Murphy Player of the Year, Matta Coach of the Year 15 from WHAC Named MLAX All-Americans

DECATUR, Ala. - (NAIA Release) The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announces the 2026 NAIA Men's Lacrosse All-Americans ahead of the second annual national championship getting underway from Jack Allen Sports Complex on Tuesday, May 12. Among the three All-American teams this season, the NAIA announced the 2026 Men's Lacrosse Player of the Year and 2026 Men's Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

The 2026 NAIA Men's Lacrosse Player of the Year is TJ Murphy of Aquinas (Mich.). The 5-foot-9 junior attacker has put away 61 goals heading into the national tournament, with 30 assists. He ranks fourth in the association for points this season at 91. The Saints attackman isn't scared to take shots either, as the Kalamazoo, Mich. native ranks ninth in total shots at 157 and seventh in shots on goal with 99.

The 2026 NAIA Men's Lacrosse Coach of the Year is Carlos Matta of Madonna (Mich.). Matta's fourth year at the helm of the Crusaders men's lacrosse squad adds another accolade to his list of honors after leading MU to a national tournament berth with a record of 18-1, securing the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference championship back on May 2 at home. Ahead of the opening faceoff at the national tournament on Tuesday, May 12, head coach Matta and company rank first in the association in 11 categories, including man-up goals, man-down goals, clear percentage, caused turnovers, total goals, and goals per game.

Madonna leads the nation in representation across the three All-American teams, posting seven student-athletes, while Keiser (Fla.) followed with five student-athletes. SCAD Savannah (Ga.) and William Penn (Iowa) both garnered four All-American honors, while Indian Tech and Aquinas are represented by three honorees. Benedictine (Kan.) also earned two All-American nods.