2Way 2027 Black: Culture, Competitiveness, and College Potential

What started as a camp at the Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut, has grown into one of the most respected and culture-driven lacrosse programs in the country. Founded in 2012 by former Notre Dame All-American and Team Canada gold medalist David Earl, 2Way Lacrosse has become a powerhouse in player development, known for producing high-character athletes and top-tier college talent. With a motto of “Work Hard, Stay Humble, Bleed Blue,” 2Way isn't just a club; it's a mindset, a family, and a proving ground for the next generation of elite lacrosse players.   Now based out of Greenwich, Connecticut, with Brunswick School serving as its home base, 2Way has steadily evolved from its camp origins into a full-fledged club by 2014. What began with just one team, a 2019 team, has grown over the past 11 years into a comprehensive, highly respected program that develops talent at every level. As the program gained momentum, it became a destination for serious lacrosse players seeking to be pushed, supported, and fully prepared for the next level of competition. In 2016, the club expanded into northern Connecticut, establishing what is now known as 2Way North, extending its reach and impact across the region.   Culture is the driving force behind everything 2Way stands for. The motto “Work Hard, Stay Humble, Bleed Blue” is more than just words; it's a way of life for everyone involved. “Work Hard” is a non-negotiable; “Stay Humble” reflects the program's old-school values of respect and integrity; and “Bleed Blue” symbolizes the deep commitment shared by directors, coaches, players, and families alike.   Over the last three years alone, 2Way has seen over 60 players commit to play college lacrosse, with alumni heading to top-tier programs like Notre Dame, Princeton, Providence, and Colgate. Notable names include Will Donovan (Notre Dame), Hunter Spiess (Princeton), Rhett Chambers (Providence), and Casey Quinson (Colgate). Many former players return to coach, mentor, and support current teams, a powerful testament to the culture and loyalty that 2Way fosters.   The 2Way Black 2027 team, a rising force in the national club lacrosse landscape, is a team built on culture, toughness, and long-term player development. With a 14-7 record and a national ranking of #11 so far in the Fall 2024 - Summer 2025 season, this Connecticut-based squad continues to prove it belongs in the conversation with the very best. With 26 players on the roster, and a strong belief that every one of them has the potential to play college lacrosse, 2Way Black 2027 has combined talent and athleticism with chemistry and purpose, which has turned them into one of the most exciting teams in the country to watch as a college recruiter.   The core of the 2Way Black 2027 team has been together since 2021, beginning their journey as a World Series squad. Head Coach Spencer DeRosa (the coach who started the lacrosse program at Valhalla High School) and Offensive Coordinator Bobby Lutz (Head Coach at Greenwich High School) have guided this team with a strong blend of structure, player showcase opportunities, and competitive fire. Coach Lutz's offensive schemes are tailored to highlight each player's strengths, preparing them for high school systems and making them attractive to college recruiters, and Coach DeRosa's energy and leadership have galvanized this group of young men into a tight-knit team built on chemistry and camaraderie. 2Way Black 2027 has consistently gone toe-to-toe with and defeated some of the nation's top programs. Their toughness and consistency have led them to frequent appearances in tournament championships, even against the toughest competition on the club circuit.   The team's identity on the field is shaped by three key strengths:   <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>Athleticism Between the Lines: Their midfielders are among the most athletic in the country, excelling in transition, ground balls, and faceoffs. Many are true two-way players, capable of staying on the field through defensive and offensive sets. </li>   <li>Patience and IQ on Offense: Unlike many club teams that rely solely on isolation dodges and individual skill, 2Way runs a structured offense similar to a varsity high school team. Their ball movement, spacing, and off-ball communication are elite for a club team. </li>   <li>Physical, Disciplined Defense: The team's defensive unit plays with an edge, mean, aggressive, and fundamentally sound. Their depth allows them to rotate without drop-off, and their poles are heavily involved in clears and fast breaks.</li> </ol>   But what truly makes 2Way Black 2027 special is its culture. These players genuinely love playing with each other. They bring energy, positivity, and commitment to every game, every practice, and every huddle. “Family” isn't just something they say, it's something they live. That chemistry is obvious both on and off the field and has become a competitive advantage.   As the Class of 2027 heads into its most important season, recruiting summer, 2Way Black is poised to be one of the most heavily scouted and recruited teams in the country. With a deep roster of 26 college-caliber players, a proven track record of developing talent, and a culture that fosters both personal and athletic growth, 2Way Black 2027 is much more than a top-15 team; they're a program that represents everything right about club lacrosse.    [player_tooltip player_id='123466' first='Gus' last='Markley'], a 5'11 midfielder out of Choate, is a true three-phase player who excels in every aspect of the game. Whether he's playing offense, defense, or battling between the lines, Gus brings a complete skill set and high-level athleticism. His quick feet and sharp decision-making make him tough to beat one-on-one, while his explosiveness allows him to consistently create separation on the offensive end. Merkley's versatility and impact on both sides of the ball make him one of the most reliable and dynamic midfielders on the field.     [player_tooltip player_id='122410' first='Luke' last='Perriello'], a 5'10 standout out of Brunswick, is a true do-it-all midfielder who impacts the game in every phase. Whether it's battling on the wing, pushing transition, or locking down on defense, Luke's tenacity and athleticism allow him to compete at a high level from end to end. He brings energy, toughness, and a relentless motor that makes him an invaluable asset in any situation. Perriello is the kind of player who does the little things right and makes winning plays all over the field.     Tommy Demeter, a 5'9 offensive standout out of Bishop Moore, is a true dual-handed threat who can dodge from multiple spots on the field, keeping defenses off balance with his versatility. Demeter is fast, strong, and composed with the ball in his stick. When he gets his hands free, Demeter is a dangerous finisher, capable of scoring from nearly any angle or distance. His blend of athleticism, skill, and poise makes him a consistent offensive weapon and a matchup problem for opposing defenses.     [player_tooltip player_id='142261' first='TJ' last='Nixon'] is a 6'0 lethal lefty attackman from Avon Old Farms and the leader of the offense. He is a dynamic offensive presence with the ability to break down defenders in various ways. He's a powerful dodger with an explosive first step and excellent balance, making him a constant threat to get underneath and attack the middle of the field. Once inside, TJ showcases elite-level stick protection and the toughness to finish through contact. He's just as dangerous from the outside, where he can step into space and fire with confidence and precision. With his well-rounded skill set and physical style of play, Nixon is a handful for any defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='123603' first='Alex' last='Cichella'] is a towering 6'5 midfielder with a rare blend of size, athleticism, and skill. He's a force when dodging, using his strength to consistently win his matchups and never being denied the top side. With his hands free, Alex is a scoring threat from all over the field, showcasing a smooth release and the ability to vary his shooting angles. Off-ball, he's just as effective, constantly hunting space, reading the defense, and putting himself in position to make plays. Whether he's creating for himself or opening up lanes for teammates, Cichella is a dynamic presence in any offensive set.     [player_tooltip player_id='120825' first='Madsen' last='Ehrhart'], a 6'2 defenseman out of Brunswick, is a true anchor and athletic force on the back end who combines physicality, intelligence, and discipline at an elite level. As the leader of the defense, Ehrhart sets the tone with his communication, presence, and relentless work ethic. With the speed, length, and strength to match up with any opponent, he excels both on-ball, where he's a no-nonsense, physical presence, and off-ball, where his awareness and positioning consistently erase scoring chances before they develop. He takes perfect angles, times his slides with precision, and often turns defensive rotations into takeaways. A vocal leader and relentless competitor, Ehrhart plays with unwavering intensity and leads by example. Whether he's quietly locking down his matchup or making game-changing plays within the team defense, he's the type of defender who builds championship-level units and draws the attention of college coaches.     Colin Delaney, a 5'9 defenseman, is the ideal blend of technique and tenacity. His sharp footwork, physical presence, and strong stick work give him the complete toolkit to excel at the next level. On-ball, he's aggressive and disciplined; off-ball, he's constantly anticipating plays and positioning himself to support his teammates or create turnovers. Delaney plays with a high motor and a high IQ, making him a consistent difference-maker on the defensive end. Alongside [player_tooltip player_id='120825' first='Madsen' last='Ehrhart'], he serves as the other leader of the defense, bringing poise, communication, and a relentless edge to the defense.     William Droppo, a 5'11 goalie, is the vocal anchor of the defense and a true field general who quarterbacks every possession with confidence and clarity. His quick-twitch reflexes and elite ball-stopping ability allow him to make jaw-dropping one-on-one saves that few goalies at his age can match. Droppo is more than just a shot-stopper; he's a poised and athletic presence in the clearing game, unafraid to leave the crease and make smart plays under pressure. With his leadership, communication, and game-changing ability between the pipes, Droppo brings stability and confidence to the entire defensive unit.     Luke Kaplow, a 5'11 goalie, is a cornerstone of the defense and sets the tone with his poise, toughness, and consistency between the pipes. With excellent positioning and sharp instincts, Kaplow can handle anything from deep-range rockets to doorstep shots, making difficult saves look routine. His ability to read shooters and stay composed in high-pressure moments allows the defense to play with confidence in front of him. In the clearing game, he's surgical, patient under pressure, and precise with his outlets, often sparking transition opportunities. This past spring, Kaplow helped lead Horace Greeley to its first-ever Section 1 Championship, showcasing his leadership and clutch play on the biggest stage. With his reliability, presence, and calm command of the defense, Kaplow continues to elevate everyone around him.     Lucas Knauft, a 6'1 lefty LSM, is a dynamic playmaker who brings flair, toughness, and intelligence to every phase of the game. Known as a groundball machine with a crafty stick, Lucas can throw twisters, behind-the-backs, and creative feeds that keep defenders guessing. He's fearless pushing into the offensive zone and thrives in transition, where his decision-making and vision shine. On the defensive end, his active stick, combined with sharp footwork and physicality, makes him a disruptive force, whether he's throwing checks or jumping passing lanes. Knauft uses every inch of his frame to make an impact all over the field.     Timmy Hall, a 6'2 defenseman, is an absolute assassin with his stick and a game-changer on the back end. His combination of length, range, and creativity gives him a unique ability to deliver disruptive checks that few defenders can replicate. Whether he's stripping opponents one-on-one or jumping passing lanes off-ball, Hall consistently makes high-impact plays. He's a smart, team-oriented defender who excels at providing help and clogging lanes, making life difficult for opposing offenses. In transition, Timmy pushes the pace with confidence and isn't shy about stepping into a shot; his cannon from the outside adds another dangerous layer to his already well-rounded game.     Marcus John Maraglino, a 5'9 FOGO, is a tough, athletic, and relentless competitor at the faceoff X. With lightning-fast hands and a strong base, MJ consistently wins the clamp and has a deep toolbox of exits to either spark transition or secure critical possessions. He's especially skilled at throwing effective counters and thrives in 50/50 scrums, where his hustle and determination often make the difference. Beyond his faceoff dominance, MJ brings great stick skills that allow him to stay on the field, push transition, and even finish when the opportunity arises. His grit, versatility, and ability to impact multiple phases of the game make him a major asset to any team.     Coleman McNamara, a 6'2 FOGO, brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and versatility to the faceoff position. With quick hands and a polished post-clamp skillset, Coleman is a force at the X and even more valuable once the ground ball is in play. His length and strength give him a clear edge in 50/50 battles, and his ability to gain body position and secure tough ground balls is exceptional. After the win, Coleman seamlessly transitions into a true two-way midfielder, capable of contributing on both ends of the field. He's a poised decision-maker with a high competitive level, consistently showing toughness and reliability in every phase of the game.     Rocco Scialla is a hard-nosed, high-motor midfielder who plays with a relentless edge and impacts the game in all three phases. On the wings, he's a ground ball machine, explosive, aggressive, and never afraid to get into the mix. Defensively, Rocco thrives as a short-stick defensive midfielder, using his physicality and quick feet to lock down opponents and force turnovers. In transition, he's poised and smart, consistently creating opportunities for himself and his teammates with his awareness and decision-making. And when he gets his hands free, Rocco can let it fly, bringing a heavy, accurate shot that keeps defenses honest.     Luke Foisset, a 5'11 SSDM out of Valhalla, is known by his teammates simply as “Beast,” a nickname that perfectly captures his physicality, energy, and team-first mentality. A high-motor athlete with a background as a running back and linebacker, Luke brings a rare blend of power, agility, and grit to the defensive midfield position. He's brutally physical at the point of contact, yet moves with surprising quickness and balance in open space thanks to his excellent footwork. Whether he's locking down a dodger, sprinting in transition, or delivering a key hit, Foisset makes his presence felt on every shift. But what truly sets him apart is his intangibles, his relentless effort, his leadership, and his willingness to do anything for his teammates. He's the ultimate glue guy and the engine of the team.     John Berlandi is a quick, crafty offensive threat who brings versatility and confidence to both the attack and midfield positions. He's comfortable dodging from multiple spots, whether initiating from up top or operating from X, and never backs down from a defensive challenge. John consistently finds his way to the cage, using his speed and footwork to create separation and capitalize on scoring chances. With a natural scoring touch and the ability to finish in a variety of ways, he's a reliable offensive weapon who makes things happen every time he touches the ball.     Collin Butler is a gritty, hardworking SSDM who brings a high lacrosse IQ and relentless effort to every possession. He's as vocal as they come off the ball, constantly communicating and keeping the defense organized with his leadership and awareness. On-ball, Collin is disciplined and fundamentally sound, using smart footwork and angles to stay in front of his matchup. His combination of athleticism, poise, and intelligence makes him an ideal fit for any man-down unit, and his team-first mentality ensures he's always doing the little things that lead to big stops.     Caden Ferrara is a high-motor lefty LSM who brings speed, skill, and a relentless approach to every play. A ground ball vacuum, Caden consistently wins 50/50 ground ball battles with his quick feet, fast hands, and fearless mentality. He plays confidently with both hands, showing advanced stick skills that allow him to handle the ball cleanly and make plays in transition. On-ball, he's disciplined and fundamentally sound, taking smart angles and staying composed under pressure. Off-ball, Caden's lacrosse IQ shines; he's constantly in the right position within the rotation and communicates at a high level. With the versatility to play both LSM and close defense, Ferrara is a true asset and an engine for the defensive unit.     [player_tooltip player_id='123514' first='Jaxon' last='Lin'] is a 6'2, strong, and physically imposing defender who brings a powerful presence to the back end. With his size and length, he covers ground effortlessly and presents a nightmare matchup for both quick and physical attackmen. Jaxon plays with a disciplined edge, staying sound in his positioning while never hesitating to deliver a hard, timely slide when needed. He's not just a bruiser, though; his stick skills are sharp, making him a key asset in the clearing game and a reliable outlet under pressure. Lin's combination of physicality, discipline, and poise makes him a cornerstone of any defensive unit.     Tommy Michello is an extremely athletic lefty midfielder who plays with grit, toughness, and confidence. As physical as they come, Tommy embraces contact and thrives in high-pressure situations, never backing down from a challenge. He's a powerful dodger with excellent lateral movement, making him difficult to contain from up top or the wings. With time and space, his outside shot is deadly, but he's just as dangerous getting downhill and finishing in tight. A true competitor who's not afraid to get his hands dirty, Tommy brings a relentless edge every time he steps on the field.     Mason Neely is a crafty and skilled lefty who brings a dynamic presence to both the attack and midfield positions. With quick feet and exceptional hands, Mason is a tough cover from anywhere on the field; he can initiate from X, up top, or the wings with equal confidence. His poise as a dodger allows him to read defenses and deliver sharp, timely feeds, making him a high-level facilitator. Off-ball, he's just as dangerous, constantly moving to find soft spots in the defense and finishing everything inside with precision. No matter where he lines up, Mason is a consistent playmaker who makes the offense go.     Brady Simon is a tough, hard-nosed defender who plays with intensity and fearlessness on every possession. He's not afraid to put his body on the line, bringing a physical edge that sets the tone for the entire defense. With excellent footwork and sound technique, Brady takes smart angles and delivers well-timed checks that consistently disrupt opposing offenses. Once the ball hits the turf, he shows his craftiness, scooping up ground balls and escaping pressure with poise and strong stick skills. Versatile and dependable, Brady is effective both at close defense and LSM, making him a valuable asset anywhere on the field.     [player_tooltip player_id='124961' first='Liam' last='Smith'] is an explosive offensive threat who brings a rare combination of quickness, speed, and competitiveness to the field. His footwork and burst make him a dangerous dodger from multiple spots, constantly putting defenders on their heels. When he gets his hands free, Liam doesn't miss; his powerful shot is accurate and relentless, always hunting corners. Beyond his scoring ability, Liam plays with a gritty edge in the ride, often generating extra possessions through sheer hustle and determination. He's the kind of player who brings energy every shift and can change the momentum of a game in an instant.     Patrick Stern is a tall and lengthy midfielder who consistently uses his size and skill to create matchup problems all over the field. A powerful downhill dodger, Patrick plays with great vision and composure, always making smart decisions with the ball in his stick. He's a true offensive initiator, capable of breaking down defenders and drawing slides, opening up opportunities for those around him. One of his signature moves, a deceptive fake, routinely freezes defenders and turns heads, giving him the time and space to either finish himself or feed a cutting teammate. Stern's combination of physical tools and offensive savvy makes him a high-level playmaker.     William Viggiano is a highly skilled and versatile offensive player who brings a complete game to the field. A true two-handed threat, he can effectively dodge both short sticks and poles, using his strength and footwork to create separation. He plays with a blue-collar edge, never shying away from gritty ground ball battles or applying pressure in the ride. Off-ball, William is constantly in motion, using his lacrosse IQ to find space and set himself up for his signature outside shot, which he can unleash with power and accuracy. He's the kind of player who impacts the game in every phase and makes those around him better.     Thijs Weinkauf is a crafty, tough, and composed attackman who brings a high level of skill and leadership to the offense. He thrives at X, where his poise and sharp footwork allow him to read defenses and make the right play, time after time. A vocal leader with elite vision, Thijs consistently puts himself and his teammates in positions to succeed, acting as both a facilitator and a finisher. Around the crease, he's automatic, catching and finishing in tight windows with precision. When climbing from GLE, Thijs isn't afraid to take a hit to make a play, showing toughness and fearlessness that elevates the entire unit.

What started as a camp at the Westminster School in Simsbury, Connecticut, has grown into one of the most respected and culture-driven lacrosse programs in the country. Founded in 2012 by former Notre Dame All-American and Team Canada gold medalist David Earl, 2Way Lacrosse has become a powerhouse in player development, known for producing high-character athletes and top-tier college talent. With a motto of “Work Hard, Stay Humble, Bleed Blue,” 2Way isn't just a club; it's a mindset, a family, and a proving ground for the next generation of elite lacrosse players.