News Summary

Three talented lacrosse players from Connecticut are representing Puerto Rico in the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship held in South Korea. Gabe Carrero, Gabe Roman, and Mason Bryant embody the spirit of cultural heritage and dedication to the sport as they aim to promote lacrosse in Puerto Rico. Their impressive performance is gaining attention, with an undefeated record in the tournament highlighting their efforts to foster growth for lacrosse in their community.

Connecticut Players Shine on International Stage as Puerto Rico Competes in 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship in South Korea

Thrilling Championship Action in South Korea

The excitement surrounding the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship is palpable! Lacrosse enthusiasts from around the globe have set their sights on South Korea, where the competition showcases some of the brightest young talents in the sport. Among those representing the proud island of Puerto Rico are three incredibly dedicated players hailing from Connecticut.

Meet the Connecticut Trio

Our home state of Connecticut is proud to contribute to the international lacrosse scene, with players Gabe Carrero from Meriden, Gabe Roman from Maloney High School, and Mason Bryant from Milford representing Puerto Rico. What makes their participation so special? These athletes embody a passion for the game and a deep connection to their heritage, which means they are more than just players on the field; they are cultural ambassadors for Puerto Rico.

Gabe Carrero’s strong Puerto Rican lineage, rooted in both sides of his family, fuels his drive to make his mark on this global stage. His sentiments resonate widely, as he understands that participating in this tournament isn’t merely about competition; it’s a chance to honor his family and his island. Meanwhile, Mason Bryant sheds light on a unique aspect of this team: none of its members are actually from Puerto Rico. However, through their heritage, they have a crucial opportunity to promote and grow the sport on the island.

Mason’s eligibility springs from the roots of his grandparents, emphasizing how the bond of family ties can lead to incredible opportunities, especially in sports like lacrosse. This group of young athletes is aiming to create an even bigger lacrosse community back home, working on initiatives to introduce the sport to kids in Puerto Rico, including launching club teams and providing necessary gear.

Driving Growth in Puerto Rico

The participation of these Connecticut players is an essential milestone for lacrosse in Puerto Rico. Gabe Roman expresses enthusiasm for their role in fostering growth within the sport, seeing this tournament as a unique stepping stone for the island’s lacrosse future. With none of the trio coming from highly competitive Division I programs, their story adds a refreshing twist; they prove that grit, dedication, and teamwork can triumph over traditional pathways to success.

In fact, Gabe Carrero’s journey reflects the challenges many athletes face, having had the option to play only varsity lacrosse during his senior year at Maloney High School. But despite these hurdles, the Puerto Rican team is making waves with an impressive undefeated record of 2-0 in the tournament. Their recent victory over Kenya, in which Roman played a pivotal role by scoring a hat trick, highlights their potential to compete at this high level.

The Leadership Behind the Scenes

Adding experience to the squad is Sean Laureano from East County and Cardinal Mooney High, who at 21 is one of the oldest players in the team. With nearly a decade of experience under his belt, he harbors dreams of Olympic glory, especially with the 2028 games set to be held in Los Angeles. His journey has deepened his connection to Puerto Rican culture, as he enjoyed local foods and explored cities during team trips, and he is even learning Spanish to connect further with his heritage.

Laureano’s aspirations for the team are ambitious; he hopes Puerto Rico can soar to a top-six finish or even snag a medal, especially after an eighth-place result in their last championship appearance. He places great value on leadership and teamwork throughout the games, fostering a spirit that aids the team’s design and strategy as they adapt to the dynamics of each match.

A Promising Future for Lacrosse in Puerto Rico

As Puerto Rico continues on its journey through the championship, it will soon have the opportunity to showcase its talents further at the upcoming Atlas Cup. This event will feature top teams from Canada, the Haudenosaunee Nationals, and the United States. Set for September at the USA Lacrosse headquarters, the tournament will showcase both men’s and women’s national teams in a fast-paced sixes format, promoting the sport in revitalizing ways.

Puerto Rico is now carving out a respected place in the lacrosse world, currently ranked in the Top 10 globally in men’s U20 and field lacrosse. This accomplishment speaks volumes about the progress the sport is making within the region, and with players like Carrero, Roman, and Bryant on the scene, the future looks incredibly bright!

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