Redwoods LC short-stick defensive midfielder Pat Harbeson has announced his retirement from professional lacrosse. The eight-year veteran made his mark as a key two-way player on every team he’s been a part of.

Prior to his professional career, the Annapolis, MD native won an NCAA Championship in 2011 at the University of Virginia.  He made his professional debut in 2015 with the Denver Outlaws in the MLL. He spent six seasons in the MLL and won a championship in 2017 with the Ohio Machine. 

In 2019, Harbeson joined the Redwoods in the PLL’s inaugural season. He played an important role in the team’s 2019 campaign, playing in all 13 games for the Redwoods and picking up 24 ground balls. 

"Eight years ago, Pat Harbeson entered Major League Lacrosse with a chip on his shoulder," said Rachael DeCecco, Director of Lacrosse Product at the PLL. "Now, he retires as a champion who's proved himself at every level. Pat will continue to be an ambassador for the sport in Arizona - the next generation is lucky to learn from him."

“It has been a privilege to have worked with Patrick over the past six years,” said Redwoods head coach Nat St. Laurent, who also coached Harbeson with the Ohio Machine. “He is a fierce competitor and a winner, winning a National Championship at the University of Virginia, professionally with the Ohio Machine, and recently as a head coach at Brophy Prep High School in Arizona guiding that program to a state championship. He is a great ambassador of our game and a tremendous person.”

Harbeson released the following statement:

Lacrosse has been at the centerfold of my life ever since I picked up a stick at 10 years old. After eight years of professional lacrosse, I am walking away from the game that I love. It was instilled at a young age that if you treat the game of lacrosse with respect and play it the right way, in return, the game will pay you back tenfold. Lacrosse has given me so much and I will eternally be grateful.

Nothing in my career came easy. Having to earn my spot every step of the way is something I walk away extremely proud of and a chip I will carry with me as I transition away from playing competitively.

To all my coaches and their staff who I’ve had the privilege to play for, specifically, Bob Bohannan, Scott Pugh, Duncan Booth, Dom Starsia and Nat St. Laurent…THANK YOU…Thank you for inspiring me to play the game the right way.

Sharing a locker room and huddle with all my teammates throughout my career is something I never took for granted. The most meaningful part of being on a team for me was always the camaraderie and passion needed to be successful. I hope to pay this forward to the next generation of players!

Lastly, my career wouldn’t have been possible if it were not for my family. Thank you for your unwavering support and pushing me to be the best version of myself my entire career.

-  Patrick Harbeson, #40