2026 Carroll Men's Lacrosse Season Preview
As Carroll Men's Lacrosse enters Year 2 under head coach Gabe Pearlman, the Pioneers carry a noticeably sharpened mindset, a deeper roster, and a growing sense of identity that has taken shape across the offseason. With a full year of system installation behind them, the group feels more connected, more mature, and far more intentional about how they practice, compete, and support one another.

Growing the Program in Year 2
Pearlman sees the most significant jump in the team's mental growth. Offensively, the Pioneers have shown increased patience and poise—making the extra pass, trusting the system, and seeking out the right play rather than the first available one. He credits the players themselves for shifting the culture, noting that the team has embraced taking care of each other on and off the field in ways that weren't as consistent a year ago.

"We can set an environment where culture can grow, but we can't control it," Pearlman said. "The guys have taken real ownership of it."

Roster Development & Returning Leaders
Carroll returns the same group of captains—Matt Hehr, Brady Conwell, Brady Raczkowski, and Sam McGoon—a nod to the leadership stability that has carried over into 2026. The staff has focused on better supporting and guiding the group as leaders, and the consistency has helped raise expectations across the roster.

A key returner is Zach Szuba, now fully healthy after a broken foot last season. The faceoff unit has also taken major strides, led by Jake Wright, who has been instrumental in helping younger specialists develop their technique and confidence.

Newcomers to Watch
The Pioneers add a promising mix of rookies and multi-sport athletes who are already shaping the energy of the program. Russell Therres brings a college-ready skillset and a strong, composed mentality that has allowed him to fit seamlessly into the system from day one. Aiden Klick's toughness has stood out throughout the preseason; even after breaking his wrist in the fall, he's consistently made the right reads and earned the staff's trust with his decision-making. Kelley Gassner, a crossover from the football program, adds a layer of physicality, competitiveness, and edge that elevates the team's practice intensity.

Last year's group spent much of the season discovering who it wanted to be, but this year's team carries a calmer, more unified mindset. The players understand they have the individual ability to "go get theirs," yet everything now funnels through a commitment to team structure. The buy-in is stronger, the trust is deeper, and the sense of shared purpose is becoming a defining trait of the program as they move into the new season.

Offensive Outlook
The offense returns talent and depth, and the focus is simple: Share the ball, move the ball, and play faster. Carroll believes scoring opportunities will come naturally if the unit stays disciplined and avoids forcing plays. Improved shot selection and pace are central points of emphasis.

Defensive Growth
Defensively, Carroll expects meaningful strides thanks to returning depth and the emergence of young players who took big steps late last spring and throughout the fall. With an experienced group of upperclassmen, communication remains a strength—anchored by a willingness to acknowledge mistakes, take ownership, and adjust.

Faceoff Unit & Possession Game
The faceoff group may be one of Carroll's most intriguing position units this season, featuring three specialists who each bring their own identity to the X. Jake Wright anchors the group as the technically polished veteran whose steadiness gives the team confidence in high-leverage moments. Connor Coty adds a powerful athletic profile, combining physicality with strong fundamentals that make him difficult to counter. Nolan Snider brings the fastest hands and most natural instincts of the trio, often flipping possessions in an instant. Together, they give Carroll a remarkably versatile and competitive rotation capable of dictating the tempo of a game.

That sense of control carries directly into the Pioneers' possession philosophy. The goal is to play fast without ever slipping into chaos — a balance Coach Pearlman summarizes with the phrase "bobbers in the water." It speaks to constant activity and awareness, always floating, always searching for the right moment to strike, without forcing transition when it isn't there. It's an approach built on poise and recognition rather than reckless speed.

Goalkeeping
In net, Carroll benefits from a rare luxury: two goalies capable of starting. Senior Jake Gehl brings game-changing potential, a goalkeeper who can elevate the entire defense when he's locked in and making the spectacular saves he's known for. Sophomore Jonas Malmanger, meanwhile, has shown significant growth and is expected to see meaningful minutes that accelerate his development.

Across the goalie room, the message remains the same — have a short memory, move on from the last shot, and be the kind of teammate others trust and want to play in front of. Pearlman emphasizes that accountability and relationships matter just as much as technical skill at this position.

Challenging Schedule Ahead
Carroll's 2026 schedule leaves no room for comfort, and that's entirely intentional. The Pioneers are determined to become a program that beats quality opponents, and their slate reflects that ambition. CUW provides an early-season benchmark after last year's performance left a sour taste. A matchup with Trine offers another opportunity to face a perennial top-tier program the team embraces competing against. Hope and Kalamazoo, two skilled and disciplined squads, await just before conference play, setting the tone for what lies ahead. Nearly every game presents a legitimate challenge, but the staff views this demanding path as essential to long-term growth and postseason readiness.

Culture, Expectations & Leadership
For Pearlman and his staff, success extends well beyond wins and losses. This senior class entered the program when depth was thin and roles were uncertain; now, they leave behind a stronger, deeper, and more competitive foundation. Pearlman wants them to walk away knowing they elevated the program and handed it forward in better shape than they found it. Leadership continues to evolve organically, fueled by a freshman class that brings consistent energy and competitiveness. Cooler heads, strengthened mutual respect, and a more confident internal voice have come to define this team's identity.

Team Theme: "Get Your Bike Back"
The guiding theme for the 2026 season comes from a simple but striking question: if someone steals your bike on the playground, do you wait for help — or do you go get it back yourself? For Carroll, that message translates directly to the field. It means recovering a ground ball after losing it, locking down your matchup after a mistake, and approaching adversity with urgency rather than hesitation. To reinforce that mindset, the staff introduced the "Mr. Dialed" practice award, complete with its own prop, given to the player who brings exceptional focus and edge each day. As Pearlman puts it, the goal is straightforward: Come in each day with purpose and find a way to get better.