Connor Kearnan

Connor Kearnan
The Competitor Who Turned Determination Into Excellence
Position: Forward
Shoots: Right
Hometown: Courtice, Ontario
Current MSL Team: Brooklin Lacrosse Club
NLL Team: Ottawa Black Bears

Built to Compete

Some players overwhelm opponents with size. Others with speed.

Connor Kearnan has built his career on something just as valuable—an unwavering competitive drive.

From his early days in Courtice to starring in the NCAA, the National Lacrosse League, and Major Series Lacrosse, Kearnan has consistently shown that success comes from preparation, confidence, and a willingness to compete every time he steps on the floor.

Today, he's recognized as one of the game's premier right-handed forwards, capable of taking over a game as either a scorer or a playmaker.

Early Years

Growing up in Courtice, Ontario, Kearnan learned the game through the Clarington Minor Lacrosse Association, where his offensive instincts quickly became apparent. Even as a youngster, coaches recognized his natural ability to score and his willingness to make the extra pass.

He attended St. Stephen's Secondary School, becoming one of the top scholastic players in Ontario. Along the way, he earned All-Canadian honours and twice helped lead his school to the OFSAA championship game.

Climbing the Ladder

Kearnan's junior career with the Whitby Warriors established him as one of the Ontario Junior A Lacrosse League's elite offensive players.

A gifted shooter with exceptional vision, he became the kind of player opponents had to account for every shift. His leadership qualities also emerged, serving as one of the Warriors' captains while helping keep Whitby among the league's top contenders.

NCAA Career

Kearnan began his collegiate career at Saint Joseph's University before transferring to Canisius University, a move that proved to be the turning point of his career.

At Canisius he became one of the most decorated players in program history.

His accomplishments included:
•  MAAC Offensive Player of the Year 
•  MAAC Championship MVP 
•  First Team All-MAAC 
•  Honorable Mention All-American 
•  USILA Scholar All-American 
In 2018, he helped lead the Golden Griffins to the MAAC Championship while rewriting the school's offensive record book with a remarkable season that cemented his place among the program's all-time greats.

National Lacrosse League

Selected 11th overall by the San Diego Seals in the 2018 NLL Entry Draft, Kearnan entered the professional ranks with high expectations. 

His career has since included stops with:
•  San Diego Seals 
•  New York Riptide 
•  Rochester Knighthawks 
•  Ottawa Black Bears 
Each move brought new opportunities, and each time he responded by expanding his game. Whether finishing around the crease or quarterbacking an offense from the perimeter, Kearnan has become one of the league's most dependable offensive threats.

Major Series Lacrosse

With the Brooklin Lacrosse Club, Kearnan has become one of the organization's offensive leaders.

His quick release, exceptional vision, and ability to create offense in tight spaces make him one of the most dangerous right-handed forwards in Major Series Lacrosse. Whether scoring from the outside or finding an open teammate through traffic, he consistently makes the players around him better.

He's also brought leadership to Brooklin, helping guide one of the league's proudest franchises while continuing to develop into one of MSL's premier offensive talents.

Beyond the Floor

Those who know Connor describe him as competitive, approachable, and someone who genuinely enjoys the game.

His personality comes through in interviews, where his appreciation for teammates and the relationships built through lacrosse are just as important as personal accomplishments. That team-first attitude has made him a respected presence in every dressing room he's joined.

By the Numbers

Hometown: Courtice, Ontario
Position: Forward
Shoots: Right
Minor Association: Clarington Minor Lacrosse
Junior Team: Whitby Warriors
College: Saint Joseph's University, Canisius University
NLL Draft: 11th Overall (2018)
NLL Teams: San Diego Seals, New York Riptide, Rochester Knighthawks, Ottawa Black Bears
MSL Team: Brooklin Lacrosse Club

Gary Groob's Take

Connor Kearnan is one of those players I think fans sometimes take for granted because he makes difficult plays look routine.

What impresses me most isn't his shot—although it's outstanding—it's his confidence. He never seems rushed. Whether he's carrying the ball in transition or operating in a settled offense, he plays with a calmness that allows him to see opportunities others miss.

I've also admired the way his career has evolved. Every stop, whether in junior, the NCAA, the NLL, or Major Series Lacrosse, has added another layer to his game. He's become more than just a scorer; he's become a complete offensive player who can control the rhythm of a game.

When Brooklin needs a big goal, a smart play, or a veteran presence, Connor Kearnan is often at the center of it. Those are the qualities that separate very good players from exceptional ones.

For me, Connor represents the modern MSL player—skilled, intelligent, unselfish, and driven to improve every season. That's exactly why he belongs among the Stars of MSL.

— Gary Groob