Kirst’s current average of 3.70 goals per game in his career ranks fourth in NCAA history, trailing N.C. State’s Stan Cockerton (4.39 – 193 in 44 games from 1977 to 1980), Cornell’s Mike French (4.06 – 191 in 47 games from 1974 to 1976) and Massachusetts’ Brooks Sweet (3.93 – 106 in 27 games from 1978-79).
Kirst’s 61 goals this season leads NCAA Division I and he also leads the country in points per game with 6.38 with 83 points in 13 games. He has the potential to play as many as six more games (2 Ivy League tournament, 4 NCAA tournament) to add to his record.
He’s much more than an offensive machine.
“What you don't see, and what some people don't watch necessarily, is what he does in the ride, how he celebrates his teammates, the energy that he plays with from start to finish, how happy guys are celebrating him, how happy he is celebrating other guys,” said former Cornell great and three-time USA team player Rob Pannell. “He's a leader in every sense of the word. And he doesn't lead just by his play. He leads by everything else that you'd want a leader to do.”
The fourth Kirst brother to play Division I lacrosse, Kirst and his three older brothers have all been involved with the U.S. national team program. Kirst was MVP of the 2022 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship when he led the USA to a gold medal playing alongside his brother, Cole. Last September, he helped the U.S. men’s box team to its best finish ever – silver – at the World Lacrosse Box Championship playing with his brother Connor.
