The Cortland Men’s Lacrosse team has opened up the 2025 campaign with a 4-1 record playing against one of the toughest schedules across the country. Most recently, the Red Dragons beat a young, hungry Nazareth Golden Flyers team 18-8.
Playing less than 10 minutes from his hometown of Fairport, NY, senior attackman Kole Stuver was a main contributor in the win for the team having a standout performance of 6 goals and 2 assists.
Coming off of a severe injury and only playing two games in 2024, Stuver has proven that he has the ability to rise above adversity and take over the game when it matters most with his combination of speed, agility, and knowing how to be in the right place at the right time.
How do you mentally prepare for a big game?
I don’t have any crazy routines or do too much. I mainly listen to music, mostly to my favorite rapper NBA Youngboy.
How did your injury last season impact you coming into this year?
I was more motivated because of last year to produce and make up for the lost time from last season.
What’s the best part about playing for this team?
The boys. I love playing and winning with my team. I want to play as long as I possibly can with this group of my best friends.
What was it like playing so close to home against Naz?
It was nice because I got to see my family and friends that got to come support me. I am also very familiar with the field at Nazareth because of all the time I put in on that field shooting there over the past few summers.
Who is your biggest role model in the sport and why?
My biggest role model is my dad, he was a player at Cortland State back in the day. He set the tone when I was younger and if I ever didn’t want to pick up the stick, he would make me and he helped develop my love for this great game.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
I don’t care about personal accolades, that stuff will take care of itself… I want to first and foremost win a conference championship. From there, I want to make a push for a National Title.