The Blueprint: How Golden Stick winner Matt Campbell became the prototype for Sixes lacrosse
By Sarah Griffin | Feb 20, 2025
"That guy should be the poster child [for Sixes]. He's the best player in the country."
Those weren’t empty words from Boston Cannons head coach Brian Holman on Golden Sticken Award winner Matt Campbell. They were a statement of fact.
In a tournament that showcased the future of lacrosse, Campbell excelled. Leading all scorers with 23 goals, including a seven-goal explosion in the championship, Campbell’s performance in the 2025 Lexus Championship Series was not only a dominant display, but the blueprint for what this version of the sport is becoming and what we’ll see in the Olympics in 2028.
With the fast-paced, transition-heavy nature of Sixes, Campbell was unstoppable, thriving in a system that rewards creativity, quick decision-making and lethal finishing ability. By the time the Cannons lifted the trophy for a second year in a row, beating the Utah Archers 21-14 in Monday’s final, Campbell had secured the Golden Stick Award and, in Holman’s eyes, cemented himself as the face of Sixes lacrosse.
Teammate Marcus Holman echoed his father’s sentiments.
“He’s the best player in the game right now,” the Cannons attackman said, adding to the growing case for Campbell to earn a spot on Team USA for the 2028 Olympics.
While Campbell led all Championship Series scorers, he wasn’t the only Cannon near the top of the leaderboard. Asher Nolting finished second in the Golden Stick race with 21 goals, proving once again why he remains one of the most versatile and impactful players in Sixes. Ryan Drenner and Holman also finished among the tournament’s top offensive contributors, further highlighting Boston’s offensive firepower throughout the Championship Series.
That being said, the shorter shot clock, near-constant transition play and emphasis on offensive creativity in Sixes seem nearly tailor-made for Campbell’s skill set. As Boston’s most dynamic dodger with an elite release, especially with no long poles to defend him, Campbell was able to create his own shot or exploit defensive gaps in a blink.
Campbell's ability to bury high-percentage shots and deliver under pressure made him Boston’s offensive anchor throughout the tournament. In the championship game, he delivered when it mattered most, scoring seven goals on 55% shooting as the Cannons pulled away from Utah to secure the title.
Beyond the trophies and statistics, Holman’s words hold weight. This was more than an MVP-caliber performance - it was a defining moment for the future of the sport. Campbell has quickly become the prototype for what a Sixes superstar looks like, and as the PLL and international lacrosse continue to push the format toward the Olympics, his name will be at the center of the conversation. If this tournament was any indication, Holman was absolutely right: Campbell isn’t just the best player in Sixes right now, he’s the future of it.
