Colin Burns made quite the splash in Saturday’s Ivy League men’s lacrosse showdown between Princeton and Harvard. He kicked off the scoring with a goal and followed up with three more, including a clever shot that just beat the shot clock. But it wasn’t just his skills on the field that stood out; Burns also kept his teammates motivated, cheering them on even when the game got tense.
As the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, Princeton was in a tight spot, and the ball found its way to Burns. His performance that day was a reflection of his leadership—something that was clear from the very first day he stepped onto the field as a freshman.
Burns reminds many of Jon Hess, a star from a legendary Princeton team that won three consecutive NCAA championships. It’s not just Burns’ talent that makes him a standout; it’s his ability to rally his teammates and stay cool under pressure.
In the heat of the game, with stakes high, Burns has been a constant on the field. Remarkably, he has started every game in his Princeton career so far. If he keeps this up, he’ll rank among the top scorers in the program’s history. Despite being overshadowed by teammates like Nate Kabiri and Chad Palumbo, both recognized as Tewaaraton nominees, Burns brings invaluable skills to the team.
His numbers tell part of the story: 21 goals and 14 assists this season. But more than stats, it’s his leadership that truly matters. Since he joined the attack unit, Princeton has a strong 34-11 record.
When the moment came in Saturday’s game, Burns delivered. With just 17 seconds left, he scored the winning goal, sealing a thrilling 15-14 victory. This marked his fifth goal of the day, a personal best.
Looking forward, Princeton is set to face Dartmouth, and a win could snag them at least a share of the Ivy championship. Regardless of the outcome, they’ll be headed to the NCAA tournament again—Burns’ fifth consecutive appearance.
In sports, statistics can tell part of the story, but true leadership often goes beyond the numbers. Burns exemplifies this, showing that sometimes, it’s not the goals you score but how you inspire others that makes the biggest impact.
For more about the Ivy League and its impact on collegiate sports, visit the NCAA website here.
