In 2025, I came to Colby-Sawyer, tasked with building a men’s lacrosse program and serving as head coach. In spring 2026, men’s lacrosse launched its inaugural season, officially bringing varsity lacrosse to campus and beginning a new chapter for Charger Athletics. After months of preparation, recruiting and building the program from the ground up, the Chargers took the field for the first time in March and established the foundation for what the program will continue to become.

The inaugural season was about more than simply playing games. It was an opportunity to establish the standards, expectations and culture that will define Colby-Sawyer men’s lacrosse moving forward. From the first practice through the final game, the inaugural group embraced the responsibility that came with being the first team in program history. They helped establish traditions, built relationships within the New London community and set a standard for the student-athletes who would follow them.

That foundation was built around the belief that the details matter. The program emphasized accountability, intentionality, discipline and a commitment to doing things the right way each day. The inaugural team helped turn those ideas into something tangible, creating a culture that could extend beyond a single season or class. Their work established the expectations for what it means to be a Colby-Sawyer lacrosse player and provided a starting point for the program’s continued growth.

Now entering its second year, the Chargers welcome 13 first-year student-athletes as part of the Class of 2030. They join a group of returning players who gained valuable experience during the inaugural season and will be asked to take on expanded roles as the program moves forward. With a combination of returning contributors and a new class of student-athletes, Year 2 provides an opportunity to build on what was established in 2026 while continuing to develop the identity of the program.

The growth of the program extends beyond the field. On Nov. 7, Colby-Sawyer will host its first Alumni Game, bringing former players, current student-athletes, coaches, families and members of the Charger community together to celebrate the continued growth of men’s lacrosse at the college. The event will serve as another step toward establishing traditions that future generations of Chargers can carry forward.

Recruiting also remains an important part of the program’s long-term development. The second annual Blue & White Prospect Day is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 18, welcoming prospective student-athletes from Grades 9-12 to campus to experience Colby-Sawyer and compete alongside the current team. As the Chargers continue building the 2027 recruiting class and classes beyond, the goal remains consistent: identify student-athletes who are prepared to contribute to the continued development of the program, both on the field and within the college community.

The transition from an inaugural season to a second year represents an important step for Colby-Sawyer men’s lacrosse. The first team established the foundation; the current team has the opportunity to strengthen it. With returning contributors, 13 new first-years, growing alumni involvement and an expanding recruiting pipeline, the Chargers enter Year 2 focused on continuing to build — one practice, one class and one season at a time.

Returning players Brett Bouvier and Brycen Burnham offer a glimpse into that process: the people, experiences and perspectives that helped shape the inaugural season and the foundation upon which Colby-Sawyer men’s lacrosse will continue to grow.

#13 - Brett Bouvier ’28, Business Administration
Amherst, New Hampshire

“In the fall semester of my sophomore year, I was unsure of my future. As an athlete and student, I felt as if I had lost my purpose. The opportunity to get a fresh start at Colby-Sawyer is one I could never pass up. There is a genuine, contagious energy on this campus that truly makes it feel like community. From day one, I was welcomed with open arms by both faculty and athletic staff, as well as my fellow students. There are so many ways to get involved on campus and enrich your college experience, from the first move-in to graduation.

“Coming to New London also helped me to fall back in love with lacrosse. Building a program from the ground up is no easy task; however, I am beyond proud of what we have achieved as a team, and I’m extremely excited to progress even further as we enter year two. Our facilities and staff are second to none and have allowed me to play to my full potential. Our athletics program is family in the truest sense of the word, and we support each other feverishly — rain, shine or snow. There is no place I would rather be, and every day that I can put on ‘Charger Blue’ is the best day of my life.”

#2 - Brycen Burham ’29, Sport Management
Oxford, Maine

“I didn’t originally plan on playing lacrosse in college until Coach Lukk reached out to me. I was intrigued immediately by the idea of playing in an inaugural season and having to play with people I’d never met before. The thought of playing on a brand-new team where I could be a leader and build something over my time with my teammates and coaches was something that I wanted to do.

“I also liked how most of the student body are student-athletes and how the school goes about academics. I enjoyed the idea of a small campus and a community where everyone knows each other and gets along, and where it’s easy to make connections. Along with that, it’s easy to get involved around campus and meet new people. I am a first-gen student in my household, so Colby-Sawyer has a special place in my heart for a few reasons. In just my first year here, I met some amazing people and made lifelong friendships. Going into year two, I am excited to see the team build on the chemistry from last year, on and off the field. I am also excited to see us be competitive together at a high level.”