Five Recent Commitments That Turned Heads

Below is a review of five prospects who recently announced their commitment to play at a DI program.      This pit-bull of a short stick who owns an imposing frame and noteworthy speed recently committed to Mercer. His size and speed enable Bruce to work as a relentless on-ball defender. Bruce excels at getting into ball carriers early in their dodge and then causing turnovers via heavy stick checks or a well-timed crowbar. This SSDM has also demonstrated that he can play a patient style of defense and turn a ball carrier multiple times before causing a turnover. Once the ball hits the turf, Bruce's tenacity and aggressive stick allow him to secure possession in a crowd. Bruce will then move to open space and drop the ball off to a teammate or step on the gas and push the transition game. His change of direction moves, and ability run through contact will get Bruce deep into the offensive end where he is a threat to shoot or distribute. Bruce's high IQ and quick reactions enable him to flawlessly execute slides, hedges, double teams, and recoveries.     Earlier this week Criswell flipped from Navy to Loyola which means the Greyhounds added one of the top face-off specialists in the MIAA to their 2026 class. The trifecta of Criswell's athleticism, agility and high IQ make him a versatile FOGO. Criswell can secure possession via clean clamps, by grinding it out or by chasing down loose balls. Criswell's fast, powerful hands combined with refined technique allow him execute pick-n-pops and then dash into the offensive end. On those charges downfield, Criswell has displayed an incredible ability to run through contact. When things go to the ground at the face off dot, Criswell's solid frame and positioning skills enable him to overpower opponents. With his tenacity and speed, Criswell is able hunt down and then snare loose balls around the face off area.     During his sophomore campaign, Kirwan poured in 45 goals and handed out 16 assists. So, when Kirwan flipped from Bucknell and verbally committed to Delaware on March 1st, the Blue Hens' coaching staff must have been thrilled. Kirwan owns noteworthy size, elusive change of direction moves, and dynamic stick skills. That list of assets makes Kirwan a transition phenom. In 6v6 action, Kirwan can blow past his defender in order to create shooting opportunities while on the run. Or he can play a physical brand of lacrosse by trucking a defender in order to create space for a shot. Kirwan's field vision and unselfish nature make him a creative passer too. This athletic midfield prospect has demonstrated that he can hustle back and ay SSDM at a solid level, too.     In 2025, Knapp contributed 21 goals and 31 assists for Chaminade's JV. Knapp is a natural lefty, but one of items that really pops about his skill set is that he plays equally well with both hands. When you combine that asset with his quick burst, Knapp becomes extremely difficult to defend when he dodges from up top. Once he gets downhill, Knapp can ping corners, score off-hip or fire a bouncer past the goalie while on the move. He can also cook the initial defender, draw the slide, and then smartly move the ball to the open teammate. Knapp owns the speed and shiftiness to be an effective transition player too. He will not hesitate to go coast to coast for a goal. At the end of February, Knapp committed to St. John's.     Sparkes is a lefty Canadian prospect with significant box experience who recently committed to Cleveland State. With his elite shooting / passing skills, creative offensive mind, and ability to play with both hands, Sparkes is a threat from anywhere in the offensive end. He is especially adept at making the extra or unexpected pass to an open teammate. His ability to manipulate a defense with his eyes / head or a deceptive stick fake is extremely impressive. When he is looking to score, Sparkes can find the back of the net via rips from GLE as well as the wing. Sparkes has proven that he can operate around the crease for quick catch and dunk goals too. This left hander can also charge to the net from X and then score via Instagram worthy finishes.

Below is a review of five prospects who recently announced their commitment to play at a DI program.

Samuel Bruce

HEIGHT 6'2"

WEIGHT 165

POS SSDM/M

CLASS 2027

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Samuel Bruce

State: Virginia

School: West Potomac

Club: DC Express

This pit-bull of a short stick who owns an imposing frame and noteworthy speed recently committed to Mercer. His size and speed enable Bruce to work as a relentless on-ball defender. Bruce excels at getting into ball carriers early in their dodge and then causing turnovers via heavy stick checks or a well-timed crowbar. This SSDM has also demonstrated that he can play a patient style of defense and turn a ball carrier multiple times before causing a turnover. Once the ball hits the turf, Bruce's tenacity and aggressive stick allow him to secure possession in a crowd. Bruce will then move to open space and drop the ball off to a teammate or step on the gas and push the transition game. His change of direction moves, and ability run through contact will get Bruce deep into the offensive end where he is a threat to shoot or distribute. Bruce's high IQ and quick reactions enable him to flawlessly execute slides, hedges, double teams, and recoveries.