, California Redwoods
Other finalists: Jake Piseno, Denver Outlaws; Piper Bond, Utah Archers
History of the award:
The Man in the Red Bandanna. Welles Crowther (Boston College ‘99) was working at 2 World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. When the attacks began, Welles organized a rescue effort, saving many lives. In memory of Welles Crowther, this award is given to the player who makes a meaningful impact in his community.
