St. James Native Goes Pro In Lacrosse: 'This Has Been Everything'

ST. JAMES, NY — A St. James native has turned professional in men's lacrosse. Connor DeSimone is set to make his return to Long Island in the Premier Lacrosse League, as DeSimone's Archers are set to take on the Cannons.

The Archers vs. Cannons match-up is slated for 1 p.m. on Saturday and will air on ABC, according to the PLL website. The game will be at James M. Shuart Stadium at Hofstra University in Hempstead.

“This has been everything to me," DeSimone told Patch in a statement. "I always dreamed of this growing up, surrounding myself with the best players in the world and getting to do what I love. Ever since my dad coached the [New York] Lizards when I was younger, I have been surrounded by players and people like Dan Denihan, Casey Powell, Terry Riordan, Brian Carcaterra, and more, who have molded me and my game today. Coming back to Long Island is a privilege and a humbling experience getting to play that game that has given so much to me, on the biggest stage, in my back yard.”

DeSimone attended Smithtown High School East and graduated from Johns Hopkins University this year. He plays attack for the Archers.