Syracuse Goalie Mark Earns ACC Defensive Honor

In the world of college lacrosse, goalies often toil in relative obscurity, their heroics overshadowed by the explosive offensive talents that dominate highlight reels. However, this past week, one netminder’s outstanding performance demanded recognition, as Syracuse University’s Will Mark was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Week.

Mark, a fifth-year senior who transferred to Syracuse from LIU before the 2023 season, etched his name in the record books with a remarkable 17-save effort against No. 20 Delaware. In doing so, he surpassed the 800 career save milestone, becoming just the 15th Division I player in NCAA history to achieve such a feat.

Hailing from Danville, California, and a product of the prestigious Proctor Academy, Mark has been a rock between the pipes for the Orange this season. Against the Blue Hens, he turned aside an impressive 73.9 percent of the 23 shots on goal he faced, showcasing the elite shot-stopping ability that has become his trademark.

“Will’s performance against Delaware was nothing short of exceptional,” praised Syracuse head coach Gary Gait. “He’s been a steadying presence for us all season, and to see him reach such a significant milestone is a testament to his dedication and skill.”

Mark’s stellar outing was not an isolated incident; rather, it was a continuation of a trend that has seen him make double-digit saves in seven of the Orange’s nine games this year, including the last five contests. During that stretch, Syracuse has amassed an impressive 4-1 record, underscoring the impact Mark has had on the team’s success.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the ACC, but really, this award is a reflection of the hard work put in by our entire defensive unit,” Mark said humbly. “We take a lot of pride in our ability to frustrate opposing offenses, and it’s gratifying to see that effort paying off.”

As the No. 5 Orange prepare to host No. 3 Duke in a top-five showdown on Wednesday night, Mark’s presence between the pipes will undoubtedly be a crucial factor. With conference play officially underway, every save could prove pivotal in Syracuse’s quest for ACC supremacy.

“Will has been a rock for us all season, and we know we can count on him to come up big in the biggest games,” Gait said. “With the level of talent in the ACC, having a goalie of his caliber is an invaluable asset.”

For Mark, the individual accolades are merely a byproduct of his unwavering dedication to the team’s success. As he continues to etch his name in the record books, his focus remains squarely on helping the Orange achieve their lofty goals.

“At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is winning,” Mark stated resolutely. “If I can contribute to that by making saves and giving our offense opportunities, then I’ve done my job. But this is a team effort, and we’re all working towards the same goal: bringing a championship back to Syracuse.”

With Mark standing tall between the pipes, that quest for glory just became a little bit more attainable for the Orange and their legion of loyal fans.