Syracuse – Two National Lacrosse Hall of Fame members and former college teammates — Oren Lyons and Roy Simmons Jr. — were recognized last week as the 2025 recipients of the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award.
Established in 2023, the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award was created to keep the legacy of the Onondaga stick maker alive, to promote the game’s sacred Indigenous roots, and to honor members of the larger community who share Alfie’s love of lacrosse and his commitment to its growth.
Jacques, who passed away in 2023, spent more than a half century crafting wooden lacrosse sticks that have been used by thousands of players around the world. He was also a coach, speaker, educator, and ambassador for the game who would gladly speak to any audience about the rich history of the Creator’s Game.
Both Lyons and Simmons walked alongside Jacques for decades, as advocates and storytellers, and have lived lives that reflect the deep spiritual and communal roots of the game.
A Faithkeeper of the Turtle Clan of the Onondaga Nation, Lyons has been a lifelong defender of Indigenous rights and the natural world, as well as a guiding force in preserving the sacred origins of lacrosse. As a former Syracuse University goaltender and a central voice in the creation of the Iroquois Nationals, Lyons has brought Indigenous philosophy and diplomacy to global forums while always continuing to honor the spiritual essence of the game.
Simmons Jr. is the legendary former head coach of the Syracuse men’s lacrosse team and is widely credited for elevating the sport while also maintaining a connection to its Indigenous heritage. Simmons, who won six NCAA championships, made it his mission to introduce players, fans, and the broader public to the Native origins of lacrosse, often inviting Jacques to speak to his teams and shaping a culture of respect and curiosity.
For more information about the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award, visit www.alfieaward.com.
