by BALTIMORE – The Chesapeake Bayhawks have re-signed the standout attackman, Lyle Thompson (Onondaga Nation). The 2019 MLL MVP was instrumental to the Bayhawks’ success last season. As the team positions itself for another successful run at the MLL Championship, they are emboldened to have the best talent take the field in blue and green.
“Lyle brings more than a generational talent to our game,” said Mark Burdett, President of the Chesapeake Bayhawks. “Lyle honors the game with his level of commitment to his skills and his teammates, making all who play with him better. As a professional athlete, lacrosse is his career, his medicine, his religion and his passion. Lyle’s presence in this game elevates the action on the field from entertainment to an inspirational experience. We are honored to have Lyle as a part of the Bayhawks, and we look forward to celebrating his talent this summer, in the Bayhawks’ 20th anniversary season.”
Last season, Thompson led the league in points (81) and goals (51). In the 2019 MLL Championship, Thompson scored two goals and dished out one assist. In addition to his 2019 MLL MVP honors, he was named MLL Offensive Player of the Year and was a captain for the 2019 MLL All-Star Game.
“Lacrosse has been a part of my life, my whole life,” said Thompson. “This break in play due to the uncertain times we live in, has been difficult. The game is a part of who we are as native people because it’s a traditional game and, for us, we use the game as medicine for ourselves and for our community. I am honored I will have the opportunity to bring the medicine game back to the Chesapeake and national lacrosse communities this summer. We are healing as a nation across many fronts and it is only fitting that lacrosse plays a role during this time of healing.”
Thompson is entering his fourth season with the Bayhawks and his fifth season in the league. Throughout his MLL career, Thompson has scored 118 goals and added 76 assists. This season, Thompson is looking to lead the Bayhawks to their first repeat championship since the 2012 and 2013 run.
“Lyle sees the field in a way that most players can only dream to,” said Tom Mariano, Head Coach of the Chesapeake Bayhawks. “We will be mid-play, but in a split-second Lyle will see a narrow alley, perfectly read the defense, and release a sniper shot to score. He capitalizes on every opportunity for his teammates and for himself. I look forward to returning to the field with Lyle and the Bayhawks this summer to chase another championship.”
Before joining MLL, Thompson competed for the University at Albany where he set the record for most career points and assists in Division 1 with 400 and 225, respectively. Thompson was also the first men’s player to win the Tewaaraton Award back-to-back in 2014 and 2015, as well as the first Native American player to win the award.
About the Chesapeake Bayhawks
The Bayhawks are the reigning Major League Lacrosse (MLL) champions and the most decorated MLL team in league history. The Bayhawks are one of three MLL teams to have played in every Major League Lacrosse season since its formation in 2001. The Bayhawks have won over 135 regular-season games, 14 of their 19 postseason games, appeared in eight championship games and earned seven MLL championships (2002, 2005, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2019). The Bayhawks play at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD, and have consistently allowed Chesapeake area fans to be a part of this growing, fast-paced and exciting sports community. For more information visit the Bayhawks at www.thebayhawks.com.
