Position: Midfield
College: Duke University
Professional: Rochester Rattlers
David Lawson has been involved in high-level lacrosse since his arrival on campus at Duke University. His first year at Duke, Lawson was a defensive midfielder for an offensive-minded team, which means that he was used in a variety of roles and situations in his inaugural season in Durham. He saw action in all 20 games that season and ended it in thrilling fashion walking around with the National Championship trophy.
The transition began in year two to become an offensive threat for Duke. Played in each of the 20 games, making eight starts. Lawson made his presence felt at the right time for the Blue Devils as he scored seven goals in two games during the ACC Tournament. He registered 32 points on 23 goals and nine assists. Lawson made some noise in helping his team advance to the National Semi Finals.
His junior season was again productive, even though his production suffered a little. Twenty points on 14 goals and six assists was still a good season, but surely he must have wanted more. His team again went to the Semi Finals, but it seemed as though there was more in the tank for his final season in Durham.
David Lawson saved his best for his last season as a Blue Devil. He made his way to the First Team All American selection. The midfielder had 53 points on 36 goals and 17 assists. That is great production for any midfielder and his team needed him in the NCAA Tournament. During the memorable game in the Semi-Finals, he had four points in a close contest with the Cornell Big Red. In the National Final, Lawson scored two goals and helped his team earn the National Championship for a second time in his career.
Walking away from Durham, Lawson had over 100 points (71 goals and 32 assists) and two National Championships. Not often one gets the privilege of being such a force on the offensive side of the field after being designated a defensive midfielder so early in his career.
To continue his work in lacrosse, he was drafted 40th by the Rochester Rattlers where his ability to play a two way game has been so vital in his professional career. His strength on the field and ability to run both sides of the midfield stripe have helped develop his game into the type that the professional ranks can use.
To top off an incredible year in the sport, David Lawson was named to the United States National Team. Being one of the younger faces on the roster, Lawson could become the face of lacrosse for Team USA during the next few world games. His work ethic has allowed him to be a part of some of the best programs in the world for the game. The Middlesex product now can hope to add a Gold Medal to his trophy case.
– Brian Davies
@briandavies15
