Cornell Grads Win 3 Lacrosse Titles in 12 Months

CJ Kirst and Hugh Kelleher turned their championship chemistry at Cornell into a professional trophy collection that most athletes only dream about.

The duo helped the Toronto Rock sweep the Halifax Thunderbirds this weekend to win the NLL Championship, the franchise's first title since 2011. But this victory caps an extraordinary 12-month run that saw both players win at every level of competitive lacrosse.

It started last May when they ended Cornell's 48-year National Championship drought. Kelleher then captured the 2025 PLL Championship with the New York Atlas before reuniting with Kirst in Toronto for their NLL triumph.

Kirst made the jump to professional lacrosse look effortless. The NLL Rookie of the Year dominated the playoffs with 18 points across both championship games, including a four-goal, two-assist performance in game one. He finished his rookie season with 34 goals and 37 assists.

His Cornell legacy speaks for itself. Kirst became the NCAA's all-time career goals leader with 239, won the 2025 Tewaaraton Trophy, and led the nation in goals per game during his senior season at 4.22. He scored multiple goals in every single game of his final college year.

Kelleher proved equally valuable from the midfield position. He tallied 10 playoff points for Toronto and recorded a goal plus two assists in the championship series. His rare trifecta of titles in one calendar year showcases his versatility across indoor and outdoor lacrosse formats.

During his Cornell career, Kelleher became the first-ever Ivy League Midfielder of the Year in 2025. He finished with 123 career points and delivered clutch performances throughout, including a memorable overtime winner at Syracuse as a sophomore.

Why This Inspires

These young athletes prove that excellence creates momentum. Their success stems from teamwork built at Cornell and work ethic that translates across every format of their sport. Winning breeds confidence, and confidence breeds more winning.

Their journey shows how college athletics can launch professional careers when talent meets preparation. Both players represented the United States internationally too, with Kirst helping Team USA claim silver at the Men's Box World Championships.

From Ithaca to Toronto, Kirst and Kelleher turned one championship into three, and they're just getting started.