Kyle Harrison '01 to be inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame

Kyle Harrison ’01 is set to be inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2023. His journey to this prestigious honor is marked by outstanding achievements both in high school and college.

During his time at Friends School, Harrison was a standout tri-athlete, excelling in soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. In soccer, he won a MIAA title and received all-conference honors. In basketball, he earned two MIAA basketball titles and all-conference honors. However, it was in lacrosse where Harrison truly shone. He led his team to two consecutive MIAA B-Conference Championships in 1998, and 1999. His accomplishments in lacrosse also included earning All-American, All-metro, and All-state honors.

Harrison primarily played the midfield position in lacrosse and was known for his prowess in taking face-offs. In his senior year of high school, he had an impressive season, tallying 52 points, which included 24 goals, 28 assists, and over 100 ground balls. His exceptional performance didn't go unnoticed, and he was recruited to play NCAA Division 1 lacrosse for the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays men's lacrosse team after an impressive showing at recruiting camps during the summer of his junior year.

Notably, Harrison shared a strong friendship with Benson Erwin ’01. Together, they secured three lacrosse championships during their time at the school Friends School. After graduating from Friends in 2001, both Harrison and Erwin continued their lacrosse journey as teammates at Hopkins.

From 2002 to 2005, Harrison was a prominent figure in Division 1 men's lacrosse, representing the Blue Jays under the guidance of Coach Dave Pietramala. While at Hopkins, Harrison achieved several prestigious accolades. He earned the title of a 3-time All-American and was twice honored with the McLaughlin Award as the National Midfielder of the Year. His remarkable achievements culminated in him being named the 2005 Tewaaraton Award recipient, recognizing him as the National Player of the Year.

In recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to the sport, Harrison was inducted into the Friends School Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2016, Harrison’s contributions to the sport and Hopkins University were commemorated with his induction into the Johns Hopkins University Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Harrison went on to make lacrosse his career, something that few other players can claim. 

From 2005 to 2021, Harrison had an impressive professional lacrosse career. He began as a 7-time MLL All-Star, starting with the New Jersey Pride from 2005 to 2007, where he was the first overall draft pick. He also represented the 2006 U.S. Men's National Team.

In 2008, Harrison played for the Los Angeles Riptide and made the 2008 MLL All-Star Game. He then moved to the Denver Outlaws in 2009. He co-founded the LXM Pro Tour in 2010, which later partnered with the MLL in 2014.

During 2014-2018, Harrison joined the Ohio Machine, earning the season MVP award in 2014 and leading them to a championship in 2017.

From 2019 to 2021, Harrison was a captain for the Redwoods Lacrosse Club in the PLL, where he received the PLL Brendan Looney Leadership Award in 2019 and 2021. He also served as the PLL Director of Player Relations and Diversity Inclusion. Harrison was named a PLL All-Star in 2019 and 2021.

In addition to his professional career, Harrison represented the United States in the World Lacrosse Championship in 2006 and 2014, reaching the final round on both occasions, but the team fell short against Canada.

Harrison joins fellow Friends School alumni Joe Cowan '64, Joe Seivold '54, Hank Kaestner '63, and Ben H. Kaestner '39 in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Read more about the 2023 National Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductees here.

Photo credit: Kyle Harrison '01