Austin Staats Named NLL Rookie of the Year

Published on July 19, 2019 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
San Diego Seals News Release

The National Lacrosse League announced today that San Diego Seals forward Austin Staats has been named the league's 2019 Rookie of the Year.

"It's an absolute dream come true," said Staats. "Ever since I was a little kid, I dreamt of being a professional lacrosse player. I'm honored to have won this award for my family, my team and for the fans in San Diego."

Staats, 21, was the first overall pick in the 2018 NLL Entry Draft. He led all rookies in goals (32) and points (61) and ranked second in assists (29) despite missing the final four games with an ACL injury. Staats showed his worth early, netting five goals and four assists in his NLL debut. In 14 games played, the lefty recorded seven games with five or more points.

Staats was named NLL Rookie of the Week four times and was the only rookie to earn NLL Player of the Week honors (Week 2). Austin's older brother, Randy, was named the 2016 Rookie of the Year with the Georgia Swarm, making them the first brothers to win the award.

"We're incredibly proud of this honor that Austin has received," said general manager and head coach Patrick Merrill. "I've been fortunate enough to coach him since he was in junior lacrosse and it's been fun to watch him develop as a man and a player. On top of being a talented lacrosse player, what sets Austin apart is his competitiveness and his ability to be a good teammate. We'd like to congratulate Austin for being named the NLL Rookie of the Year on behalf of the entire Seals organization."

The Seals return for their second season in December at Pechanga Arena San Diego. Place your season ticket membership deposit today at SealsLax.com.

National Lacrosse League Stories from July 19, 2019

• NLL Announces 2018-19 Season Award Winners - NLL
• Rush Re-Up Shattler for Two More Seasons - Saskatchewan Rush
• Crawford Named to All-Pro Team - New England Black Wolves
• Dane Dobbie Named 2019 NLL Most Valuable Player - Calgary Roughnecks
• NLL Names Eli McLaughlin Second-Team All-Pro and Kyle Killen All-Rookie - Colorado Mammoth
• Lyle Thompson Named to NLL All-Pro First Team; Brendan Bomberry Named to NLL All-Rookie Team - Georgia Swarm
• Vinc, Priolo, MacKay Earn 2019 End-Of-Season Honors - Buffalo Bandits
• Georgia Swarm Unveil New Membership Site - Georgia Swarm
• Austin Staats Named NLL Rookie of the Year - San Diego Seals
• NY Riptide Show Support for Veterans at Shootout for Soldiers Event on Long Island - New York Riptide

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent San Diego Seals Stories

• The Funner Zone by Harrah's Resort SoCal, Brings a Brand-New, Premium Experience to Seals Home Games
• Seals Re-Sign Forward Tre Leclaire to Three-Year Contract
• Seals Re-Sign Defenseman Danny Logan to Three-Year Contract
• San Diego Seals Open Search for New PA Announcer to Bring the Fire and Electricity to the Electric Factory
• Seals Forward Trent DiCicco Earns All-Rookie Honors