Two-time Champion Matt McMahon announces his retirement
By Hayden Lewis | Apr 12, 2024
Two-time champion defender Matt McMahon has officially announced his retirement after nine years of professional lacrosse.
McMahon was a staple in the Utah Archers lineup dating back to the PLL’s inaugural season in 2019 and won the Championship with the Archers in 2023.
McMahon’s awareness and range, standing at 6-foot-4, allowed him to be a disruptive force on the defensive side of the field. McMahon caused 103 turnovers throughout his career playing professional lacrosse.
“Throughout my career, I’ve never been a star player and, on many teams, not even an obvious starter on day one,” said McMahon. “I’ve been very fortunate that my will to improve was met with exceptional coaches who believed in me. My longevity was a result of great coaching more than anything else.”
Although McMahon doesn’t count himself as a star, the teams he played on wouldn’t be the same without him.
.@Matt_McMahon_11 gave everything he had to this sport and our team.
— Utah Archers (@PLLArchers) April 11, 2024
Grateful for the mark that he’ll leave.👏🏹 pic.twitter.com/mJIKFJ96fQ
Before McMahon was leading the Archers, he was a member of the Ohio Machine. McMahon helped anchor the Machine’s defense en route to the 2017 MLL Championship.
In 2017 McMahon was named to the All-MLL team and finished top three in Defender of the Year voting. McMahon was pivotal in the league’s best-scoring defense.
McMahon’s humble approach stems from the men who helped him grow throughout his career playing the game.
“While there are many I owe thanks to, I want to specifically thank Chris Bates, Mike Murphy and Carl Houser,” said McMahon. “The impact you have on your players extends well beyond the field and I am honored to have you as both mentors and friends.”
Coach Bates, Murphy and Houser helped mold McMahon into the leader and player he was and also guided him to become an excellent human as well.
Coach Murphy, Penn’s longtime head coach trusted McMahon from day one, playing McMahon in every game during his collegiate career.
McMahon offered many thanks to a wide range of family, coaches, and the sport of lacrosse.
“This sport has offered me more joy and purpose than I ever could’ve imagined,” said McMahon. “To everyone who has been a part of my journey, your impact has been profound, and I am deeply appreciative of every moment shared.”
