2026 Men's Lacrosse All-Conference Honors Announced

The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) has announced its 2026 Men's Lacrosse awards. All awards are selected by a vote of conference head coaches. First and Second Teams consist of 13 members each. Individual awards include Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Midfielder of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Champion of Character Coach.

Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Regimbal, Madonna

Cooper Regimbal did it all for Madonna, helping them in their historic season in 2026. In his first season with the Crusaders after transfering from Concordia-Ann Arbor, Regimbal quickly assimilated and proved himself as an offensive force in the WHAC. The senior from Flint, Mich. tallied 51 goals, 20 assists and shot it at 51.5% to help Madonna to a WHAC regular season title with a 12-0 record and a 16-1 overall mark. Regimbal was the leader of the Madonna offense which ranks first in the nation in eight categories including: goals (403), assists (280), goals per game (23.71). Regimbal is the second Offensive Player of the Year for Madonna and the first since 2018.

Defensive Player of the Year: Danny Smith, Madonna

A returning First Team All-American from a season ago, Danny Smith put together a stellar senior campaign to earn WHAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. The Pequannock, N.J. native is currently third in the nation in caused turnovers with 44 and also added 39 ground balls. His efforts on the defensive end have helped Madonna to top ten spots in goals against, goals against average, clear percentage and caused turnovers. Smith has also added four goals and four assists on the offensive end. Smith is the third Defensive Player of the Year all-time for Madonna and the second in as many years. 

Midfielder of the Year: TJ Murphy, Aquinas

For the first time in program history, an Aquinas Saint has garnered the WHAC Midfielder of the Year award. TJ Murphy was a driving force behind the Saints' success this season, which saw them finish with a 14-2 overall record and 10-2 mark in conference action. Murphy tallied 58 goals and 29 asssists on the offensive end. He also picked up 33 ground balls and caused five turnovers on the defensive end.  Murphy is top six in the country in points, goals, assists, shots and shots on goal. 

Newcomer of the Year: Elvis Syroka, Madonna

 A freshman faceoff specialist from Sylvania, Ohio, Syrotka immediately made his presence felt in the WHAC this season. He finished the regular season 170-241(top-10 nationally) in faceoffs overall and 115-154 in WHAC action. Syrotka also picked up 97 ground balls and made an impact on the offensive end with six goals and five assists. He is just the third Newcomer of the Year for Madonna in WHAC history and the first since the 2023 season. 

Coach of the Year: Carlos Matta, Madonna

 For the first time in his tenure at Madonna, Carlos Matta has been selected by his peers as the WHAC Coach of the Year. Matta led the Crusaders to their best season in program history, helping them to the top-ranking in the NAIA this season. The Crusaders finished the regular season with a 16-1 record and 12-0 mark in WHAC play. They boast the best offense in the nation, laeding in nearly every major statistical category including: goals, assists, goals per game, shots, shooting percentage, shots on goal and man-up and down goals. Matta is the second men's lacrosse coach to earn this honor and the first since 2018.

Champion of Character Coach: Shaun Lewandowski, Siena Heights

Shaun Lewandowski was voted WHAC Champion of Character Coach. Lewandowski wins the award in his first season with the Saints. He is recognized for exemplifying the NAIA's five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

In addition to the All-Conference awards, the WHAC also announced its All-Academic and Champions of Character teams. The All-Academic Team consists of sophomores or above with a cumulative 3.25 GPA who have been at their school for one full year. The Champions of Character Team comprises one player from each school who best represents the five core character values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.