Lyle Shirley '88 is one of three Lake Forest College alumni to be inducted into the Hall of Fame for lacrosse.
A native of Montclair, New Jersey, Shirley came to the College after a successful high school career in lacrosse and ice hockey. He led Montclair High School's lacrosse team to the State Championship.
At Lake Forest College, Shirley lettered four years in lacrosse. As a sophomore, he was named to the All-Great Lakes Lacrosse Conference Second Team and earned Honorable Mention from the Midwest Lacrosse Association. As a junior, he led the 1987 team with 23 goals. His 32 scores in 1988 set a new school record, as did the 73 he amassed during his career. He was the team's Most Valuable Player and was named to the All-Great Lakes Conference First Team, the Midwest Lacrosse Association Second Team, and an Honorable Mention All-American.
He answered some questions about his time at Lake Forest and his time on the lacrosse team.
What was your reaction when you heard the news about lacrosse being added back to the College's varsity sports offerings?
I am very excited to hear about the return of varsity lacrosse to LFC. The sport has been a huge part of my life, and I have had many positive experiences, and made many meaningful and lasting relationships with individuals from it. I want many students to have the opportunities that I have had.
What was your favorite part about being a member of the Forester lacrosse program?
My most memorable experience as a student-athlete at LFC was the level of support and encouragement all of the athletes from other programs gave each other. For the most part, many of us attended each others games. I would look into the stands, and see students from various programs supporting us, and we would go and support them playing in their games.
What was your most memorable experience as a student-athlete at the College?
My favorite part about being a member of the program at LFC was that I was encouraged to be myself, and play my style of lacrosse within the system. Back in the day, we played both Division 3 and Division 1 teams, which was awesome. Playing that level of talent helped me develop into the player I am today.
Can you recall a memory from a big game or significant victory?
A particular game memory would be playing against Michigan State at home. I think that it was my freshman or sophomore year. They had a talented team, and came in very confident that they would win. They had led most of the game, but we fought back and beat them in the end. Nobody gave up on our team, and we came out on top.
Who was your head coach during the time you played?
Wayne Braxton was my coach for all 4 years at LFC.
Have you stayed involved with the sport since graduation from the College and if so, how?
After my college career, I was fortunate enough to play professionally for 4 years in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League, with the Detroit Turbos, and win a National Championship. I played for 1 year in the MLL (Major League Lacrosse) for the Chicago Machine as well. I have worked as a youth lacrosse program director, developing programs throughout Illinois, and coached high school programs. I continue to play club lacrosse for the Chicago Lacrosse Club, and play in national tournaments with other teams as well.
