Virginia lacrosse adds 2023 America East Freshman of the Year Johnny Hackett

After a disappointing 12-6 loss to Maryland in the NCAA semifinal that ended the Virginia Cavaliers’ season, the ‘Hoos have made their first off-season move.

First reported by Ty Xanders on Wednesday evening, former Bryant midfielder Johnny Hackett will join Virginia next season. Hackett was a three-star recruit coming out of New Trier High School in Indiana but quickly found his footing at Bryant unanimously winning America East Rookie of the Year in 2023.

As an attackman, Hackett notched 41 goals and 12 assists in 17 games his freshman season and was named to the All-America East First Team. Last year he switched to his more natural midfield position, which he played in high school, and his production increased. His game was more balanced as he racked up 23 goals and 24 assists in 14 games.

The two-time All-America East First Teamer will immediately improve a midfield that lacked production last season outside of Inside Lacrosse Third Team All-American Griffin Schutz. The ‘Hoos will return redshirt sophomore Ryan Colsey and graduate Jack Boyden next season. But Boyden may bump down to attack in light of the departure of Payton Cormier and Connor Shellenberger. They’ll also bring back two-way midfielder Joey Terenzi while losing Will Cory.

The left-handed Hackett will have two years of eligibility left and will bring a scoring versatility and notch for the back of the net that the ‘Hoos will badly need to get back to Championship Weekend next year. An early projected offensive midfield for next year could be Schutz, Colsey, Hackett, Terenzi, Truitt Sunderland, and the incoming No. 6 overall recruit (according to Prep Lacrosse) Hudson Hausmann.