SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Shawn Lyght’s long list of accolades just got longer as the defenseman has been named the USA Lacrosse Preseason Defenseman of the Year on Wednesday.
The junior is already one of Notre Dame’s most accomplished players despite having played just two seasons with the Irish. Lyght was named the 2025 William C. Schmeisser Co-Defensive Player of the Year, awarded to the top defensemen in the country.
Lyght also was selected as ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year last season following his lockdown defense. The junior regularly is the primary defender of the opposition’s top offensive threat.
The defenseman has earned All-America honors in each of his first two seasons in South Bend, including unanimous All-American status following his sophomore season in 2025.
Lyght and the Irish open the season at Marquette on Feb. 14 in Milwaukee against the Golden Eagles.