Justin Pugal Proves Doubters Wrong
July 23, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
On May 2rd, 2019, the fourth seeded UMBC Retrievers took on the number one seeded Stony Brook Seawolves in the semi-finals of the America East Lacrosse Championships in Stony Brook, New York. Both teams knew that in all likelihood that they would have to win the tournament to gain access in to the NCAA Tournament.
The game was a runaway right from the start. UMBC jumped out to an 8-1 advantage at halftime, and Stony Brook never recovered. Stony Brook would not be going to the NCAA Tournament. UMBC went on to win the tournament on their Cinderella run to the NCAA quarterfinals while Stony Brook's season was over.
That day also marked the end of Justin Pugal's lacrosse career, or so he thought. The Stony Brook long stick midfielder had an impressive four years with the Seawolves, but acknowledged that he didn't think he would go pro. Pugal said "I thought my last game in college would be my last lacrosse game... ever."
Pugal received no attention from MLL scouts or coaches. Draft night came and went, Pugal wasn't picked. Pugal didn't think he would be drafted, but acknowledged there was a little disappointment saying, "I thought I was good enough to go play in the league."
Three weeks after draft night, Pugal finally got the call he was waiting for. Boston Cannons Head Coach Sean Quirk wanted him in for a tryout. Pugal credits Stony Brook Women's Lacrosse Coach Joe Spallina as well as college teammate Ryland Rees with helping to facilitate the tryout.
By all accounts, the tryout went well, but no guarantees were made. A couple of days later, Quirk called Pugal with some news. The Boston Cannons were offering Pugal a contract. Pugal was "absolutely ecstatic." Pugal said, " it was the proudest moment of my life when I found out I was going to play professional lacrosse."
This season, Pugal has put up some awfully impressive numbers in this, his rookie season. He is third on the Cannons with six caused turnovers.
Pugal has been so good for the Cannons, he was selected to the 2019 MLL All-Star Game by a fan vote. He called the honor "so sick" and added, "it means a lot that I get to play in the All-Star Game."
Pugal plays with a chip on his shoulder. Pugal said, "the hardest thing is getting over what everybody told you your whole life, that you're never going to make it." Pugal was told he was "never going to go D1, and that he would never be a professional lacrosse player."
Looking at things more holistically, Pugal credits his dad with "pushing him" him to be better. He called his dad "his hero" and said he was "the biggest reason why I am where I am today."
On July 27th in Annapolis, Maryland, Justin Pugal will step onto the field at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium living his dream. A kid told so many times he wasn't good enough, will step onto the field as one of the best lacrosse players in the world.
In the 1800's, Thomas Edison said "there is no substitute for hard work." Over a century later, Justin Pugal is proving that idea still reigns true.
Pugal will play for Team Ice at the 2019 MLL All-Star Game in Annapolis, Maryland.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 23, 2019
- Justin Pugal Proves Doubters Wrong - MLL
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