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Joel White

High School Career (Cortland, NY)

Joel White was born in Cortland, New York. He attended Cortland High School, where he was a 3-sport athlete. In his lacrosse season, he scored 103 points (55 goals, 48 assists) and finished as Cortland’s career scoring leader. White earned numerous honors, including 2007 Under Armour and U.S. Lacrosse All-American, Post-Standard All-CNY First Team, three-time OHSL First Team, two-time team MVP and captain, and was a standout in soccer and basketball as well.

 

College Career – Syracuse University (2008–2011)

White enrolled at Syracuse University, where he made an immediate impact and became one of the most decorated long-stick midfielders in school history.

Collegiate Highlights

  • 2× NCAA National Champion: 2008 & 2009.
  • 3× USILA All-American: Recognized among the nation’s elite defensemen.
  • 2× Tewaaraton Award Finalist: Finalist for lacrosse’s highest individual honor.
  • Lt. Donald C. MacLaughlin Jr. Award Winner (2010): First long-stick midfielder ever to earn the award as the nation’s top midfielder.

Career at Syracuse

White finished his Orange career as:

  • All-time leader in ground balls (283).
  • Most points (28) and goals (18) by a defensive player.
  • Two–time National Champion
  • Two-time team captain

Professional Lacrosse Career

After college, White transitioned seamlessly to the professional ranks — building a long, versatile 14-year career in field, box professional lacrosse leagues.

Major League Lacrosse (MLL) & Premier Lacrosse League (PLL)

  • Drafted 2nd overall in the 2011 MLL Collegiate Draft by the Rochester Rattlers.
  • Multiple time All-Star/All-Pro, Team Captain
  • Chrome Lacrosse Club (PLL)

National Lacrosse League (Indoor)

White also had a notable indoor career, where he played for several NLL teams:

  • Rochester Knighthawks (selected 10th Overall & won 2012 NLL Champions Cup)
  • Philadelphia Wings
  • New England Black Wolves (only American Captain at the time)
  • Georgia Swarm (won the 2017 NLL Champions Cup)

In the NLL earned 2016 IL Indoor Transition Player of the Year for his defensive and transition ability.

International & National Team Accomplishments

USA Lacrosse

White has worn the red, white, and blue in multiple international competitions:

  • Gold Medal – 2008 U.S. U-19 World Championship
  • Gold Medal – 2018 World Field Lacrosse Championship
  • Bronze Medals with U.S. Box Lacrosse teams in 2015 and 2019. (captain)
  • Silver Medal (first ever silver in box) with the 2024 U.S. Men’s Box Lacrosse Team. (captain)