Key Takeaways
- Richmond men’s lacrosse seniors and team captains, Hunter Smith and Jack Pilling, were named Preseason All-Americans by USA Lacrosse, earning Second Team honors.
- Attackman Aidan O’Neil and midfielder Joe Sheridan were recognized as Honorable Mentions.
- The four players were part of a successful 2025 season for Richmond, with Smith and Pilling playing key roles on defense and O’Neil and Sheridan contributing to the team’s offense.
- The players’ individual accolades include Atlantic 10 Co-Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-Atlantic 10, and USILA Third Team All-America honors.
Introduction to the Preseason All-Americans
The Richmond men’s lacrosse team has started the new season on a high note, with four of its seniors and team captains earning Preseason All-American recognition from USA Lacrosse. Defenseman Hunter Smith and short-stick defensive midfielder Jack Pilling were named to the Second Team, while attackman Aidan O’Neil and midfielder Joe Sheridan received Honorable Mentions. This achievement is a testament to the team’s strength and the individual players’ hard work and dedication to the sport.
Hunter Smith’s Achievements
Hunter Smith, a cornerstone of Richmond’s defense, had a remarkable 2025 season, starting all 18 games and guarding opponents’ top attackmen. He earned Inside Lacrosse Second Team All-America and USILA Third Team All-America honors, and was named Atlantic 10 Co-Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection. Smith’s impressive statistics include 27 ground balls and 27 caused turnovers, demonstrating his skill and impact on the team’s defense. He was also recognized as a Preseason All-Atlantic 10 pick and Inside Lacrosse Second Team Midseason All-American.
Jack Pilling’s Contributions
Jack Pilling, the team’s short-stick defensive midfielder, also played in all 18 games and earned national recognition as an Inside Lacrosse Third Team All-American and USILA Third Team All-American. He collected 27 ground balls and caused 17 turnovers, while adding a goal against UMBC on March 8. Pilling’s performance was consistent throughout the season, with a season-high three caused turnovers twice, against Robert Morris and No. 19 UMass. His ability to make an impact on both defense and offense makes him a valuable asset to the team.
Aidan O’Neil’s Offensive Prowess
On the offensive end, Aidan O’Neil had a standout 2025 campaign, starting all 18 games and earning Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors. He recorded 29 goals and led the Spiders with 22 assists, tying his single-season career-high with 51 points, which ranks 10th all-time in program history. O’Neil became the fourth-fastest Spider to reach 100 career points and logged 120 shot attempts, the third-most in a single season at Richmond. His impressive performance was evident in his season-opening four goals against Maryland and his season-high seven points in a win at Hobart.
Joe Sheridan’s Midfield Contributions
Joe Sheridan, a key contributor in Richmond’s midfield, started all 18 games and earned USILA and Inside Lacrosse All-America Honorable Mention honors, along with First Team All-Atlantic 10 recognition. He totaled 40 points on 30 goals and 10 assists, while adding 14 ground balls and four caused turnovers. Sheridan was named the Atlantic 10 Tournament Most Outstanding Performer after scoring three goals in the championship game against High Point and was also recognized as an Atlantic 10 All-Academic selection. His well-rounded performance makes him a vital part of the team’s midfield.
Preseason All-American Teams
The Preseason All-American teams, as announced by USA Lacrosse, feature a talented pool of players from various colleges and universities. The First Team includes notable players such as Owen Duffy from North Carolina, Ryan Goldstein from Cornell, and Joey Spallina from Syracuse. The Second Team includes Dominic Pietramala from North Carolina, Silas Richmond from UAlbany, and Mikey Weisshaar from Towson, among others. The Third Team and Honorable Mentions also feature a range of talented players, including Willem Firth from Cornell, Eric Spanos from Maryland, and Peter Buonanno from Princeton.
Conclusion
The recognition of Richmond’s men’s lacrosse seniors and team captains as Preseason All-Americans is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. Hunter Smith, Jack Pilling, Aidan O’Neil, and Joe Sheridan have all made significant contributions to the team’s success, and their individual accolades are well-deserved. As the new season gets underway, the team will look to build on their achievements and make a strong push for the championship. With their talent, experience, and teamwork, the Richmond men’s lacrosse team is poised for a successful season.
