NLL Rochester Knighthawks

White Follows A Similar Path To Rochester

Published on September 28, 2011 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, September 28)... Joel White knew immediately when he was selected in the 2011 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. All he had to do was look at his phone and read the one-word text from Stephen Keogh: Teammates.

"I have known him a number of years and we were roommates in college," said White. "I texted him as soon as he got drafted and he texted me (when I got picked)."

Keogh and White, who played together for four seasons at Syracuse, are teammates again with the Rochester Knighthawks. The two Syracuse standouts were selected in the first 10 picks of the draft by Rochester. Keogh went second overall and White was chosen with the 10th selection.

"Actually, I was surprised. It is an honor to get drafted by the Knighthawks so high. It is exciting and shocking," said White, who grew up in nearby Cortland, NY.

The selection of the 21-year-old defensive midfielder was no surprise to lacrosse experts as he was listed among the Top 20 prospects. In 2010, he became the first defensive specialist to win the Lt. Donald C. MacLaughlin Jr. Award as the nation's most outstanding midfielder. In his college career at Syracuse University, he was a two-time Tewaaraton finalist and a two-time team captain. The three-time All-American graduated as Syracuse's all-time leader in ground balls (283) and is the school's career leader in points (28) and goals (18) by a defensive player. Throw in back-to-back national championships (2008-09) and it's no wonder the Knighthawks took him so high.

"He is probably the most athletic kid I have seen in a long time," said Keogh. "He is very offensive and he just wants to win. I am glad to be his teammate again."

White will join an SU fraternity in Rochester that includes Keogh, Cody Jamieson, Sid Smith and possibly Casey Powell. Past SU greats like Paul and Gary Gait, Regy Thorpe, Roy Colsey, Pat Cougevan, Marshall Abrams, Scott Ditzell, Charlie Lockwood and Matt Riter, to name a few, have excelled with the Knighthawks.

"They have a number of 'Cuse players," said White. "I look forward to being a part of that tradition."

In fact, White played for Thorpe in 2009 in his only summer of Canadian Junior "A" lacrosse. He appeared in 12 games with the Six Nations Arrows and collected six goals, seven assists and 27 loose balls. White proved he could play both defense and transition. It is in his transition role, however, where the youngster can showcase his best attributes.

"Box is more positioning and body-up defense, but I try to use the same abilities as I do in field," he said. "I play up-tempo and use my speed. I like getting the ball up the field and playing transition."

Since getting drafted, White will have his first chance to face some of the best competition in the world. On Sunday, October 16th, White will play for Team USA in the Second Annual Bowhunter Cup. That evening, the US will take on the host Iroquois Nationals at the Oneida Indian Nation's Turning Stone Resort Casino at 6:00 p.m. at the Event Center.

"I am really excited to play for the American team. Any time USA is on the front of your jersey, it is a great opportunity," said White.

In the weeks following the contest, White will have another chance to impress the Knighthawks coaches and lacrosse staff when the team holds its preseason training sessions and exhibition games. He hope to land a spot on a team that finished tied for first last season and advanced to the Champion's Cup Playoffs. White also wants to make Rochester his two-sport home, playing with the Rochester Rattlers in the summer.

"I look forward to going back to Rochester. I had a great time this summer," he said. "I want to go back there and play some more lacrosse."

The Knighthawks will open the home portion of their schedule on Saturday, January 21st against the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena.

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