Ross Jacobsen Named USA Lacrosse High School Boys' West Player of the Year

When evaluating player of the year candidates, statistics are only part of the conversation. The

best players elevate the people around them, lead in the biggest moments and help their teams achieve at the highest level. Few players embodied those qualities more than Torrey Pines (Calif.) senior Ross Jacobsen.

As the captain of one of the West’a premier programs, Jacobsen was the driving force behind another championship-caliber season for the Falcons. He finished the spring with 45 goals and 38 assists, averaging 5.53 points per game, while consistently producing against the best competition in California. Whether he was creating opportunities for teammates, controlling the pace of the offense, or delivering goals in critical moments, Jacobsen was at the center of everything Torrey Pines accomplished.

Jacobsen is the 2026 USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ West Region Player and Attacker of the Year.

What separates Jacobsen from many great players is his legacy. During his senior season, he broke the career goal-scoring record at Torrey Pines, one of the most storied programs in the country. The accomplishment is even more impressive considering Torrey Pines has produced five previous USA Lacrosse High School Boys’ West Region Players of the Year.

To finish atop that list speaks not only to his talent, but also to his consistency and impact throughout his career.

Beyond the numbers, Jacobsen’s leadership was evident every time he stepped on the field. A team captain and recipient of the prestigious Bob Scott Award from USA Lacrosse, Jacobsen set the standard for excellence within the program and helped guide the Falcons through another outstanding season.

His 31 ground balls further showcased the effort and competitiveness that made him a complete player and a constant presence in all phases of the game.

The West Region featured exceptional talent in 2026, but Jacobsen’s combination of production, leadership, career achievement, and impact on winning separated him. He was the player opponents planned for every week and the player his teammates relied on in the biggest moments.

— Sonorah Hunter

Boys’ All-West Team

Attackman of the Year: Ross Jacobsen, Sr., Torrey Pines (Calif.)

See above.

Midfielder of the Year: Auggie Chapman, Sr., Marin Catholic (Calif.)

Chapman was the engine behind a Marin Catholic team that finished among the West's elite. The senior midfielder impacted every area of the game with his athleticism, toughness, and versatility, helping lead the Wildcats to a 17-5 record and a No. 2 finish in the final West Region rankings. A true two-way midfielder, Chapman consistently delivered in big moments and established himself as one of the region's most complete and influential players.

Defender of the Year: Chase Hellie, Sr., Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.)

Hellie anchored one of the West's top defenses while routinely drawing the assignment of the opponent's best offensive player. The Loyola senior finished with 20 ground balls and 20 caused turnovers while helping lead the Cubs through one of the toughest schedules in the country. Named Los Angeles Defensive Player of the Year and Mission League Defensive Player of the Year, Hellie combined physicality, discipline, and elite positioning to become the region's top defender.

Goalie of the Year: Ryan Peitzmeier, Sr., Brophy Prep (Ariz.)

Peitzmeier was a cornerstone of Brophy's state championship run, posting 84 saves and a 59 percent save percentage while providing steady leadership in the cage. The senior All-American consistently delivered timely stops against top competition and helped anchor one of the West's most successful teams. A First Team All-State selection and Utah commit, Peitzmeier's consistency and poise made him one of the region's most impactful goalkeepers.

Specialist of the Year: Ashton Hutter, Sr., Valor Christian (Colo.)

One of the most influential players on a nationally ranked Valor Christian squad, Hutter's impact stretched far beyond the traditional stat sheet. The senior helped drive possession, create transition opportunities, and set the tone for a team that finished among the West's best. A dynamic competitor and leader, Hutter consistently rose to the occasion in key moments and played a major role in Valor's run to a 17-2 season and a top-five regional finish.

West Boys Top 10

1. Loyola–Los Angeles (Calif.), 20-3

Loyola-Los Angeles finished the season as the unquestioned No. 1 team in the West after capturing the CIF Southern Section Division 1 championship and compiling the strongest résumé in the region. The Cubs consistently rose to the occasion against elite competition, proving themselves week after week against one of the nation's toughest schedules. Their postseason run included marquee victories over Torrey Pines (Calif.) in overtime, Mater Dei (Calif.), Cherry Creek (Colo.), and Santa Margarita (Calif.) in the CIF championship game. Defensively, senior defenders Chase Hellie and Everett Rolph paired with junior goalkeeper William Russo to anchor one of California's best units. Offensively, Cash Ginsberg and North Carolina commit Tripp King led a balanced attack, with Ginsberg scoring five goals and King adding two in the championship victory. Loyola's combination of elite defense, offensive depth, and success against top competition made them the clear choice for the top spot in the final rankings. Previous: 1

2. Marin Catholic (Calif.), 17-5

Marin Catholic put together one of the strongest seasons in program history, climbing from No. 7 in the preseason rankings to finish as Northern California's top team and capture the North Coast Section championship. The Wildcats established themselves as a legitimate regional power through consistent performances against elite competition. Key victories over St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.), De La Salle (Calif.), Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), and Marin Academy (Calif.) highlighted a season built on disciplined team play and physical defense. While an East Coast trip resulted in losses against nationally ranked opponents, the experience helped prepare Marin Catholic for a deep postseason run. Their championship run and steady improvement throughout the spring cemented their place among the West's elite. Previous: 2

3. St. Ignatius (Calif.), 18-6

No team in the West challenged itself more aggressively than St. Ignatius Prep. The Wildcats played one of the nation's most difficult schedules and spent the season proving they could compete with anyone. Early-season victories over Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) and Torrey Pines (Calif.) immediately established St. Ignatius as a championship contender. The Wildcats endured a difficult midseason stretch against elite national competition but responded by playing their best lacrosse when it mattered most. Their postseason run included victories over Archbishop Mitty (Calif.), St. Francis-Mountain View (Calif.), and Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.) en route to a Central Coast Section championship. Previous: 3

4. Valor Christian (Colo.), 17-2

After falling short in the 2025 state championship game, Valor Christian entered the season with a singular focus: bringing the title back to Highlands Ranch. The Eagles accomplished exactly that, capturing the program's fourth state championship and re-establishing themselves as Colorado's premier boys lacrosse program. Valor made an early statement with a 16-9 victory over Marin Catholic (Calif.) and later delivered key wins over Regis Jesuit (Colo.), Poudre (Colo.) and Cherry Creek (Colo.) in the state championship rematch. The Eagles showcased exceptional depth throughout the lineup, combining disciplined team defense with one of Colorado's most explosive offenses. Their ability to dominate both ends of the field during the postseason separated them from the rest of the state and capped a season defined by redemption and championship execution. Previous: 4

5. Torrey Pines (Calif.), 15-3

For Torrey Pines, championships have become the standard, and the Falcons added another chapter to their storied tradition in 2026. The program captured its eighth consecutive CIF San Diego Section Open Division championship and once again proved it belonged among the nation's elite. The Falcons earned key victories over La Costa Canyon (Calif.), The Bishop's School (Calif.), and Good Counsel (Md.) while consistently competing against top competition throughout the spring. Their narrow overtime loss to Loyola-Los Angeles (Calif.) demonstrated just how close they were to the region's top spot. Senior attacker Ross Jacobsen became the school's all-time leading scorer during the postseason and served as the catalyst for an offense that delivered in big moments. Previous: 6

6. Cherry Creek (Colo.), 16-3

Cherry Creek once again proved why it remains one of Colorado's flagship programs, advancing to its second consecutive state championship game while navigating one of the toughest schedules in the region. The Bruins consistently competed against elite opponents and remained among the West's top teams throughout the spring. The Bruins earned quality victories over Regis Jesuit (Colo.), Arapahoe (Colo.), Rock Canyon (Colo.) and Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.). Their balanced offensive attack and physical defensive style allowed them to control the pace against top competition throughout the season. Although a loss to Valor Christian in the state championship prevented a repeat title, Cherry Creek's body of work and ability to consistently compete against elite opponents secured another top finish. Previous: 5

7. De La Salle (Calif.), 19-5

De La Salle steadily evolved into one of Northern California's most dangerous teams over the course of the season. The Spartans combined a physical defensive presence with an increasingly explosive offense, allowing them to finish 19-5 and make a deep postseason run. Key victories over Sacred Heart Prep (Calif.), Monte Vista (Calif.), Granada (Calif.) 18-5, and San Ramon Valley (Calif.) highlighted the growth of the program throughout the spring. While losses to Marin Catholic (Calif.) and St. Ignatius Prep (Calif.) prevented a higher finish, De La Salle consistently challenged top competition and improved with each passing week. By season's end, the Spartans were playing some of their best lacrosse and solidified themselves as one of Northern California's premier programs. Previous: 7

8. Regis Jesuit (Colo.), 15-3

Regis Jesuit emerged as one of Colorado's biggest success stories in 2026. After entering the season outside much of the regional conversation, the Raiders raced out to an undefeated start and quickly established themselves as a legitimate championship contender. Regis collected impressive wins over Mountain Vista (Colo.), Northfield (Colo.), Castle View (Colo.) and Chaparral (Colo.) while showcasing strong depth and disciplined team play. Their only losses came against Colorado's eventual finalists, Valor Christian and Cherry Creek, proving just how close they were to breaking through. The Raiders' consistency and growth throughout the season positioned them among the state's elite programs. Previous: 8

9. Brophy (Ariz.), 19-4

Brophy Prep once again demonstrated why it remains the gold standard in Arizona lacrosse. The Broncos challenged themselves against quality out-of-state competition throughout the spring before dominating their in-state schedule and capturing another Arizona state championship. Their résumé included commanding victories over Notre Dame Prep (Ariz.) and Desert Vista (Ariz.), while a challenging trip through Texas and matchups against California powers helped prepare them for postseason play. Brophy's offensive firepower and overall depth consistently overwhelmed opponents, particularly during the state tournament. Previous: 9

10. Arapahoe (Colo.), 15-3

Arapahoe finished the season as one of the biggest risers in the West after steadily building momentum throughout the second half of the year. The Warriors combined balanced scoring, strong defensive play, and confidence in close games to emerge as one of Colorado's toughest postseason opponents. Their defining moment came with a signature 9-8 overtime victory over La Costa Canyon (Calif.), one of the region's most impressive out-of-state wins of the season. Arapahoe followed that performance with dominant victories, including an 18-3 playoff win over Grandview (Colo.). With their only losses coming against fellow Colorado powers Cherry Creek and Regis Jesuit, the Warriors closed the season firmly established among the top programs and positioned themselves for future success. Previous: 10