Sweetlax 2028 Navy: A National Powerhouse

Few club programs in North America carry the weight and reputation of Sweetlax. It's a name that resonates across college sidelines, pro locker rooms, and recruiting conversations everywhere, a program known for shaping players who not only reach the next level but define it.   Founded by Kevin Martin in Rochester, New York, Sweetlax began as a grassroots effort to allow local athletes to develop, compete, and gain college exposure. Originally called Evil Empire in 2008, the program rebranded in 2012 as Sweetlax, a tribute to Martin's mentor, Chris Sweet, the legendary Duxbury (MA) coach with whom Martin once shared a sideline. The early Sweetlax squads merged the best talent from Upstate New York and Massachusetts, and the results spoke for themselves: they won major tournaments like the Yale Bulldog Bash and the Tri-State National Championship, while finishing runner-up in the DICK'S Tournament of Champions Elite Division.   Over a decade later, the club's success has stretched far beyond its original roots. Sweetlax now operates elite teams in Upstate New York, Florida, the Carolinas, and Colorado, with regional programs feeding into its national platform. The mission remains the same: to develop high-character players who excel in the classroom and on the field while gaining exposure to college coaches through elite competition.   The club's legacy is reflected in its alumni, a list that reads like the who's who of modern lacrosse:    Jared Connors (UVA/Redwoods/Team USA), Logan McNaney (Maryland/Outlaws), Dylan Hess (Georgetown/Waterdogs), Justin Guterding (Duke/Atlas), Eric Dobson (Notre Dame/Chaos), Larson Sundown (Limestone/Ottawa Black Bears), Ryan Cohen (Michigan), Jamie Tromboli (Syracuse/Redwoods), Gerard Arceri (Penn State), Aidan Olmstead (Loyola), Owen Murphy (Maryland), Jack Brennan (Maryland), Wyatt Knust (Cornell), Sean Jordan (Harvard), Logan Callahan (Johns Hopkins), Thomas Gravino (Maryland), Bradley Voigt (Syracuse), Tyson Bomberry (Syracuse/Riptide), and Ron John (Albany/Bandits).   Many of these standouts have returned to coach or train within Sweetlax, carrying forward the same principles that launched their careers. In total, the program has produced over 600 college commitments, creating a nationwide network of alumni who continue to grow the game.   Among the next generation continuing that tradition is Sweetlax 2028 Navy, which was the number two-ranked 2028 team in North America last year, going 12-3. A team built on selflessness, chemistry, and shared purpose. Led by Head Coach Jasson Jobson, now in his fourth year with this group, the team reflects the club's core identity. Jobson, the assistant lacrosse coach and the head football coach at Webster Thomas High School, played collegiately at Adelphi and SUNY Brockport and brings a blend of toughness and teaching to every practice.   He's joined by Coach Zach Wynne, assistant coach at the Florida Institute of Technology and a longtime member of Sweetlax Florida, and Coach John Svec, the newly appointed head coach at Seton Hall Prep (NJ), whose college experience includes Brown, Siena, Hobart, and Albany.   Together, they've molded a group that captured the 2022 Club Nationals title in Florida, and continues to embody the Sweetlax standard of playing “the right way.” The 2028 Navy team thrives on ball movement, discipline, and unselfish play, prioritizing team success over individual stats.   What sets them apart is their unique composition: a roster that bridges Upstate New York grit with Florida athleticism. It's a combination that reflects the program's roots while highlighting its future. Off the field, the friendships formed between families hundreds of miles apart are proof of the culture Sweetlax has built, one centered on shared values, mutual respect, and love for the game.   As Sweetlax 2028 Navy moves toward its recruiting year, its foundation is already in place: elite coaching, national competition, and a commitment to excellence that continues to make Sweetlax one of the most respected names in the sport of lacrosse.    Smith is a true two-handed quarterback attackman who thrives as the offensive catalyst from behind the cage. A natural playmaker at X, he operates with poise and precision, dissecting defenses with his elite vision and ability to feed in tight windows. His ambidexterity makes him unpredictable, equally comfortable initiating and finishing with either hand. Beyond his passing, Smith showcases elite hands around the crease, finishing with touch and creativity in traffic. He's the type of attackman who elevates everyone around him, blending IQ, composure, and execution to keep the offense in constant rhythm.     Beskin brings an imposing physical presence to the attack line. A powerful dodger who uses his size and strength to his advantage, he can initiate with authority and finish through contact with consistency. Around the crease, he shows excellent hands and touch, making him a reliable inside finisher who capitalizes on high-pressure opportunities. His combination of athleticism and toughness makes him a difficult matchup for any defender. With his frame, skill set, and competitiveness, Beskin projects as a key offensive contributor for Loomis Chaffee this spring.     Szweda is a physical right-handed attackman who blends toughness with finesse around the goal. He uses his excellent speed and footwork to create separation and attack defenders from multiple angles. A crafty dodger with smooth stick skills, he thrives operating in tight spaces and finishing with confidence near the crease. His ability to initiate contact, absorb pressure, and still deliver poised, accurate shots makes him a constant threat inside. Szweda's combination of power, balance, and creativity gives Culver a reliable offensive spark capable of breaking down any defense.     A 6'2” left-handed goal scorer, Sovie brings length, fluidity, and natural scoring instincts to the IMG offense. Lean and deceptively slippery, he consistently finds soft spots in the defense and attacks with precision, often coming over the top to unleash his accurate lefty shot. His ability to finish from multiple angles makes him a constant scoring threat, whether dodging downhill or catching and releasing in tight. Sovie's smooth movement and knack for timing cuts make him a reliable offensive weapon for his team. He's the type of attackman who can quietly take over a game with his composure, efficiency, and lefty finishing touch.     A Kentucky native, Mullikin brings a gritty and competitive edge to the Culver offense. He plays with relentless effort and confidence, constantly attacking his matchup and finding ways to make plays. His excellent stick skills and smooth mechanics allow him to handle pressure and finish efficiently in tight spaces. Mullikin's athleticism stands out in his ability to create separation and win ground balls, often extending possessions through hustle alone. He's the type of player every team needs: reliable, tough, and willing to do the little things that lead to winning lacrosse.     Miller is a crafty left-handed offensive threat who brings versatility and confidence to the field. A natural scorer, he's dangerous both as a wing shooter and as a step-down option, showing the ability to release quickly and accurately from either hand. His balanced shooting mechanics and smooth footwork make him difficult to defend, especially in motion or in unsettled situations. Miller's ability to stretch defenses with range while also dodging with control gives him dual-threat value at both attack and midfield. He's a composed, intelligent player who can break open games with his shot placement and offensive IQ.     Eriksson is a dominant left-handed offensive presence who thrives operating from the wing, where he consistently creates high-quality scoring looks. His deceptive release keeps goalies guessing, and he's particularly dangerous shooting on the run with accuracy and confidence. Comfortable both at attack and midfield, Eriksson's versatility makes him a matchup nightmare and gives coaches flexibility across multiple offensive sets. He combines smooth footwork with a natural feel for spacing, always putting himself in position to capitalize on opportunities. With his quickness, scoring touch, and two-level threat ability, Eriksson projects as a player capable of making an immediate impact at the next level.     Augustine is an exceptionally smooth midfielder who glides across the field with natural athleticism and control. He's a legitimate downhill dodging threat, using his stride and balance to create separation before unleashing a heavy, accurate shot. His ability to attack off the dodge while maintaining composure mirrors that of former Sweetlax Florida standout and current UNC midfielder Caden Harshbarger. Augustine's fluidity, stick work, and vision make him a dangerous initiator who forces defenses to adjust. He has all the tools to become a dynamic two-way midfielder who can contribute immediately at the next level.     Pawlowski is a crafty and fearless left-handed midfielder who embodies toughness every time he steps on the field. A Buffalo, New York native, he brings that blue-collar edge to his game, attacking defenders with physicality and refusing to shy away from contact. He's an explosive, hard-nosed dodger who consistently finds ways to get to the cage and finish through pressure. Pound-for-pound, Pawlowski is one of the toughest players on any field, combining grit, effort, and skill in equal measure. His relentless motor and ability to generate offense make him a true difference-maker for Salisbury.     Kopittke is an aggressive, high-impact midfielder who thrives as both a dodging and shooting threat. With a powerful first step and elite range, he forces defenses to respect him every time he touches the ball. His outside shooting ability is exceptional, capable of stretching defenses and opening space for teammates. Confident and composed, Kopittke plays with the swagger of a true playmaker, always ready to take over a possession. His combination of athleticism, shooting precision, and assertiveness makes him one of the most dynamic offensive weapons on the field.     Donald is a smart, athletic midfielder who plays with poise and purpose in every possession. A fundamental and efficient dodger, he uses his speed and footwork to create separation and attack from multiple spots on the field. His high lacrosse IQ allows him to anticipate plays and consistently position himself for high-quality shooting opportunities. Donald's smooth mechanics and shot selection make him a reliable finisher who rarely forces mistakes. With his blend of intelligence, athleticism, and timing, he's the kind of player who quietly makes an offense run better every time he's on the field.     Brien is a gritty, hard-nosed Upstate New York midfielder who thrives between the lines and plays with relentless intensity. A monster on ground balls, he consistently wins possessions through effort and physicality. Offensively, Brien is a true downhill threat, capable of finishing inside, stepping into time-and-room shots, or scoring on the run with either hand. His combination of toughness and versatility makes him dangerous from any spot on the field. With his power, two-handed shooting, and all-around motor, Brien epitomizes the classic Upstate midfielder: rugged, skilled, and unafraid to take over a game.     Pritchett is a versatile two-way midfielder who brings elite athleticism and toughness to the Salisbury lineup. A natural in transition, he can push tempo, start fast breaks, and finish them himself with confidence and control. His size and strength make him a reliable defensive presence, while his speed and shooting ability turn defense into instant offense. The son of former Notre Dame and NFL linebacker Wes Pritchett, Kane's competitive edge and physicality clearly run in the family. With his multi-sport ability and high ceiling, he projects as a Division I-level athlete who impacts the game in every phase.     Macaluso is a high-impact long-stick midfielder whose combination of length, athleticism, and skill makes him one of the most dynamic players in his class. A key piece for the #1-ranked Sweetlax Upstate 2027 team, he was the driving force between the lines, consistently setting the tone with his energy and playmaking ability. His elite stick skills allow him to handle the ball with confidence in transition, turning defensive stops into instant offensive opportunities. At 6'2”, he uses his reach and anticipation to disrupt passes and win ground balls with ease. Macaluso's motor, poise, and field awareness make him a complete LSM and a difference-maker at both ends of the field.     Watts is a super-aggressive and tenacious long-stick midfielder who thrives on disrupting opposing offenses and pushing the pace in transition. He isn't afraid to extend pressure far up the field, using his speed and athleticism to challenge ball carriers and recover seamlessly. His footwork and positioning allow him to play confidently in space, while his stick skills make him dangerous when the ball is on the ground. Watts excels at turning defense into offense, quickly sparking transition opportunities with smart outlets and composed clears. His relentless energy and confidence make him a high-motor LSM who sets the tone for his defense.     Grey is a steady and physical close defender who brings size, composure, and strong fundamentals to the Salisbury back line. At 6'0”, he uses his frame effectively to body up opponents and dictate matchups around the crease. His stick skills and footwork keep him in control while applying consistent pressure, making life difficult for opposing attackmen. Grey's presence is both physical and calming; he rarely overcommits and plays with poise beyond his years. With his combination of size, technique, and confidence, Grey projects as a dependable anchor in any defensive unit.     Green is quickly emerging as an elite defender for Salisbury, combining athleticism, intelligence, and leadership to anchor the back end. At 6'1”, he moves exceptionally well, using his footwork and agility to stay locked onto top attackmen and neutralize their options. His defensive IQ is outstanding; he reads plays early, anticipates slides, and makes smart decisions under pressure. Beyond his physical tools, Green stands out as a vocal leader and communicator, constantly organizing his unit and keeping the defense cohesive. With his mix of athleticism and command, Green has all the traits of a next-level shutdown defenseman.     Mallaber is a smart, gritty Upstate New York defender who combines toughness with high-level lacrosse IQ. He understands team defense concepts at an advanced level, communicates effectively, and always positions himself to make the right play. At 6'2”, he moves exceptionally well; his footwork, speed, and timing allow him to match up with top attackmen and win one-on-one battles. Mallaber brings a blue-collar edge to every possession, playing with the intensity and discipline that define Upstate lacrosse. With his athleticism, instincts, and pedigree, he clearly projects as an ACC or Big Ten caliber defenseman.     Wise is a physical, elite-level shutdown defender who sets the tone for Culver's defense with his strength and discipline. He possesses excellent footwork and lateral quickness, allowing him to stay locked on even the most agile attackmen. His defensive base is rock-solid. Wise plays low, balanced, and with great leverage, making it nearly impossible for opponents to get around him. He thrives on contact, using his power to disrupt dodges and control matchups with his combination of athleticism, technique, and physicality. Wise projects as a high-level Division I defender capable of anchoring any back line.     Gerby is a lean but dominant defender who plays with intelligence, composure, and a strong sense of discipline. He consistently makes the right reads, never overextends, and always positions himself to support his teammates within the defensive scheme. His fundamentals and footwork are excellent, allowing him to stay balanced and force turnovers without unnecessary risks. Gerby's calm, controlled style makes him a stabilizing presence on the back end, anchoring the unit through smart, team-oriented play. He's the kind of defender every coach trusts: steady, reliable, and always in the right place at the right time.     Bennett is a powerful and fundamentally sound defender who plays with the strength and presence of a much larger player. Built with an excellent base and impressive balance, he uses his body effectively to control matchups and win physical battles. His stick skills and composure allow him to clear confidently and contribute in transition when needed. A multi-sport athlete with the potential to play Division I football, Bennett's athleticism and explosiveness translate seamlessly to lacrosse. The son of former NFL fullback and Miami Hurricane standout Donnell Bennett, Caden brings toughness, poise, and pedigree to every defensive possession.     Ricci is one of the top faceoff specialists in the class of 2028, combining power, precision, and relentless competitiveness at the X. A tough and physical player with a wrestling background, he excels at winning gritty ground ball battles and maintaining control through contact. His technique is sharp, and his ability to adapt mid-draw gives him a consistent edge over opponents. As an 8th grader, Ricci helped lead Victor to the State Championship game, winning 61% of his draws, before elevating his game even further to 76% as a freshman. With his strength, timing, and technical skill, Ricci projects as a high-level Division I FOGO capable of dominating possession at any level.     Druhot is an explosive, highly skilled faceoff specialist who stands out as one of the team's top athletes. With exceptionally quick hands and refined technique, he consistently gains clean possessions and immediately looks to push transition. His ability to not just win draws but create fast-break offense makes him a true difference-maker at the X. Druhot's balance, strength, and field awareness allow him to dominate a wide range of opponents. With his blend of athleticism and precision, he has the upside to be one of the premier FOGOs in the country for years to come.     Carlson is a technically refined faceoff specialist who combines quick hands, sharp instincts, and excellent control at the X. His hand speed and timing allow him to gain possession cleanly and immediately transition the ball upfield. He's adept at jump-starting fast breaks and creating early offensive opportunities right off the whistle. Carlson's poise and consistency make him a reliable anchor for IMG's possession game. With his polished technique and feel for momentum, he's the type of FOGO who can set the tone and tilt the field in his team's favor.     Hayden Myslinski is a confident, composed, and commanding presence in the cage. He reads shooters exceptionally well and has the quick reflexes to make difficult saves look routine. A vocal leader and strong communicator, Myslinski organizes his defense and keeps his unit composed under pressure. His ability to track the ball and react instinctively allows him to come up with stops that few other goalies can make. With his blend of leadership, athleticism, and calmness under fire, Myslinski projects as a high-level Division I goalie and a backbone for any defense he anchors.     Patrick-White is a calm and composed presence in the cage who combines ideal size with strong technical form. At 6'2”, he uses his frame effectively to take away angles and command the crease with confidence. He's excellent in the clearing game, showing poise with the ball in his stick and the vision to jumpstart transition. His patience and positioning allow him to make high-level saves without overcommitting. With his size, athleticism, and maturity, Patrick-White has the tools and upside to develop into an impact goalie.

Few club programs in North America carry the weight and reputation of Sweetlax. It's a name that resonates across college sidelines, pro locker rooms, and recruiting conversations everywhere, a program known for shaping players who not only reach the next level but define it.