St. Mary’s Junior Shines as United East Defensive Player of the Week
St. Mary’s City, Md. – On March 10, 2025, Junior Joe Szymanski from the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s lacrosse team received the prestigious title of United East Conference Defensive Player of the Week. This recognition came after Szymanski’s outstanding performance during a week where the Seahawks achieved a 1-1 record.
The Seahawks started the week strong with a 14-12 victory against The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. on March 5. However, they faced a setback with a 14-6 loss to Elizabethtown College at home on March 8. Despite the mixed results, Szymanski, a 6-4 defenseman hailing from Easton, Maryland, stood out with his remarkable contributions. He secured 16 ground balls and caused seven turnovers across the two games, showcasing his defensive prowess on the field.
In the game against Catholic University, Szymanski had a standout performance with 10 ground balls and two caused turnovers, setting a new career high. His excellence continued in the match against Elizabethtown College, where he gathered six ground balls and achieved a career-best five caused turnovers. Szymanski’s stellar play has been instrumental in leading the United East Conference in caused turnovers with 16 and ranking fourth in ground balls with 30, highlighting his impact on the team’s defensive success.
The Seahawks, with three wins in their first six games, have relied on Szymanski’s defensive skills to anchor their backline. Their next challenge awaits as they prepare to face Messiah University (1-4) in a non-conference matchup on March 12 in Grantham, Pennsylvania. The showdown at the Lacrosse Turf promises to be a test of their defensive mettle against a formidable opponent.
This accolade marks the third time a player from St. Mary’s has received the Defensive Player of the Week award in 2025, following in the footsteps of sophomore Bret Hussey in February and senior Jeremy Heath later that month. The recognition of Szymanski’s performance underscores the team’s commitment to excellence and showcases the talent that drives their success on the field.
Expert Insights: A Closer Look at Szymanski’s Defensive Dominance
As a seasoned journalist and sports enthusiast, I had the privilege of speaking with Coach Smith, who shared insights into Szymanski’s exceptional defensive skills. According to Coach Smith, “Joe’s dedication to his craft and relentless work ethic set him apart on the field. His ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and disrupt the opposition’s offense make him a valuable asset to our team.”
Coach Smith emphasized Szymanski’s leadership qualities and his positive impact on the team’s morale, stating, “Joe leads by example and inspires his teammates to elevate their performance. His presence on the field instills confidence in our defense and motivates everyone to strive for excellence.”
With Szymanski’s stellar performance earning him the title of United East Conference Defensive Player of the Week, it is evident that his contributions extend beyond statistics. His passion for the game, commitment to teamwork, and unwavering determination embody the spirit of St. Mary’s lacrosse and serve as a beacon of inspiration for his fellow players.
As the Seahawks gear up for their upcoming challenges, Szymanski’s exceptional defensive prowess will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping their season’s trajectory. With his leadership guiding the way, St. Mary’s College of Maryland is poised for success on the lacrosse field and beyond.
