Taft Lacrosse 2025: Continuing a Legacy of Dominance

<!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">History and Legacy</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When discussing the country's best high school lacrosse programs, one of the top New England West 1 powerhouse programs frequently enters the conversation. The Taft School has established itself as an elite lacrosse program, competing alongside other prep powerhouses like Brunswick, Deerfield, Salisbury, Loomis Chaffee, and Avon Old Farms. These schools battle in the highly competitive New England West 1 conference, further cementing the region's reputation for top-tier lacrosse.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Taft School lacrosse program, founded in 1962, has a rich history that has seen it rise to prominence as one of the country's top boarding school lacrosse programs. With decades of consistent development and dedication, Taft has built a legacy of excellence on and off the field. The program's first season laid the foundation for what has become a powerhouse in New England lacrosse, and its impact has only grown stronger over the years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In recent history, Taft's dominance was on full display in 2021 when the team held the #1 ranking in Inside Lacrosse's High School Power Rankings for seven consecutive weeks and concluded the season as the Geico High School Lacrosse National Champions. This achievement solidified Taft's place among the nation's elite programs. Over the past four years, more than 50 players have gone on to play at the collegiate level across top conferences such as the ACC, Big 10, Ivy League, Patriot League, and NESCAC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Coaching Legacy</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A program is only as strong as its leadership, and Taft has been fortunate to have some of the brightest minds in lacrosse at the helm. Among the most influential coaches in the program's history are Casey D'Annolfo and Nic Bell. D'Annolfo served as head coach from 2007-2016 before becoming the head coach at Tufts University, where he has continued his success. Bell led the program from 2018-2023 and now serves as the head coach at St. Anne's-Belfield School. Both coaches remain deeply connected to Taft, serving as supporters and advocates for the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The current head coach, Max Rosner, took over the program in 2023 after joining as an assistant coach in 2022. Rosner, a Bowdoin College alum (Class of 2013), brings a wealth of experience from his time at Westtown School and Potomac School. Under his leadership, Taft has continued to flourish, building on the strong foundation laid by his predecessors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Alumni</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taft has produced a remarkable list of players who have left their mark on the program and the sport. Over the past decade, standout players like Brandon Salvatore '16, Michael Kraus '16, Pat Kavanagh '19, Chris Kavanagh '21, Jeffery Ricciardelli '21, Thomas Ricciardelli '22, and Ben Friedman '24 have helped elevate Taft to national prominence. These players have gone on to play at top collegiate programs, cementing Taft's reputation as a breeding ground for future stars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2024 Season Recap</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's team, led by a strong senior class, finished with a 12-6 record. Despite narrow one-goal losses to St. John's College High School and Haverford School, the team ended the season on a high note, winning eight of its final nine games before falling to Loomis Chaffee in the Founders League Championship. While the season was full of positives, the high standards of Taft lacrosse meant there was still a sense of unfinished business.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Offseason Development</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offseason has been a crucial period of growth for Taft. Through First Class Lacrosse, the team has benefited from training sessions with top-tier coaches such as Deemer Class, Christian Cuccinello, and Brett Makar. Taft's goalies and shooters also received expert training from Matt Gill of Goaliesmith.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Senior leadership has played a vital role in organizing lifting sessions, conditioning workouts, and skill-based practices. The team also participated in the NHSLS tournament and a fall play day against Loyola Blakefield and Lawrenceville, providing valuable game experience heading into the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">2025 Season Outlook</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taft enters the 2025 season with high expectations and a talented roster. The team is led by key seniors, including:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Henry Hughes '25 (Yale) – Attack</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='14523' first='Russell' last='Fitzgerald'] '25 (Princeton) – Faceoff Specialist</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='14542' first='Brendan' last='Mullahy'] '25 (Notre Dame) – Midfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='48385' first='Kaden' last='Parsons'] '25 (Michigan) – Midfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Thomas Sheumack '25 (Air Force) – Defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Oliver Pritchard ‘25 (Amherst) – Defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Brady Winter ‘25 (Amherst) – Midfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Asher Ziv '25 (Yale) – Attack</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>John Fisher '25 (Richmond) – Goalie</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Charlie Lowe '25 (Bates) – Attack</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Exceptional Juniors</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 features several standout juniors expected to play significant roles this season:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='71502' first='Evan' last='Freeman'] '26 (Virginia) – Defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='78970' first='Joe' last='McBride'] '26 (Michigan) – Defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='17213' first='Angus' last='Brown'] '26 (Bucknell) – Midfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Aidan McElrone '26 (Navy) – Attack</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='82325' first='Cormac' last='Trombley'] '26 (Air Force) – Defense</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Charlie Hurst ‘26 (Uncommitted) – Midfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='17527' first='Vincent' last='Raphalian'] ‘26 (Uncommitted) – Midfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Rising Sophomore Stars</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additionally, sophomores like [player_tooltip player_id='125603' first='Henry' last='Oakey'] (Attack), [player_tooltip player_id='121409' first='Teddy' last='Oh'] (Goalie), [player_tooltip player_id='125605' first='Jay' last='Fisch'] (Midfield), and [player_tooltip player_id='123150' first='Stark' last='Gordon'] (Defense) have shown promise and will push for playing time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Team Culture and Identity</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taft prides itself on fostering a culture of accountability, hard work, and camaraderie. The players choose to be part of the program and embrace the challenge of balancing academics, athletics, and personal growth. Multi-sport participation is encouraged, with athletes competing in football, soccer, hockey, wrestling, squash, and basketball during the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team operates on a "one game at a time" philosophy, emphasizing preparation and focus on the next opponent rather than looking too far ahead. This mindset has been a driving force behind Taft's sustained success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Key Matchups</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taft will face one of the most challenging schedules in the country, with marquee matchups against:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Georgetown Prep</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. John's College High School</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Malvern Prep</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Sebastian's</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Brunswick</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Salisbury</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Deerfield</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Loomis Chaffee (2024 Founders League Championship Rematch)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These early-season tests will set the season's tone and gauge the team's potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Coaching Staff</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Rosner is supported by an exceptional staff, including RJ Swift (Offensive Coordinator) and Chris Kidger (Defensive Coordinator). Both assistants play pivotal roles in the program's success and bring valuable experience to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Taft School lacrosse program continues to set the standard for excellence in New England and beyond. With a talented roster, an experienced coaching staff, and a culture built on hard work and accountability, the 2025 team is poised to make another deep run. Whether facing national powerhouses or league rivals, Taft's commitment to playing the best competition and developing young men on and off the field remains unwavering.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the season unfolds, the team's identity will come into focus, but one thing is certain—Taft lacrosse will continue to uphold its proud tradition of excellence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Charlie Hurst","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"143","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"The Taft School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Prime Time","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9cecd0eee1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Charlie Hurst is a 6'3" midfielder whose combination of size and athleticism makes him a dynamic presence on the field. His fluid movement and ability to use both hands effectively allow him to create scoring opportunities, whether dodging downhill or operating off the hitch. With a well-rounded skill set and high lacrosse IQ, Charlie is poised to be a key contributor to the Taft offense this season. His versatility and knack for getting his hands free make him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["17527"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9cecd0ef7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='17527' first='Vincent' last='Raphalian'] is a 6'0" left-handed midfielder known for his soft cradle and explosive first step. A dangerous dodger off the high wing, he excels at sweeping across the top and shooting on the run with his left hand or using an S dodge to gain separation and finish down the alley. Vincent made a significant impact as a sophomore and is expected to take on an even larger role in Taft's offense this season. His combination of quickness, skill, and finishing ability makes him a key piece of the midfield unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["125603"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9cecd0f00f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='125603' first='Henry' last='Oakey'] is an attackman with all the makings of a true offensive quarterback. He combines sharp finishing ability with exceptional vision, consistently finding open teammates and creating scoring opportunities. With a quick first step and a high lacrosse IQ, Henry has the tools to command the offense. The team is excited for him to break through the lineup and make an impact this season.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["121409"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9cecd0f07f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='121409' first='Teddy' last='Oh'] is the total package of an elite goalie, combining mental toughness with physical tools. With a short memory and perfect frame in the cage, he remains steady and composed, rarely making a move until the shot is released. His fearless style often results in him soaking shots with his body rather than relying solely on his stick. As he gains experience facing high-level talent, the team is excited to see his continued development this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["125605"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9cecd0f0e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='125605' first='Jay' last='Fisch'] is a 5'9" midfielder who brings energy and grit to the field. His quickness and physical nature allow him to embrace contact, holding his own against bigger opponents. With a strong first step and a relentless motor, Jay is projected to contribute as a short-stick defensive midfielder this season while continuing to develop into a versatile two-way player. The team expects him to play a key role in the midfield rotation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["123150"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67c9cecd0f14a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='123150' first='Stark' last='Gordon'] is a 6'3" defenseman who uses his length and stick skills to disrupt opponents. His footwork has improved significantly this offseason, complementing his natural ability to cover ground. A smart and disciplined player, Stark approaches the ball well, applies pressure on the perimeter, and understands team defense concepts. Despite a deep group of upperclassmen poles, he is expected to compete for playing time and make an impact within the defensive unit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->