Drexel’s Men’s Lacrosse opens their season at Vidas Field on Saturday against UMBC. Last season was somewhat of a disappointment for the Dragons, who finished 6-9, barely sneaking into the CAA Championship for the fifth season. It’s a program that is now four years removed from its last NCAA tournament appearance, an achievement the Dragons hope to reach this year.
Following the retirement of Head Coach Brian Voelker after 15 seasons, Drexel announced long-time assistant coach Steve Boyle would be taking over the position. In his ten years as an assistant, the Dragons qualified for eight of nine CAA championships, and in 2019 led an offense that finished 13th in the nation.
Boyle is joined by new associate head coach Tucker Durkin, another veteran assistant coach. Durkin has served as the defensive coordinator for the past five seasons, all of which Drexel qualified for the CAA Championship. Both men’s backgrounds at John Hopkins and respective specialties in offensive and defensive lacrosse make for strong resumes for both coaches.
Drexel was ranked fourth in the CAA preseason poll, behind only Towson, Delaware, and Fairfield, who rank one through three. Three Dragons were named to the CAA Preseason team, including senior defender Liam Kammar, sophomore midfielder Gavin Kelly, and senior attackman Max Semple. Additionally, senior defender Collin Gucwa was named as an honorable mention for the preseason team, despite being All-CAA second team last season.
Gavin Kelly was the big story from Drexel’s season last year, as the freshman was the first rookie in program history to be named to the All-CAA first team. Kelly led the Dragons with 16 assists and finished out his first year with 30 points. Max Semple returns after leading the team in goals with 31 and completing five hat tricks in 15 total games last season. Liam Kammar’s veteran presence will be crucial to the Dragons success this year, as he sits as one of the best short stick defenders in the CAA.
Kammar will be joined by senior goalie Drew McGill, senior midfielder Matt Martin, and junior attackman Connor Hooley as the team’s captains.
The Dragons schedule includes big home games against Lafayette, Saint Joseph’s, Towson, Fairfield, and Stony Brook, with the first three games all being broadcast on Lacrosse TV as part of the CAA “Game of the Week.” The Dragons are poised to end 2025 with a winning record, and have another chance to compete for an NCAA tournament berth.