Madlax 2028: The Next Wave of a Three-Decade Legacy

Founded on innovation, passion, and a deep respect for the game, Madlax has long stood as one of the true pioneers of the club lacrosse movement. Established 30 years ago in 1996 by Cabell Maddux, an All-American attackman and two-time NCAA National Champion at Hobart College, Madlax helped shape what modern club lacrosse looks like today. Long before the current travel model became standard, Madlax was already fielding all-star teams and officially began travel competition in 1999, at a time when club teams would routinely compete against high school varsity programs because there were few other club programs. Those early years helped establish Madlax as a forward-thinking program willing to push boundaries and elevate the national level of competition.   Madlax's origins are closely tied to the growth of lacrosse in the DMV area. The program started with many local camps and leagues in 1996 and added two retail “corners” opened inside existing sporting goods stores in McLean and Herndon, Virginia, founded by Cabell Maddux to meet the demand for lacrosse-specific equipment, with the name Madlax derived from his last name (“Mad”) and the abbreviation for lacrosse (“Lax”). By 1997, Madlax had opened its own full-scale store in McLean, serving the lacrosse community for 25 years before relocating to its current headquarters in 2022. Between 1997 and 2008, Maddux expanded the brand into four retail locations while continuing to grow the club's travel program to 17 teams and 8 nationals teams while coaching at both the high school varsity and D1 collegiate levels. His impact extended beyond retail, earning DC area Coach of the Year honors in 2004 and leading to the launch of one of the nation's first true national teams in 2010, now known as Supreme Nationals.   The program's impact is reflected in its extensive list of alumni who have excelled at the collegiate and professional levels. Madlax has produced elite talent such as Connor Shellenberger, a Four-Time First Team All-American at Virginia who went on to compete in the PLL with the New York Atlas, and was 2025 PLL MVP; Dante Trader, who played lacrosse and football at Maryland before reaching the NFL with the Miami Dolphins; Jackson Eicher, a former Army standout and Tewaaraton Finalist who later competed in the PLL with the Carolina Chaos; Joey Epstein, the No. 1 recruit in the 2018 class who starred at Johns Hopkins; John Geppert, another Maryland product who played in the PLL for the Boston Cannons; Alex Trippi, who competed at North Carolina and Georgetown; Ricky Miezan, a rare multi-sport athlete who played Stanford football before transferring to Virginia and later competing professionally with the California Redwoods; and Nate Kabiri, a current collegiate star in Princeton's 2027 class. Many of these alumni remain closely connected to the program, regularly returning to coach Madlax all-star teams, camps, and clinics, reinforcing a legacy built on both elite performance and giving back.   At the heart of Madlax is a clear and consistent philosophy. The club's longtime motto, “Play with Passion,” is reinforced by its character-based development system known as C.A.S.E.: Character, Attitude, Success, and Effort. Character is developed through year-round experiences such as tryouts, practices, tournaments, losses, and wins, emphasizing accountability, respect, and personal growth. Attitude centers on maintaining a positive mindset, strong sportsmanship, and a willingness to be coached and continually learn the game. Success is defined by more than wins alone; it focuses on advanced team play and each athlete performing at their best within a team-first environment. Effort reflects the belief that sustained improvement and excellence are achieved through consistent work and a commitment to getting better on and off the field.   The Madlax Capital 2028 team reflects the program's core values. Formed in 2017 under Cabell Maddux, who remains the team's General Manager, many players have been together since second grade, building strong chemistry, high lacrosse IQ, and a team-first approach. Head Coach Massi Bucci (Georgetown '20) joined in 2023 and has led the group through the late middle school and early high school years alongside Madlax alumni Andrew Tyeryar (UNC '24) and Michael Bath (Princeton '25), with Tyeryar overseeing faceoffs and defense and Bath serving as defensive coordinator. The program is also supported by one of the best college recruiting experts in the game, Nic Bell, former head coach at the Trinity-Pawling School and the Taft School and current head coach at the recent state champions, St. Anne's-Belfield School in Charlottesville, who serves as Madlax's College Recruiting Guidance Counselor, providing trusted guidance throughout the recruiting process to Madlax sophomores and juniors.    The Madlax Capital 2028 team has been ranked as high as No. 1 nationally, and has won NLF and NAL Championships, and now they enter their recruiting summer prepared to impress college coaches and compete against any club team in North America. On the field, Madlax Capital 2028 is defined by depth, versatility, and intelligence. They regularly play 25 players in competitive games, allowing the staff to maintain pace and pressure throughout all four quarters while keeping fresh legs on the field. One of the team's biggest strengths is its exceptional “rope” unit, featuring four standout short-stick defensive midfielders and two-way middies who can impact the game on both ends of the field. The team also presents matchup challenges with ten left-handed players, creating balance across the offense and forcing opposing defenses to defend every inch of the field.   The program's legacy is undeniable, and Madlax Capital 2028 reflects both its history and its future, rooted in continuity and defined by development. With years of shared experience, strong lacrosse IQ, and a roster built for depth and versatility, the group enters the season positioned to make a national impact. The team is primed for a dominant summer as the 2028 recruiting window opens, allowing players to showcase their growth in elite competitive settings. Through the Madlax program's success, elite alumni, and a commitment to character and long-term development, Madlax Capital 2028 is prepared to compete at the highest level while representing the Madlax program's values and traditions that were put in place three decades ago.    [player_tooltip player_id='173198' first='Sam' last='Nylund'] is a 6'3 left-handed attackman from the Richmond area who brings a dangerous scoring presence to the offensive end. An excellent dodger and shooter, Nylund consistently creates his own looks and finishes with confidence from multiple spots on the field. He uses his length effectively to protect his hands and generate separation, making him difficult to contain once he gets downhill. As his frame continues to fill out, his upside projects at an even higher level. Currently the team's leading goal scorer, Nylund has established himself as a go-to offensive threat in key moments.     [player_tooltip player_id='173193' first='Colton' last='Maddux'] is a gritty left-handed attackman and offensive midfielder from Episcopal who makes his impact felt all over the offensive end. He consistently creates offense both on and off the ball, using elite vision, feel, and lacrosse IQ to put himself and his teammates in scoring positions. Maddux is especially effective on ground balls, showing a willingness to do the dirty work and extend possessions. He plays with the instincts of a true offensive leader skilled in all facets, understanding timing, spacing, and when to assert himself in key moments. A committed hard-worker who loves the weight room, Maddux pairs his skill set with physical toughness and competitiveness, making him a reliable presence in any high-level game.     [player_tooltip player_id='171953' first='Cai' last='Prinzbach'] is a 6'0 right-handed attackman from St. Anne's-Belfield who brings a shifty, slick style of play to the offensive end. Comfortable playing both offensive midfield and attack, he provides versatility and flexibility within the offensive unit. Prinzbach is effective off the dodge, showing good field vision and the ability to make the right read as defenses collapse. His incredible quickness and creativity allow him to create separation and keep defenders off balance. With his combination of feel, vision, and positional versatility, Prinzbach is a reliable playmaker who helps keep the offense flowing.     [player_tooltip player_id='173200' first='Liam' last='Maher'] is a slick left-handed attack and offensive midfielder from St. Anne's-Belfield who brings creativity and touch to the offensive end. He is comfortable operating down the alley, where he can change speeds and threaten defenders with his ability to get topside. Maher is equally effective from X, showing poise and feel as a playmaker who can initiate offense and keep defenders guessing. His stick skills allow him to make plays in tight spaces and finish opportunities when defenses collapse. With his versatility and offensive instincts, Maher adds another dynamic option to the left-handed side of the offense.     Zach Jagtiani is a right-handed attackman from Our Lady of Good Counsel with a natural ability to put the ball in the back of the net. He shows a strong finishing touch both on the inside and as a step-down shooter, consistently capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Jagtiani is an excellent off-ball player, moving intelligently to find space and to make himself available around the crease. He complements that skill set with the ability to dodge effectively when called upon, keeping defenses honest. With his scoring instincts and feel for offensive timing, Jagtiani is a reliable threat in a variety of offensive situations.     [player_tooltip player_id='173222' first='Rylan' last='Hoy'] is a 6'4 right-handed midfielder from Blue Ridge School who brings size, strength, and versatility to the offensive end. A powerful athlete who can also slide down to attack, Hoy creates matchup problems with his physical presence and ability to initiate offense. He is an excellent dodger who uses his frame to get separation and play through contact. Hoy is a confident shooter with both hands, making him dangerous from multiple spots on the field. With his combination of size, skill, and offensive versatility, Hoy is a consistent threat who can impact games in a variety of roles.     [player_tooltip player_id='173204' first='Gus' last='Taylor'] is a 6'2 right-handed midfielder from Episcopal who brings a smooth, crafty style of play to the field. Slickness defines his game, highlighted by a flair for the dramatic dodge and the ability to create separation in tight spaces. Taylor is a reliable presence in the midfield, consistently making smart decisions and delivering in key moments. His craftiness and feel for the game allow him to impact possessions without forcing plays. A three-sport athlete who also competes in soccer and basketball, Taylor's athletic versatility and balance translate seamlessly to the lacrosse field.     Quinn O'Neill is a 6'1 left-handed midfielder from Gonzaga who brings toughness, production, and leadership to the field. An outstanding dodger and finisher, O'Neill can score from anywhere on the field, showing confidence and range as both a shooter and a downhill threat. He plays with a warrior mentality, consistently competing through contact and stepping up in high-pressure moments. O'Neill's presence extends beyond the stat sheet, as he leads by example with his effort, intensity, work ethic, and willingness to take on big responsibilities. His combination of skill, competitiveness, and leadership makes him a tone-setter for the midfield group.     Patton Gormley is a 6'2 right-handed midfielder from Georgetown Prep who brings intelligence and efficiency to the offensive end. An excellent off-ball player and finisher, Gormley consistently puts himself in scoring positions through smart movement and timing. He has a strong understanding of offensive flow, making timely cuts that capitalize on defensive breakdowns. Gormley's high lacrosse IQ shows in his decision-making, as he knows when to be patient and when to attack. With his size, awareness, and finishing ability, he is a reliable scoring option within a team-oriented offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='173206' first='Grant' last='Israel'] is a smart, skilled midfielder from St. Stephen's & St. Agnes who consistently makes plays within the flow of the offense. He shows strong stick skills and a natural feel for spacing, making him effective both with and without the ball. Israel moves well off-ball, finding soft spots in the defense and creating scoring opportunities through intelligent positioning. He plays with good pace and awareness, helping keep possessions organized and efficient. Reliable and fundamentally sound, Israel brings balance and consistency to the midfield unit.     Chance Falcone is a super-quick left-handed midfielder from Good Counsel who plays with pace and efficiency. He pairs his speed with solid stickwork, allowing him to attack defenders and keep the ball moving under pressure. Falcone consistently makes the right decision out of the dodge, whether that means getting his hands free, moving the ball, or creating opportunities for teammates. His ability to process the game quickly helps maintain offensive flow and spacing. Reliable and decisive, Falcone brings balance and tempo to the midfield group.     Brandon Green is a smart, reliable midfielder from Landon who consistently makes an impact away from the ball. He excels as an off-ball player, showing strong awareness and timing to put himself in effective positions within the offense. Green is particularly effective in the two-man game, reading defenders well and making quick, efficient decisions. His high lacrosse IQ allows him to keep possessions flowing and capitalize on defensive breakdowns. With his intelligence and feel for the game, Green brings stability and reliability to the midfield.     Tyler Secrest is a 6'0 slick left-handed midfielder from St. John's who brings a powerful yet polished style of play. He plays with strength and confidence, using his body well to protect the ball and create advantages in offensive situations. Secrest's Canadian-style stickwork stands out, allowing him to handle the ball comfortably in tight spaces, make plays under pressure, and finish effectively on the crease. He shows a strong overall feel for the game, blending creativity with smart decision-making. With his blend of strength, skill, and offensive instincts, Secrest is a reliable scoring threat and initiator in the midfield.     Jack Peppo is a tough, athletic midfielder from Georgetown Prep who plays with physicality and competitiveness. His background as a hockey player shows in his balance, toughness, team offensive play, and offensive instincts in tight areas. Peppo brings a high motor to the midfield, consistently competing on ground balls and contested possessions. He plays with confidence and an edge, embracing contact and defensive responsibility. With his athleticism and multi-sport toughness, Peppo adds grit and reliability to the midfield group.     [player_tooltip player_id='173216' first='Greyson' last='Caulk'] is a tough, quick 2-way midfielder from Cosby who thrives in high-tempo situations. He shows excellent footwork, allowing him to stay balanced and effective in tight spaces and contested areas. Caulk is especially dangerous in transition, where his speed and instincts help turn loose balls into immediate opportunities. He also makes a strong impact on faceoff wings, consistently competing for ground balls and extending possessions. With his toughness, quickness, and ability to influence unsettled play, Caulk brings energy and an edge to the midfield unit.     [player_tooltip player_id='173224' first='Luke' last='Mehra'] is a dangerous and explosive 2-way midfielder from St. Anne's Belfield Schowho excels as a short-stick defensive midfielder. He brings elite speed to the field, allowing him to cover ground quickly and disrupt opposing offenses. Mehra is especially impactful in transition, turning stops and turnovers into ground balls, which then lead to transition and immediate offensive scoring opportunities. His ability to play off the ground and make plays at full speed separates him in unsettled situations where he scores often. With his combination of athleticism and two-way impact, Mehra is a reliable presence in fast-paced, high-level games.     [player_tooltip player_id='173326' first='Cooper' last='Petruzzi'] is a 6'2 right-handed 2-way midfielder from St. Anne's Belfield who brings size, speed, and physicality to the middle of the field. A true two-way midfielder, he plays with strength and intensity while covering ground quickly in both directions. Petruzzi pairs his athleticism with solid stickwork, allowing him to stay effective in traffic and in transition. He is a confident shooter down the alley, capable of punishing defenders who give him space. With his blend of speed, power, and two-way impact, Petruzzi is a matchup nightmare in high-intensity situations.     Seamus Geffroy is a 6'3 two-way righty midfielder from Gonzaga who brings size, intelligence, and athleticism to the defensive midfield. A true defensive presence, he is excellent on-ball, using great footwork and speed to stay in front of dodgers and shut down matchups. Geffroy plays with great vision and high lacrosse IQ, consistently making smart reads and anticipating opponents' next move. He is disciplined in how he plays his angles, forcing ball carriers into low-percentage shooting areas. With his blend of size, speed, and defensive awareness, Geffroy is a reliable tone-setter in the loaded Madlax rope unit.     Luke Ronis is a gritty short-stick defensive midfielder from Georgetown Prep who brings toughness and physicality to the middle of the field. He embraces contact and consistently plays with an edge, making life difficult for opposing dodgers. Ronis is strong on ground balls, winning contested possessions and extending plays through his effort and determination. He plays with a high motor and a team-first mindset, doing the small things that don't always show up on the stat sheet. Reliable and competitive, Ronis adds a physical presence and defensive stability to the defensive midfield.     Ryan McDermott is a 6'1 right-handed long-stick midfielder from Lake Braddock who brings a physical, relentless presence to the defensive midfield. He is aggressive and disciplined on-ball, consistently applying pressure and disrupting opponents with his toughness and motor. McDermott excels off the ground, winning contested possessions and turning them into opportunities the other way. His advanced stickwork allows him to confidently push the ball in transition and contribute to offensive flow. With his blend of physicality, effort, and skill, McDermott impacts the game well beyond just the defensive end.     Sullivan Rump is a 6'2 right-handed LSM from Georgetown Prep who brings physicality and toughness to the defensive midfield and to the LSM unit. He is a relentless on-ball defender who throws hard, well-timed checks and consistently disrupts opposing dodgers. Rump plays with an edge and embraces physical matchups, setting a tone with his speed and intensity. He pairs that toughness with the speed to keep up with fast, athletic midfielders. With his combination of size, physical play, and mobility, Rump is a reliable presence in high-level defensive situations.     [player_tooltip player_id='173235' first='Tyson' last='Long'] is a right-handed long-stick midfielder from Episcopal who brings high-level athleticism and versatility to the field. A strong athlete who also competes in football, Long's athletic background shows in his movement, balance, footwork, and physicality. He is especially effective in the two-man game, using his instincts and spacing from his other two sports to create advantages on both ends of the lacrosse field. A former attackman, Long plays confidently, able to match up in space and contribute on the defensive end and in the transition offensive game. His athletic upside and multi-sport skill set make him a key piece in the LSM group.     [player_tooltip player_id='173237' first='Grant' last='Lawton'] is a 6'2 left-handed defensive threat from Episcopal who brings size and versatility to the defensive end. He shows outstanding stick skills and a high-level lacrosse IQ, allowing him to play fast while staying composed. Lawton is comfortable moving between close defense, where his footwork shines, and LSM, where his skills make an impact, giving the coaching staff flexibility in both matchups and transition situations. He processes the game quickly, making smart reads both on-ball and in passing lanes. With his blend of size, skill, and awareness, Lawton consistently impacts possessions on both sides of the field.     [player_tooltip player_id='168132' first='Brendan' last='Levay'] is a 6'0 right-handed defender from James Madison who brings a physical and gritty presence to the back end. An athletic defender with superb footwork, Levay is effective staying in front of his matchup and handling quick, shifty dodgers. He plays with toughness and an edge, consistently engaging physically while maintaining solid positioning by playing his angles well. Levay's grit shows in ground-ball battles and contested situations, where he embraces contact and competes through the whistle. His combination of athleticism, effort, and defensive toughness makes him a dependable presence in high-level defensive matchups.     [player_tooltip player_id='173240' first='Aaron' last='Mills-Koonce'] is a 6'1 right-handed defender from St. Anne's Belfield who brings size, physicality, and intelligence to the defensive end. He plays a strong, physical brand of defense, using his frame effectively to match up against bigger attackmen. Mills-Koonce is a very smart defender, showing good awareness and positioning in both settled and unsettled situations. He understands team concepts and makes sound decisions, allowing him to stay disciplined while playing with physicality. With his combination of strength and lacrosse IQ, he is a reliable and physical presence on the back end.     [player_tooltip player_id='167965' first='Will' last='Baruch'] is a 6'0 left-handed defenseman from St. Christopher's who sets the tone as a true shut-down presence on the back end. An absolute lockdown defender, Baruch consistently takes on top matchups and limits opposing scoring threats with discipline, strong angle play, footwork, and overall strength. He plays a smart, focused game, showing strong awareness and positioning in both settled and unsettled situations. Baruch's leadership is evident in how he communicates, competes, and holds the defensive unit to a high standard. With his combination of toughness, intelligence, and reliability, he serves as a defensive leader and anchor for the group.     Neil Wasilausky is a 6'2, 200-plus pound left-handed close defender from Gonzaga who brings size, strength, and physical intensity to the defensive end. A true shut-down presence, he embraces contact and consistently plays with an edge against opposing attackers. Wasilausky does an excellent job playing his angles, using his frame, positioning, and footwork to force dodgers into low-percentage scoring areas. He competes with a high motor and takes pride in doing the hard, physical work possession after possession. With his toughness, discipline, and impressive work ethic, Wasilausky provides stability and strength to the backline.     [player_tooltip player_id='173243' first='Aidan' last='Tsolis'] is a quick and tough faceoff midfielder from Blue Ridge who thrives in competitive, physical matchups. Built for battles at the dot, he consistently shows the grit and resilience needed to win 50/50 draws and extend possessions. Tsolis pairs solid stickwork with a growing arsenal of face-off moves, allowing him to counter opponents and adjust throughout a game. His quickness off the whistle helps him gain leverage early, while his toughness allows him to fight through contact to come up with the ground ball. Reliable and competitive, Tsolis brings a steady presence to the face-off unit and plays with confidence in high-pressure situations.     Leo Fields is a 6'0 right-handed faceoff midfielder from Good Counsel who brings speed, strength, and versatility to the stripe. He has very quick hands and is a Swiss Army knife with his face-off abilities. He can win draws both out of the front through pinching and popping to himself, creating transition opportunities, and out of the back by getting his wings involved, giving him multiple answers depending on the matchup. Fields is comfortable winning faceoffs clean or grinding through extended battles when needed. Once he gains possession, he shows elite stick protection, allowing him to secure the ball and initiate offense. With his combination of hand speed, technique, and toughness, Fields is a dependable presence in the face-off unit.     Ben Pensy is a 6'0 right-handed goalie from Good Counsel who anchors the defense with poise and leadership. An elite ball stopper, Pensy consistently makes high-difficulty saves and shows a strong ability to track the ball through traffic. He plays with a vocal and commanding presence in the crease, effectively organizing the defense and setting the tone for the unit. Known for his relentless work ethic, Pensy is a player who truly loves to train and is constantly working to make his game better day by day. His intensity and competitive edge make him a dependable last line of defense in high-level matchups.     [player_tooltip player_id='173249' first='Liam' last='Brown'] is a 6'4 left-handed goalie from Episcopal who brings size, instincts, and toughness to the crease. A tall frame who fills the cage well, Brown consistently makes shooters work for clean looks. He has very quick hands, reacting confidently to shots at all levels and in tight situations. He is not afraid to use his body to stop shots as well, showing confidence and physicality in high-pressure situations. Brown's background as a hockey goalie shows up in his ability to handle low shots, where his instincts and reaction time stand out. With a natural feel for the position, Brown is a dependable last line of defense.

Founded on innovation, passion, and a deep respect for the game, Madlax has long stood as one of the true pioneers of the club lacrosse movement. Established 30 years ago in 1996 by Cabell Maddux, an All-American attackman and two-time NCAA National Champion at Hobart College, Madlax helped shape what modern club lacrosse looks like today. Long before the current travel model became standard, Madlax was already fielding all-star teams and officially began travel competition in 1999, at a time when club teams would routinely compete against high school varsity programs because there were few other club programs. Those early years helped establish Madlax as a forward-thinking program willing to push boundaries and elevate the national level of competition.