Matthew Connolly

Face-Off Specialist

2026 Class

5'11" Height

Right Hand

Malvern Prep School

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About Matthew

Matthew Connolly is a 5'11" Face-Off Specialist in the 2026 class. Connolly attends Malvern Prep in Pennsylvania. Connolly's Player Profile was created on September 18, 2024. Subscribe to Prep Lacrosse to see what our scouts have written about them.

Expert Analysis

Carey Smith

Prep Lacrosse Scout

Flipped from UPenn to Lehigh…

Connolly is one of the most physical face-off specialists in the Class of 2026. He does a tremendous job of using his brawny frame and strong hands to overpower opponents at the dot. When the action gets chaotic on a face off, those same assets help Connolly hold off his opponent until he can locate the ball and secure possession. Connolly also excels at clean pick and pops that send him racing into the offensive end. His solid build and speed enable Connolly to rumble through significant contact on his way to the net. Connolly is a threat to shoot or distribute on the run and he rarely holds onto the rock too long.

7 months ago

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Read Evaluation

Niko Amato

Prep Lacrosse Scout

Matthew Connolly Matthew Connolly 5'11" | FO | Right Hand Malvern Prep | 2026 PA is a returning Varsity player from the 2024 Prep National Champions. He is a key specialist for the Friars who are considered preseason #1 in the country in some media outlets & a consensus top 10 team in America. Matthew is a multi-sport athlete with an All-American Wrestling pedigree that he brings to the face-off. He has been recognized as a Regional All-Star underclass player who has the potential to earn more burn & take command in the Varsity ranks. Connolly shows a simple stance & complete balance through his technique. He shows strength when battling for the ball as someone who can get under the opposition’s arms & drive them off the ball for a positioning advantage. Matthew is a tireless ball carrier who can switch hands interchangeably. He has superior stick protection & will attack the goal in either direction. Connolly is a guy teammates trust to get the groundball if he doesn’t win the draw. A consensus 3-star prospect. Verbally committed to UPenn.