CROWLEY FITTING IN NICELY WITH YOUNG NATS

7/27/11 12:50 PM

By Craig Rybczynski - July 27, 2011
When Kevin Crowley was a freshman at Stony Brook University, few could have envisioned the height of his success and the influence he would have at Stony Brook University.

The native of New Westminster, British Columbia, which is known more for its summer box team than field lacrosse, became a local lacrosse star leading the Seawolves into the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2010 en route to becoming the school’s all-time point leader.

The midfielder recorded one of the greatest seasons in school lacrosse in 2010, earning the USILA Enners Award, given to nation's most outstanding Division I player. The First Team All-American was the unanimous America East Player of the Year. He nearly led the Seawolves to an improbable win over the University of Virginia in the NCAA tournament. That game, despite the 10-9 loss, still remains one of his favorite college career moments.

“The whole atmosphere of the game and seeing all those people supporting a not-so-well known team like Stony Brook was great,” said Crowley, who had two goals and one assist.

After a 56-point senior season, he turned pro in May with the Hamilton Nationals. In a deep talent pool of college players it was the kid from Canada and Stony Brook that was selected first overall.

“It was a huge honor for me, not only going because I went first, but also given the depth of the draft class,” he said.

Crowley was chosen ahead of players from big name schools like Syracuse, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, North Carolina and Virginia. Yet Crowley, who also represented Team Canada at the 2010 FIL World Lacrosse Championships, was the best fit for the Nationals.

“He's an unbelievable midfielder. We just felt he was the best player in the draft. He's a playmaker with great size and can play both ends of the field,” said Nationals General Manager Jody Gage.

Crowley has lived up to the advanced billing by longtime MLL GM Jody Gage. The lanky 6-4, 200-pound middie has nine goals and four assists in seven games. In a four-game span he registered 13 points, including a six-point effort against Long Island in mid-July.

“I think my teammates and coaching staff have helped me transition the most. They’re always confident and supportive,” he said.

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