ST. MARY’S CITY, Md. – As the St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s lacrosse team gears up for the 2024 season, which commences in just over a week, three of its members have been distinguished with Division III Preseason All-America accolades. The recognition comes from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) and Inside Lacrosse (IL), highlighting the players’ outstanding contributions and potential for the upcoming season.
Junior Quinnten Hatfield, a short-stick defensive midfielder from Bel Air, Md., has been awarded USILA/Blatant Preseason Third Team All-America honors. Alongside Hatfield, junior Keegan Preis and senior Ethan Little, also from Bel Air, Md., have received IL Preseason Honorable Mention All-America awards. This trio of Seahawks has proven their skill on the field, with their achievements drawing national attention.
Head Coach Jason Childs, in his ninth year at the helm, expressed his excitement for the players’ recognition, stating, “This is an awesome recognition for the work they have put into their game. We talk about awards being receipts for the work that was put into building that skill, so for them this is just another receipt, but a great one at that.”
The accolades follow a season in which Hatfield, Preis, and Little also earned honorable mention USILA/Blatant All-America awards and First Team All-United East Conference honors. Their performance last season laid the groundwork for this preseason recognition. Hatfield was noted for his defensive prowess, amassing 22 caused turnovers and 39 ground balls, alongside contributing offensively with six goals and five assists.
Preis, the reigning United East Offensive Player of the Year, shattered school records for assists and points in a single game and set the single-season record for assists with 66. Leading the conference with 3.14 assists per game, Preis’s playmaking abilities have set him apart as a pivotal figure in the Seahawks’ offensive lineup.
Little, awarded the 2023 United East Defensive Player of the Year, has been instrumental in St. Mary’s defensive strategies. With a team-best 41 caused turnovers and 71 ground balls, Little’s impact on the field extends beyond defense, as evidenced by his 12 points from 10 goals and two assists.
The Seahawks are coming off a historic season. They’ve captured their second consecutive United East tournament championship and are making their second appearance in the NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship Tournament. Their victory over the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy marked the program’s first-ever NCAA tournament win, contributing to a record-setting 15-6 season.
Coach Childs is focused on building upon last season’s success, emphasizing the team’s drive to achieve new heights. “As excited as they are, I also know them well enough to know that they are more interested in keeping at the work that is needed for our team to accomplish more than we have in any other season,” Childs remarked.
The Seahawks, who have already received votes in the USILA/Blatant Division III Preseason Poll, are set to kick off their season on February 10 at Jamie L. Roberts Stadium. They will face Southern Virginia University in what promises to be an exciting non-conference matchup as they strive for continued success on the national stage.
