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For the first time in men’s college lacrosse history, a defenseman has won the Tewaaraton Award. The best part? The history maker is none other than Leading Edge 2023 alum Shawn Lyght!
The 6-3, 200-pounder, already a two-time Schmeisser Award winner as the top defenseman in the country, became the first male defender to win the Tewaaraton. It marks the second straight year that a Leading Edge alum has won the Tewaaraton. Leading Edge ’20 product CJ Kirst (Delbarton) was dominant in 2025, winning the award and just about everything else that he could potentially win along the way before becoming the No. 1 pick in both the PLL and NLL drafts.
Lyghts Out for Opposing Offenses
“Shawn is an incredible player who has continuously gotten better and better every year, and it’s amazing for him to be recognized as the top player in college lacrosse,” Leading Edge director Chris Roy said. “Nobody can dodge him, and he’s the definition of an eraser. He influences Notre Dame’s defense so much and is able to dictate where opposing offense have to attack because it sure isn’t going to be by going at No. 90. I couldn’t be more proud of him for all of his hard work and for earning the Tewaaraton. As good of a lacrosse player as Shawn is, he’s an even better person. That makes him an incredible ambassador for Leading Edge, Notre Dame, Seton Hall Prep and all of the other interests that he represents.”
Immeasurable Impact for Notre Dame
Lyght totaled 26 ground balls and caused 11 turnovers this year in helping Notre Dame reach the national championship game. However, his total impact on the field is immeasurable. Lyght is as elite as it gets in coverage, and he completely erases opponents’ top attackmen. The Irish can adjust their defense to send help to other places knowing that Lyght pretty much never needs a slide.
“Shawn is constantly working to get better and grow in every way,” Notre Dame defensive coordinator Ryan Wellner said. “He works on his craft both on and off the field and last night was a reward for that hard work. What sets Shawn apart from the masses is who he is as a young man and person. He is a team-first player who knows that without great teammates last night would not have happened. What excites me most is Shawn is not close to hitting his ceiling. He will use this to drive him even further to being the best he can be.”
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