Syracuse Lacrosse Star Joey Spallina Named Tewaaraton Award Nominee
In an exciting announcement this week, Joey Spallina, a senior from Syracuse University, has secured a spot as one of the 25 nominees for the Tewaaraton Award. This prestigious award recognizes the top talent in men’s lacrosse across the nation.
Spallina has been a standout player throughout his college career. He currently ranks fifth in NCAA Division I for assists, averaging 2.69 per game, and is in the top 15 nationally with 4.62 points per game. Within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), he ranks second and third in these categories, underscoring his significant impact on the field.
Hailing from Mount Sinai, New York, Spallina leads active NCAA Division I players in several key statistics: career points per game (4.71), total points (306), assists per game (2.66), and total assists (173). Notably, he is the only active player to surpass 300 points, putting him just one point away from breaking the Syracuse all-time points record of 307 set by Mike Powell.
Spallina’s performance doesn’t just shine at the collegiate level; he was also drafted third overall by the Maryland Whipsnakes in the PLL College Draft, highlighting his bright future in professional lacrosse.
Interestingly, Spallina is among nine players from the ACC nominated for the Tewaaraton Award, far outpacing nominees from other conferences, such as the Ivy League.
As the No. 5 ranked Syracuse team gears up for a game against Colgate today at 5 p.m. in the JMA Wireless Dome, attention will certainly be on Spallina. The game will be broadcast on ACC Network, ensuring that fans won’t miss a moment of this rising star’s journey.
With experts suggesting that players like Spallina are shifting the future of lacrosse, his achievements are not just personal milestones but part of a broader change in the sport. As the NCAA lacrosse scene continues to evolve, keeping an eye on players like Joey can give insights into where the game may head next.
