Welcome to Meet the Captains, the Men's Lacrosse Edition. Let's learn more about the 2026 captains: Owen Avelar, Connor Hurley, Sean Kelly, Luke Sykes and Darius Thompson.
 
Owen Avelar – Senior Goalie from Audubon, Pa.
 
 
Connor Hurley – Senior Attack from Littleton, Colo.
 
Q: How long have you been playing your sport?
A: I've been playing for 12 years
 
Q: What is your best memory playing your sport before Neumann?
A: My senior year of high school we did a spring break to California, and we played mini stick lacrosse on the beach for hours before going to watch a D2 lacrosse game.
 
Q: What does it mean to you to be named Captain?
A: It means a great deal to not only have the respect of my teammates but to have respect from the coaches as well.
 
Q: What is your major and why?
A: I'm in health science exercise physiology with minors in strength and conditioning and psychology. I'm in it because I want to help people better their lives both physically and mentally.
 
Q: What is your dream job after graduating?
A: I plan to get my masters in nutrition and dietetics and become a registered dietitian.
 
Q: What is your advice to the student-athletes just starting their collegiate career?
A: Be willing to listen to all types of feedback, whether it's from coaches or even sophomores on the team. Be willing to take the feedback not as criticism or attacking you but as them trying to make you a better athlete and better person in the long run.
 
 
Sean Kelly – Senior Midfield from Milmont Park, Pa.
 
Q: How long have you been playing your sport?
A: I got my start playing lacrosse in 1st grade. I came up with the Ridley Youth Lacrosse program, and I can remember the days of running around in a hockey helmet because I was so little.
 
Q: What is your best memory playing your sport before Neumann?
A: My best memory playing lacrosse came in my senior year of high school at Ridley. The very first game of the year we were going against the state runner up from the year before, Kennett. The team was nervous yet confident in our abilities coming into the game to upset them. The game was cold and tough, but it was a back-and-forth game. I had a couple goals in the game and we were all playing really well. We ultimately ended up going into overtime, where we won in exciting fashion with only a few seconds left in the overtime period. I can vividly remember the excitement and joy I felt knocking off the state runner ups from the year prior, and it is a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life.
 
Q: What does it mean to you to be named Captain?
A: Being named Captain means the world to me. It's an honor to represent my guys as we all go into battle together. I enjoy the opportunity to lead the guys to the best of my ability and represent my team and Neumann with pride.
 
Q: What is your major and why?
A: I am majoring in Business Administration, while also minoring in Finance. I have a love for numbers and all things business, with a passion for finance and relationship building with all people around me.
 
Q: What is your dream job after graduating?
A: My dream job after graduating is something in sales. I have a passion for building relationships with people and having the ability to have an impact on their lives.
 
Q: What is your advice to the student-athletes just starting their collegiate career?
A: My advice to the student-athletes just starting their collegiate career would be to enjoy every moment. I know it is cliché, but time really does fly. I cannot believe that in less than two months I will be a college graduate. Cherish the relationships you make with your teammates, coaches, administration, etc. Give your all to your sport and don't be afraid to fail but also celebrate the highs. Find a balance between sports, school, and personal life that works for you and give just as much time and effort in the classroom as you do in your sport.
 
 
 
Luke Sykes – Senior Midfield from Norristown, Pa.
 
 
 
Darius Thompson – Junior Midfield from Joppa, Md.
 
Q: How long have you been playing your sport?
A: I have been playing since I was 6.
 
Q: What is your best memory playing your sport before Neumann?
A: Winning conference championships my junior and senior year in high school.
 
Q: What does it mean to you to be named Captain?
A: It means everything to know my teammates and coaches trust me to be a leader and look to me to lead on and off the field and uphold the culture and standard we are trying to build.
 
Q: What is your major and why?
A: I am a sports management major because I have been involved in sports my whole life and want to build a career out of it.
 
Q: What is your dream job after graduating?
A: I would love to get involved in coaching after I graduate.
 
Q: What is your advice to the student-athletes just starting their collegiate career?
A: Put yourself out there and get involved and don't be afraid to make mistakes