Loomis Chaffee Lacrosse: A Powerhouse on the Rise in New England

When it comes to top High school lacrosse conferences, the MIAA usually dominates the rankings and media coverage. While undeniably one of the nation's top conferences, another equally competitive yet often overlooked conference thrives in New England. New England West 1 has deep hockey and Lacrosse roots and Canadian and Indigenous lacrosse influences, especially through box lacrosse. New England West 1 has become a lacrosse powerhouse with elite prep lacrosse programs like Brunswick, Deerfield, Salisbury, Taft, and Avon Old Farms compete in the highly competitive New England West 1 conference, cementing the region's reputation for top-tier lacrosse.   In recent years, however, a relatively new team has been dominating the New England West 1 circuit, built on the foundation of their successful lacrosse history. The Loomis Chaffee lacrosse program, founded in 1959, has evolved into one of the most respected high school lacrosse programs in New England and across the nation, with a rich legacy of excellence and tradition. The program has become synonymous with competitiveness, skill, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what's possible on the lacrosse field. Over the years, Loomis Chaffee has developed a reputation for its dominant play in the New England West 1 conference and the Founders League.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A New Era Under Coach Bill Ball</h3>   In 2022, the Loomis Chaffee lacrosse program entered a new era with the appointment of Coach Bill Ball as head coach. After serving as an assistant coach from 2009 to 2012 under legendary coach Ted Garber, Ball took over after Bill Lee's tenure. In 2023, the team went 13 - 5; in 2024, the team went 16 - 2 and won the Founders League championship — the team's first in 15 years. This victory was a testament to the team's hard work, discipline, and growth under Coach Ball's leadership.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Success on the Field: A 2024 Recap</h3>   The 2024 season was a monumental year for Loomis Chaffee. Finishing with a 16-2 record, the team ended the season on a high note, securing the Founders League title for the first time in over a decade. The season's success was not just a result of talent but of a disciplined, supportive team culture that emphasized daily improvement. The players themselves felt confident about how they finished the season, setting a high bar for the years to come.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fall and Winter Lacrosse Progression</h3>   As with most top lacrosse programs, off-season work is key to maintaining a competitive edge. The Loomis Chaffee lacrosse program has balanced fall and winter lacrosse well with other sports, ensuring that players can focus on their athletic development while participating in other activities. Coach Ball has implemented structured off-season workouts that allow athletes to hone their skills while maintaining a well-rounded athletic experience. During the captain's practices, the team has seen impressive potential from returning players and newcomers, fueling excitement for the upcoming season. With a large senior class graduating last year, the team's commitment to hard work is evident as they build on past success.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading"></h3>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Expectations for the Upcoming Season</h3>   Expectations for the 2025 season are high. While Coach Ball stresses the importance of taking it one day at a time, the team has the talent to go far. The goal, as always, is to get better every day while aiming for the highest levels of competition. With their Founders League championship under their belt, Loomis Chaffee is looking to continue that success and push for even more outstanding accomplishments this season. They are set on competing for the New England West 1 title.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Senior-Driven Team with Incredible Talent</h3>   A strong senior class primarily drives Loomis Chaffee's 2025 team. This group of athletes brings leadership, skill, and experience to the field, making them one of the most athletic teams in the program's history. The team is also known for its overall size and physicality, which sets them apart from many other programs. This year, the Loomis Chaffee lacrosse team will be led by some standout players, many of whom are already committed to top collegiate programs:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='142752' first='Anthony' last='Rodriguez'] (Georgetown): A dynamic scorer who will be a key offensive threat for the team.</li>   <li>Rowyn Nurry (Cornell): A physical X-attackman with outstanding leadership and finishing ability.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='22922' first='David' last='Disque'] (Johns Hopkins): A versatile midfielder who excels on offense and defense and is known for his athleticism and quickness.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='123041' first='Cole' last='Goodwillie'] (Harvard): A 6'4", 205-pound midfielder who is an exceptional two-way player with great hands.</li>   <li>[player_tooltip player_id='123043' first='Hayden' last='Cody'] (Georgetown): A dominant faceoff specialist who is crucial in gaining possession for the team.</li>   <li>Grey Timasco (Richmond): A hard-nosed, long-stick midfielder who can shut down opponents and push transition.</li> </ul>   In addition to these seniors, Loomis Chaffee has a highly talented junior class that includes several committed players, such as Justin DiGiovanni (UPenn) and Michael Brennan (Harvard), as well as uncommitted talents like [player_tooltip player_id='25760' first='Max' last='Goldberg'] and Ben Halpert. Both of these players are making significant strides in their development. These players bring a mix of speed, vision, and physicality to the team, helping to solidify Loomis Chaffee's dominance.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rising Stars Among the Sophomores and Freshmen</h3>   While the senior class may be leading the way, Loomis Chaffee also sees impressive performances from underclassmen. Sophomore standout [player_tooltip player_id='19343' first='Danny' last='Lopez'], an elite attackman, brings a blend of strength, athleticism, and skill to the offensive end. Meanwhile, defensive powerhouse Hayes Griffin has made a name for himself as a smart and athletic player capable of locking down opponents. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='125324' first='OJ' last='Ika'], an All-American in Utah last year, has already shown promise as a future star on the varsity team, with his athleticism and skills making him one to watch.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Returning Players and Key Roles</h3>   Several players are returning from injury or stepping into new leadership roles this season. Milki Conway-Reppert, the team's leading scorer as a freshman, is expected to significantly impact the attack with his slick, fast style of play. Liam O'Keefe, the starting goalie, is a great leader in the back, with quick hands and a strong presence in the crease. Defensively, [player_tooltip player_id='123072' first='Nate' last='Macpherson'] returns as one of the team's top cover guys, known for his steadiness and ability to communicate well on the field.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strengths and Goals for the Season</h3>   Loomis Chaffee's strengths lie in their elite attack and ability to push transition. The team is incredibly athletic, with players who can contribute on both sides of the field. The combination of offensive power and defensive depth makes them a formidable opponent for anyone in their league.   The team's goals this season are clear: to defend their Founders League title and to compete for the New England West 1 championship. With a strong senior class, talented underclassmen, and a coaching staff committed to success, Loomis Chaffee is poised to build on their recent success and continue to push toward the top of the New England lacrosse ranks.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Supportive and Unified Team Culture</h3>   The Loomis Chaffee lacrosse team's culture is one of support, leadership, and unity. Faculty members often comment on how respectful and well-mannered the players are, which speaks to the program's focus on character development. The upperclassmen take pride in supporting their teammates, and this sense of camaraderie and respect creates a positive environment both on and off the field.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h3>   The program continues to grow and evolve with the addition of coaches like Chris Howes (offensive coach) and Wyatt Prominski (who will run the team's box from Texas). Loomis Chaffee is looking forward to matchups against top-tier opponents like Malvern Prep, Salisbury, and Brunswick, which will be key tests for the team as it looks to establish itself as one of the best programs in New England.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Legacy and Tradition</h3>   Loomis Chaffee's lacrosse legacy can be traced back to legendary players and coaches who paved the way for the program's success. Coaches like Jim Wilson, who led the team for 49 years, and players like Ari Sussman (Dartmouth), Drew Snyder (Maryland), and Tyler Castertano (Yale) have left an indelible mark on the program. Their achievements continue to inspire the current generation of players, who aim to honor their legacy and build on the program's storied history.   As Loomis Chaffee heads into the 2025 season, the team is poised to continue its rise as one of New England's premier lacrosse programs. With the Loomis community's talent, leadership, and support, this could be another unforgettable year for the Pelicans.    [player_tooltip player_id='25760' first='Max' last='Goldberg'] is a standout defenseman known for his exceptional groundball skills and smart play on the field. He excels at scooping up loose balls, turning them into fast breaks for his team. Max's communication on defense is a key asset, constantly organizing and directing his teammates with clarity and confidence. His solid fundamentals allow him to stay in control of every situation, making him a reliable and tough presence in the defensive zone.     Ben Halpert is a dynamic player who embodies the spirit of old-school lacrosse with a physical and strategic approach to the game. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 185 pounds, Ben can either power through defenders or use his slick box fake to get around them with ease. As a lefty, he's versatile, seamlessly playing both attack and midfield, and his ability to adapt makes him a constant threat on the field. Known for his relentless riding, Ben never gives up on the play, pressuring opponents at every turn and helping his team gain possession.     [player_tooltip player_id='19343' first='Danny' last='Lopez'] is an elite attackman who brings a rare combination of strength, athleticism, and dynamic play to the field. Standing out with both hands equally dangerous, he can score from any angle, making him unpredictable and tough to defend. With his father being an All-American, Danny has inherited a deep lacrosse pedigree and a relentless drive to succeed. His physicality and versatility allow him to dominate around the crease, creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.     Hayes Griffin is a formidable defenseman and Long Stick Midfielder standing at 6'3", bringing size and athleticism to the field. A Georgia native, Hayes runs well for his size, using his speed and agility to cover ground quickly and effectively. He has a football background, having started on his high school football team as a sophomore, which has translated to a tough, physical style of play on the lacrosse field. Hayes is also a very smart player, reading the game well and making key decisions to shut down offensive threats and anchor his defense.     Brendan Mulderig is an athletic midfielder known for his ability to push the ball downhill with speed and precision. His quickness and vision allow him to attack the defense effectively, creating scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates. Brendan is also a strong shooter, capable of scoring from a variety of angles with power and accuracy. His combination of speed, shooting ability, and field awareness makes him a constant threat on the offensive end.     Julien Watts is one of the top faceoff specialists in his class, known for his hard-nosed, gritty play style. He's exceptional on the ground, often turning faceoff wins into crucial possessions for his team. Julien's ability to battle for ground balls makes him a constant threat, turning what could be a lost possession into a 50-50 battle. His versatility also allows him to play defense when needed, showcasing his all-around lacrosse IQ and commitment to every aspect of the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='125324' first='OJ' last='Ika'] is a versatile attackman and midfielder who made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning All-American honors in Utah. His athleticism extends beyond lacrosse, as he was also a freshman on the varsity football team, showcasing his multi-sport talent and competitive drive. OJ's skills on the field are matched by his strong lacrosse IQ, allowing him to excel in both offensive roles. With his brother playing at St. Joseph's in Philadelphia, OJ is continuing the family tradition of excellence in athletics and lacrosse.

When it comes to top High school lacrosse conferences, the MIAA usually dominates the rankings and media coverage. While undeniably one of the nation's top conferences, another equally competitive yet often overlooked conference thrives in New England. New England West 1 has deep hockey and Lacrosse roots and Canadian and Indigenous lacrosse influences, especially through box lacrosse. New England West 1 has become a lacrosse powerhouse with elite prep lacrosse programs like Brunswick, Deerfield, Salisbury, Taft, and Avon Old Farms compete in the highly competitive New England West 1 conference, cementing the region's reputation for top-tier lacrosse.