UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State men's lacrosse team and Head Coach Jeff Tambroni have announced their 2019 team captains in redshirt senior Michael Aronow and senior Matt Donnelly.
"Our staff is excited about our future of our program under the guidance and leadership of our newly appointed captains, senior midfielder Matt Donnelly and redshirt senior defender Michael Aronow," Tambroni said of his captains. "Michael, now a two-time captain of our program, will bring invaluable experience to the position from his captaincy in 2018. Matt brings a relentless work ethic and unmatched energy to the locker room and field every day. Both of these young men are universally respected by our staff and team for their courage to lead. Their willingness to invest in our core values as students, athletes and respectable members of our community on daily basis is an inspiration to our team. We are very proud of Matt and Michael and are confident that they will do a terrific job of leading the 2019 Penn State lacrosse team this spring."
Aronow, a native of Holbrook, N.Y., returns as team captain after being the only underclassman in the role in 2018, an honor he received after missing all of the 2017 season due to injury. In his comeback season as a redshirt junior, Aronow started all 14 games at defender, causing 11 turnovers, which was good for second on the team. He added 24 ground balls and an assists in 2018.
Donnelly, a native of Sewell, N.J., played in all 14 games in 2018, including earning four starts. He scored eight goals and added five assists for 13 points. He also added seven ground balls and two caused turnovers on the season. Donnelly has also proven his perseverance throughout his career, and was given the No. 11 jersey as a freshman as the No. 11 is presented to a young man who has persevered in the face of adversity. The jersey number 11, worn by Michael Jacober, 2002-05, has become symbolic of the strength and compassion of the 2005 Penn State lacrosse team who rallied around Michael after his family was tragically killed in a plane crash during his senior season year.
The Nittany Lions will open the 2019 season with a home game versus Villanova on Saturday, Feb. 2.