Brennan O’Neill has quickly emerged as one of the most impressive talents in the sport of lacrosse. After his performance at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, there is an argument to be made that he is the best player in the world. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, O’Neill’s journey to the top began during his high school career, where he showcased his physical dominance. From there, he transitioned to the college game, where he has only continued improving his game, earning numerous accolades along the way. Let’s take a closer look at Brennan O’Neill’s remarkable rise to prominence.
High School Success
O’Neill’s lacrosse journey started in high school, where he attended the esteemed St. Anthony’s School on Long Island. He was a four-year letter-winner. Even as a junior, he demonstrated his exceptional abilities, leading his team to victory in the CHSAA championship game with a stunning seven-goal performance, securing him the title of US Lacrosse Magazine National Player of the Year. Unfortunately, O’Neill’s impressive high school career was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it didn’t dampen his impact at the next level.
Freshman Season at Duke
In 2021, O’Neill began his collegiate lacrosse career at Duke University. Despite being a freshman, he quickly earned a starting spot on the team and made an immediate impact. His debut game was nothing short of spectacular, as he netted three goals in a victory over Denver. O’Neill’s consistent production throughout the season led to him being named the ACC Freshman of the Year and receiving honorable mention All-American recognition, solidifying his status as a rising star.
Sophomore Year and Continued Success
Building on his impressive freshman campaign, O’Neill entered his sophomore year in 2022 with elevated expectations. He didn’t disappoint, leading Duke in scoring for the second consecutive season with an astonishing 53 goals and 74 points. His remarkable season earned him second-team All-American honors, further cementing his reputation as one of the nation’s premier lacrosse players.
Junior Year Triumph
In 2023, O’Neill’s junior year, he took his game to new heights. He was recognized as the recipient of the prestigious Tewaaraton Award, which honors the best player in college lacrosse. Additionally, he was bestowed with the USILA Lt. Raymond J. Enners Outstanding Player of the Year award and earned First Team All-American recognition from multiple lacrosse publications. O’Neill’s leadership and outstanding play were instrumental in guiding Duke to a national championship appearance, showcasing his ability to dominate at the highest level.
International Success and Recognition
O’Neill’s prowess extends beyond college lacrosse. He represented the United States on the U-21 Men’s National Team, leading them to a gold medal at the U21 World Championship in 2022. His exceptional performance during the tournament, including 18 goals and 25 points, showcased his versatility and ability to shine on the international stage. Most recently, O’Neill led Team USA to a gold medal at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, earning the title of Best Midfielder and MVP along the way. That is pretty impressive, considering O’Neill was the only current college player on Team USA’s roster.
Conclusion
Brennan O’Neill’s journey from a standout high school player to a rising star at Duke University has been remarkable. He has quickly established himself as one of the top lacrosse players in the world. As O’Neill enters his senior year at Duke, lacrosse fans eagerly anticipate witnessing his continued growth and the impact he will undoubtedly make in the future.
