TORONTO, Ontario --- Attack Josh Currier '16 became the first Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) player drafted in the first round by the National Lacrosse League (NLL) Monday when he went sixth overall to the Rochester Knighthawks.
Currier was the first Division III player taken in the draft after a successful career with the Virginia Wesleyan College men's lacrosse program and Peterborough Lakers of Major Series Lacrosse.
"Josh was one of the best to ever play at this level - his credentials speak for themselves as the all-time leading scorer in ODAC history, a two-time ODAC Player of the Year, a four-time All-American, & the sixth-leading scorer in the history of Division III lacrosse," head coach J.P. Stewart said.
Currier holds nearly all of the College's records and some of the leagues, including the ODAC record for career points with 353. His 214 goals and 139 assists shattered both school records on the career leaderboard. He also posted the most goals (88) and assists (46) in a season.
"What really sets Josh apart though was his passion for the game and for his team," Stewart added. "He was always one of our hardest workers on and off the field, and he always did everything in his power to help make our team and his teammates better. I speak for all involved with Marlin Lacrosse when I say that we are incredibly proud of Josh and excited for his future in the NLL."
Currier's hard work has paid off already as he broke out with the Peterborough Lakers during his sophomore campaign to set up the historical opportunity with the Knighthawks. Currier had 23 goals and 22 assists for 45 points while finishing fourth in team scoring after recording 11 points in his rookie campaign.
Currier said he had been preparing for NLL training camps by getting back in the gym and running to a nearby school to play wall ball.
"I'm going to be a very hard worker and earn a spot by doing whatever the team needs me do," Currier says.
That mentality carried Currier to one of the best careers in Division III history, and a tremendous performance with the Lakers. No doubt it will carry him to a great career as the first ODAC player to be drafted in the first round in the NLL.
Full Draft Results
--- This release is courtesy of the Virginia Wesleyan College sports information department. ---
www.vwcathletics.com