The California Redwoods added a potential X-factor to their young offense by signing former Navy attackman Xavier Arline through the 2026 season.
Arline played three seasons of lacrosse for the Midshipmen, producing 81 points in 34 games; he led the team in assists (19) and points (40) as a senior in 2024. He also played quarterback for the football team for four years.
California head coach Anthony Kelly was very excited about the new addition.
“His athleticism and skillset offers something special to our roster,” Kelly said. “Fortunately for us, [general manager] Joe [Spallina] has a long-standing relationship with him and caught wind of his interest to play lacrosse again, so we decided to pick him up right away.”
Coming out of Shoreham-Wading High School on Long Island, Arline was rated as a five-star recruit and the fifth-best prospect in the nation by Inside Lacrosse. In addition to Navy, Arline received offers to play football, lacrosse or both at Air Force, Army, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio State and Stony Brook.
He also was a member of Spallina’s Team 91 club team alongside current Redwoods players Andrew McAdorey and Aiden Danenza.
“I have coached X since he was 7 years old with our vaunted 91 Crush team, so, obviously, I’m very familiar with his skill set,” Spallina said. “He’s a freak of an athlete and a hell of a lacrosse player.”
The Redwoods are currently deep at attack. They return 2025 Rookie of the Year Chris Kavanagh, re-signed veterans Ryder Garnsey and Dylan Molloy, and brought in Michael Boehm and Brayden Mayea.
Because of Arline’s athleticism, though, he would be a strong candidate to transition to play midfield. Kelly said Arline is a “dynamic player that can make an immediate impact for our group.”
Currently, Arline serves as an officer for the U.S. Marine Corps. While he is unavailable to play in the 2026 Championship Series, Kelly said Arline is cleared to play professional lacrosse this summer.
In talking with his former player about his current situation and desire to return to lacrosse, Spallina was prepared to make a move with potential for massive upside.
“We had a conversation, and biggest thing is he really wants this,” Spallina said. “And if you know anything about the DNA of this kid, then you know that’s all you need to hear from my seat. He will be a great addition to our lineup and create matchup issues.”
