In the world of lacrosse, Jordan MacIntosh stands out not only as a formidable player but also as a symbol for passion, leadership, and resilience. His journey began as a young enthusiast introduced to the sport by Coach Rob MacDougall. Jordan’s journey continues with him showcasing his dedication and love for the game as the captain of the Swarm.
MacIntosh’s career milestones speak volumes about his impact on the field. Selected by the Swarm in the first round of the 2011 NLL Entry Draft, he quickly made a name for himself. His rookie year saw him surpassing the 50-point mark, a feat not achieved by a Swarm rookie since 2008. With 51 points in 16 games, including 23 goals and 28 assists, MacIntosh showcased his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities. This year MaIntosh has reached a new accomplishment being the 7th all time player of collecting loose ball recoveries to reach 1700.
Reflecting on his journey, MacIntosh acknowledges the influence of his early experiences with teams like the Oakville Hawks, Oakville Buzz, and Burlington Blaze. These formative years laid the foundation for his success, leading to collegiate stints at Gordon College and RIT and later embarking on a professional career that included playing for the Rochester Rattlers in the MLL and the Chrome in the PLL.
However, it’s his enduring connection with the Swarm that resonates deeply with MacIntosh. As he enters his 13th year with the organization, he cherishes the camaraderie of the locker room, considering it a sacred space where lifelong memories are made.
Coach Comeau’s words about Jordan MacIntosh shed further light on the exceptional qualities that define MacIntosh not just as a player, but as a leader and teammate. Comeau reminisces about the camaraderie and lighthearted moments in practice, highlighting MacIntosh’s role in fostering a positive team environment.
“My favorite times are when him and a couple of the guys like Brendan Bomberry go after each other at practice and shoot around, teasing and picking each other. It’s funny, recalls Coach Comeau, emphasizing the camaraderie and friendly banter that contributes to a healthy team dynamic.
Beyond the laughs and camaraderie, Comeau delves into MacIntosh’s leadership prowess, describing him as one of the greatest leaders he’s ever worked with. He applauds MacIntosh’s ability to grasp the bigger picture of the team and understand the individual dynamics within it. This holistic understanding enables MacIntosh to not only lead by example but to also guide and support his teammates effectively.
“It has been a real honor to work with a guy who is a great leader. I’ve learned a lot from working with Jordan,” admits Coach Comeau, acknowledging the mutual respect and learning that occurs in a dynamic where leadership is valued and nurtured.
MacIntosh’s success and impact as a leader are underscored by Comeau’s words. He recognizes MacIntosh’s long-standing presence in the league and emphasizes that his leadership qualities will leave a lasting legacy. “He is a great leader who has been very successful, and I will forever continue to remember him as that,” concludes Coach Comeau, echoing the sentiment shared by many who have had the privilege of witnessing MacIntosh’s leadership in action.
Through Coach Comeau’s perspective, we gain further insight into Jordan MacIntosh’s multifaceted role within the team—not just as a skilled player but as a mentor, motivator, and cornerstone of leadership. His impact transcends statistics and accolades, leaving an indelible mark on the teams he has been a part of and the sport he loves.
Among his most cherished moments are winning the 2014 World Championships with Team Canada, being named captain of the Swarm, and clinching the 2017 NLL Championship. These achievements not only symbolize personal milestones, but represent the collective effort and resilience of the teams he’s been a part of.
When asked about facing challenges, MacIntosh reflects on the disappointment of not meeting expectations, particularly after the championship season in 2017. He emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, believing that losses and setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning.
As a leader, MacIntosh’s philosophy revolves around leading by example. He believes that true leadership is demonstrated through actions, not just words. For aspiring players, he advises carving a personal path and finding joy in playing the game, emphasizing the importance of creativity and fun in honing one’s skills.
Outside of lacrosse, MacIntosh finds solace and joy in family time, traveling, golf, and endurance sports. His upcoming venture into triathlon reflects his enduring spirit of challenge and determination.
Jordan MacIntosh’s journey embodies the essence of lacrosse—passion, leadership, and resilience. As he continues to inspire on and off the field, his legacy serves as a testament to the enduring power of this beloved sport.