LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the second straight season, Notre Dame defenseman Shawn Lyght has been named the William C. Schmeisser Award winner, presented annually to the best defensive player in the country.
Lyght joins elite company, becoming just the eighth player to earn the honor in back-to-back seasons and the second Notre Dame player to achieve the feat, joining Irish legend Matt Landis.
A Notre Dame player has now won the Schmeisser Award on five occasions, all coming since 2015. Landis claimed the honor in 2015 and 2016 while John Sexton was presented the accolade in 2018. Notre Dame has had more Schmeisser Award winners than any other program since 2010.
ALL-AMERICANS
Lyght was joined by LSM Will Donovan as a USILA First Team All-America selection. Lyght was a first team selection for the second consecutive season and Donovan earned the first team nod for the first time in his career.
Goalie Thomas Ricciardelli and midfielder Matt Jeffery were placed on the third team after stellar regular seasons.
Three Fighting Irish players earned honorable mention recognition, as attackman Josh Yago, midfielder Will Maheras and SSDM Christian Alacqua were selected by the outlet.
Notre Dame will take on No. 6-seed Syracuse in the Final Four at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 23 at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. The game will air on ESPN2.