The Big Red Attackman Ready To Take Over College Lacrosse

Published: Saturday, February 15, 2025

by Kyle Ferreira

It’s finally the New Jersey native’s time to take over the college lacrosse landscape.

For CJ Kirst, lacrosse fans have enjoyed watching this All-American play at an elite level season after season. He’s been in the conversation for the Tewaaraton Award, but with names like Brennan O’Neill and Pat Kavanagh winning it, it’s felt impossible. But now, this is the season where that changes for him.  

No matter the publication or social media account, Kirst has been unanimously called the best player going into the 2025 College Lacrosse season. Amassing 165 goals in three seasons of play, Kirst has proven to be the main weapon in the Cornell program. As a result of him returning to Ithaca this season, he was named the USA Lacrosse Division I Men’s Preseason Player of the Year.

It’s been a long time coming for Kirst, who has had a lasting impact on the state of New Jersey. The Kirst family is considered the first family of lacrosse in the hotbed state that is New Jersey. From CJ’s oldest brother Connor, to his youngest brother Caden, to his other brothers Cole and Colin, this family is extremely talented.

During his time at high school lacrosse powerhouse Delbarton in Morristown, Kirst scored 91 career goals, with an incredible 66 coming his junior campaign. Had it not been for the COVID Pandemic in 2020, Kirst could have had an amazing senior year.  

Much of CJ’s love for the sport comes from his late father, Kyle, who passed away from a heart attack in 2015. The former Rutgers goalie was a key figure in the lacrosse community in North Jersey, having coached at Summit High School for many years. Kyle Kirst’s legacy and impact eventually led to the creation of the Kirst Cup, which replaced the former Tournament of Champions.

Kirst, while he hasn’t achieved the status of the best player at collegiate level, he as sure has fought for it. He’s been named a First-Team All American, he’s won the Ivy League Player of the Year, he’s been a Tewaaraton Award finalist. His resume has been tremendous.  

However, one thing Kirst is eyeing for this season is a National Championship. Cornell’s 2024 season came to an unfortunate end after getting upset by Penn in the semifinal round of the Ivy League Tournament.

With non-conference games vs Denver and Syracuse and the grueling Ivy League conference, Kirst will need to command his squad through those big games.

While he is the number one option for the Big Red, his teammates will need to do their part as well. Attackman Michael Long was amazing with his playmaking last season with 34 assists and should find Kirst well in scoring opportunities. Kirst also benefits from a very experienced roster returning this season, and an offense that is enriched with talent.

With the large expectations put upon Kirst, a great season by him will surely see him go first overall in the 2025 PLL Draft. The Philadelphia Waterdogs, who will be picking first in May, should be happy with that.

Kirst’s and Cornell’s season doesn’t officially start until February 15th when they are on the road at Lehigh. But the excitement of a new season is one that provides hope for a squad eager to get back to Memorial Day Weekend.  

With Notre Dame dominating the sport the past two seasons, Kirst and Cornell want to be the ones that disrupt it. Losing the 2022 National Championship to Maryland three seasons ago was not a good feeling for them. Having not been back since, Kirst and his group will do all that it takes to get the program’s first championship since 1977.

Add on that Kirst is 26 goals away from the school record for career goals, 2025 should be a Kirst takeover in the sport.  

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

 

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