Connor Shellenberger Named 2025 Premier Lacrosse League MVP

The Premier Lacrosse League held its annual PLL Awards gala Friday at Irving Plaza in New York City, celebrating the elite performers of the 2025 campaign. The headline moment: New York Atlas second-year attackman Connor Shellenberger earned both the Jim Brown Most Valuable Player Award and the Eamon McEneaney Attackman of the Year, capping a breakout season that saw him lead the league in points.

A second-year pro, Shellenberger tallied 46 points in the regular season (23 goals and 23 assists), ranking first in the PLL. He recorded four games with seven points and shot better than 50 percent in seven contests. Shellenberger also posted a league-leading 47.9 percent shooting percentage among players averaging three or more shots per game.  His unique combination of vision and scoring from range — he shot 48 percent on shots from 10-plus yards (12-for-25) out — set him apart.

Matt Campbell of the Boston Cannons was named Gait Brothers Midfielder of the Year after leading all midfielders with 28 points (18 goals, 8 assists and 2 two-point goals). Despite Boston narrowly missing the playoffs, his scoring consistency — particularly in key mid-season bursts — earned him top honors.

On the defensive end, Gavin Adler of the New York Atlas took home the Dave Pietramala Defensive Player of the Year Award. The shutdown close defenseman anchored a league-best New York defense that recovered 355 ground balls and boasted the lowest goals-against average in the Eastern Conference. Adler’s vocal leadership and physicality also stood out.

Between the pipes, Logan McNaney of the Denver Outlaws earned Oren Lyons Goalie of the Year honors after stepping into the starting role and guiding Denver to a dramatic turnaround. McNaney led the Outlaws to a 7-1 record after the rookie was inserted as the starter, posting a 10.6 goals-against average in the regular season and finishing among the league leaders in both saves (13.6 per game) and efficiency (58.3 percent).

TD Ierlan, the faceoff ace for the California Redwoods, was named Paul Cantabene Faceoff Athlete of the Year. Ierlan closed the season owning a 60.5 percent faceoff win rate, tallying 3 goals and 3 assists in addition to his dominance at the X. Notably, he outdueled the other finalists, finishing north of 70 percent against Trevor Baptiste and Joe Nardella.

Denver’s two transition specialists were honored as well. Ryan Terefenko received the George Boiardi Hard Hat Short-Stick Defensive Midfielder of the Year, contributing 8 points (4 goals, 2 assists, 1 two-pointer) and grabbing 18 ground balls, wreaking havoc in transition for the Outlaws. His teammate Jake Piseno captured the Brodie Merrill Long-Stick Midfielder of the Year Award, posting 12 points and leading his unit with 36 ground balls.

Other special recognitions included Chris Kavanagh of the Redwoods as Rookie of the Year after producing 37 points, tying for fourth in the league and leading all first-year players. Dylan Molloy earned the inaugural Comeback Player of the Year Award, leading the PLL with 26 goals and serving as a key offensive spark for California. Tim Soudan, coach of the Denver Outlaws, was named Dick Edell Coach of the Year, steering Denver from a slow start to the Western Conference title.

The ceremony was hosted by PLL co-founders Paul and Mike Rabil, who began the event with a fireside chat alongside league investor Andrew McKenna, offering a forward-looking vision for the PLL’s growth and ambitions.

With the individual honors now settled, excitement builds for Sunday’s PLL championship game. The New York Atlas face the Denver Outlaws at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J. (12:30 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN+), looking to translate Friday's award haul into a championship trophy.