Xander Dickson embracing new role for Atlas as rehab continues

Xander Dickson won’t be finishing on the crease in the 2026 Lexus Championship Series. Instead, the New York Atlas attackman will be offering perspective from the sideline as an assistant coach.

Dickson is unable to play, but he has an opportunity to impact the event in a different way. He’ll now help create game plans as he continues his recovery from the leg injury he suffered in last September’s U.S. Bank Championship.

He is the first active player to hold an official coaching position in the PLL, either during the regular season or in the Championship Series.

The role is temporary. The impact might not be.

“If you watch him play, he’s obviously one of the best off-ball players,” Atlas defensive coordinator and acting head coach Joe Cinosky said. “He has a lot of skill and knowledge, so leveraging him with his offensive prowess is huge.

“Obviously, I’m more defensive-minded, and all the players respect him, and the vision he has is going to be super helpful.”

Dickson is one of the top finishers in the PLL. In this tournament last year, he netted 11 goals. He was always in the right spots. During the 2025 season, he ranked second on the team in goals, finishing with 22. The two-time All-Star now will look to use his chemistry with teammates and knowledge of the game to scheme up goals rather than score them.

If off-ball movement, finishing and spacing look good for the Atlas offense, Cinosky wouldn’t be surprised. That’s where Dickson has expertise.

“The one thing that stands out about Xander when you watch him is how smart he is. He always knows where to be,” Cinosky said. “Him being able to communicate effectively with what he sees and his ability to give guys guidance is going to be tremendous.”

It’ll also add to Dickson’s strengths when he’s back in uniform.

“I think it’ll help him communicate to guys things he’s seeing when he’s on the field as a player,” Cinosky said. “I think that could elevate his game even more, if possible.”

After getting carted off the field at Sports Illustrated Stadium five months ago, reality struck quickly for Dickson. The road back has been a long one, both physically and mentally.

“Things are good. It’s just been really long,” Dickson said. “Injury was Sept. 14 and surgery was the 15th, and pretty much every day since I’ve been training to get back.”

“The mental part has been the hardest,” he added. “I’m up at 5 a.m., in the gym for hours, and it’s taken up most of my day. It’s constantly about how you train and getting through setbacks and being dialed in on everything. It’s pretty much never-ending. It’s a grind, but one day it’ll be worth it.”

When the Championship Series begins next Friday, Dickson will get a break from his rehab. He’ll finally be back around his guys in a game environment for the Atlas.

“I’ve been isolated for months, so to be back around the guys is just great,” Dickson said with a laugh. “We’re having a lot of fun with it. We’re getting our communication up and I understand what the guys want, and I’m looking forward to getting them ready to win this.”

Atlas head coach Mike Pressler knew playing so soon after his injury would be out of the question for Dickson, but he offered him the opportunity to coach in the tournament. Dickson happily accepted.

Dickson’s vision as a player and understanding of his teammates will be among his biggest strengths on the sideline.

“I understand how everyone works differently,” Dickson said. “They’re all my best friends, and I get how they play and where they want to be positioned and where they’ll perform their best. It’s fun coaching your friends, and it’s going to be a great time.”

While taking on this temporary role, Dickson continues to progress in his recovery. He is expected to be back on the field in time for training camp, looking to help lead the Atlas to another successful season.

But first, he and Cinosky are seeking the first-ever PLL double as the Atlas attempt to hold both the league title and Championship Series crown. Their Championship Series opener is a U.S. Bank Championship rematch against the Denver Outlaws (Friday, 8 p.m. ET).

“I’m pumped,” Dickson said. “I think I pair well with Cino. Everyone loves him. I love him. We have a ton of ideas ready, and we’re going to let the guys go and let them do what they do best.”