16 NCAA College Commitments

by Wilmington Today ContributorOct 30, 2025Outdoor Recreation, People, Sports

FCA Carolina Lacrosse celebrates 16 class of 2026 athletes committing to NCAA lacrosse, highlighting excellence, teamwork, and faith-based values.

FCA Carolina Lacrosse is proud to announce that 16 players from its 2026 class—13 young men and 3 young women—have committed to play NCAA Division I, II, and III lacrosse at universities nationwide. In a rare achievement at the high school level, five of these athletes were recruited by the same university, highlighting the exceptional skill, teamwork, and character developed within the FCA Carolina Lacrosse program.

Tommy Lee, Director of FCA Carolina Lacrosse, shared, “This accomplishment reflects not just athletic ability, but the values we emphasize—perseverance, humility, and faith. These young men and women have dedicated countless hours to their craft while keeping their priorities in perspective. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and to see them continue their journey at the collegiate level.”

Coach John Burgee, who has coached many of the athletes since elementary school, added, “I’ve had the privilege of watching these players grow—from learning fundamentals to competing on national stages. Their work ethic and heart for the game set them apart. This success speaks volumes about the culture and community we’ve built together.”

FCA Carolina Lacrosse has deep roots in the region. Originally founded as the Cape Fear Shamrocks by Coach Steve Phillip and Coach Eddie Jones, the boys’ team joined the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in 2023, expanding its mission while maintaining a legacy of competitive excellence and mentorship. Notably, four additional players from the original 2026 boys’ class, who left prior to the FCA transition, have also been recruited to play NCAA Division I and II lacrosse—further underscoring the strong foundation established in the team’s early years.

Since launching the girls’ program in 2024, FCA Carolina Lacrosse has continued to grow both on and off the field. In its first year, the girls’ team has already produced three NCAA Division I and Division III commits, showcasing the program’s outstanding coaching, positive culture, and faith-based values. Together, the boys’ and girls’ teams at FCA Carolina Lacrosse are building a lasting legacy of excellence, discipline, and spiritual growth through the sport of lacrosse.

About FCA Carolina Lacrosse:
FCA Carolina Lacrosse is dedicated to transforming lives through Jesus Christ by empowering coaches and athletes. The program’s mission is to build champions for Christ—training players to compete fiercely, serve humbly, and live faithfully.

Class of 2026 College Commitments:

Men:
• Lucas Shields (Goalie) – St. Leo University (DII)
• Mathias Rossi (Goalie) – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (DII)
• Vance Major (Defense) – University of Alabama Huntsville (DII)
• Michael “MJ” Beaver (Defense) – Gordon College (DIII)
• Finn Connolly (LSM) – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (DII)
• Mikey Infranco (LSM) – Mars Hill University (DII)
• Barrett Swinson (Midfield) – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (DII)
• Noah Kagan (Midfield) – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (DII)
• Ethan Tribble (Attack) – University of Alabama Huntsville (DII)
• Jackson Burgee (Attack) – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (DII)
• Danny Abraham (Attack) – Point Park University (DII)
• Nick Jones (Midfield) – Methodist University (DII)
• Billy Kauffman (Midfield) – Point Park University (DII)
• Caleb Hinson (Face-Off) – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (DII)*
• Jaxon Smithers (Midfield) – Lander University (DII)*
• Austin Mounts (Defense) – Hofstra University (DI)*
• Kayden Robles (Midfield) – Catawba University (DII)*
*Players marked with an asterisk were part of the Shamrocks 2026 team, not FCA.