DULUTH, GA (May 14, 2024) – Today, the National Lacrosse League proudly awarded Lyle Thompson of the Georgia Swarm with the 2024 NLL Sportsmanship Award. This annual recognition celebrates a player who embodies exemplary sportsmanship values on and off the lacrosse field.
Lyle Thompson, a 31-year-old from the Onondaga Nation in New York, has consistently displayed integrity and sportsmanship, leading to great success. He has won the Sportsmanship Award six times in a row, while the Georgia Swarm have won this category for the seventh consecutive year (2017 – Jordan Hall).
“Winning the Sportsmanship Award for the sixth year in a row is a direct reflection of the respect Lyle demonstrates for the meaning of the game and his fellow players,” said John Arlotta, Owner and General Manager of the Georgia Swarm. “The Swarm and the National Lacrosse League are fortunate to have a player of his caliber demonstrate the true meaning of sportsmanship and character both on and off the floor.”
Thompson has earned admiration from fellow players and media representatives across the league for his high achievements and true character over the past six years.
Thompson reflected on the Swarm organization, stating, “The Swarm takes pride in being a group of people with great character and morals. I’m grateful and honored to represent the Swarm in everything this award symbolizes.”
Throughout the season, Thompson’s leadership and performance on the field propelled Georgia into the NLL playoffs. His impact was evident as he led the team with 92 points (comprising 44 goals and 48 assists).
Head Coach Ed Comeau praised Thompson’s contributions, stating, “Lyle continues to be a standout player and an ambassador for lacrosse, both on and off the field. His passion, respect, and role-model qualities make him an asset to the entire lacrosse community.”
Coach Comeau provided a vivid description of Thompson’s personality, portraying him as someone who cherishes his family, possesses exceptional creative abilities, and is driven by a strong sense of purpose. Comeau emphasized how the game of lacrosse can shape one’s character in profound and often overlooked ways.
Thompson’s selfless dedication to growing the sport is evident through his involvement in a wide range of initiatives, such as school gym programs, lacrosse clinics, annual Cherokee lacrosse camps, and active engagement within the Indigenous communities. His commitment to promoting the sport and fostering its growth is truly remarkable and sets an inspiring example for others to emulate.
The Georgia Swarm also extend congratulations to Tom Schreiber of the Toronto Rock and Keegan Bal of the Vancouver Warriors, both distinguished finalists for the Sportsmanship Award.
For further details on all the winners of the 2023-24 National Lacrosse League end-of-season awards, please visit NLL.com.
Below are the all-time winners of the Sportsmanship Award
- 2024 – Lyle Thompson, Georgia Swarm
- 2023 – Lyle Thompson, Georgia Swarm
- 2022 – Lyle Thompson, Georgia Swarm
- 2020 – Lyle Thompson, Georgia Swarm
- 2019 – Lyle Thompson, Georgia Swarm
- 2018 – Lyle Thompson, Georgia Swarm
- 2017 – Jordan Hall, Georgia Swarm
- 2016 – Ben McIntosh, Saskatchewan Rush
- 2015 – Kyle Buchanan, New England Black Wolves
- 2014 – Garrett Billings, Toronto Rock
- 2013 – Garrett Billings, Toronto Rock
- 2012 – Johnny Powless, Rochester Knighthawks
- 2011 – Jordan Hall, Rochester Knighthawks
- 2010 – Shawn Williams, Rochester Knighthawks,
- 2009 – Dan Dawson, Boston Blazers
- 2008 – Dan Carey, Colorado Mammoth
- 2007 – Tracey Kelusky, Calgary Roughnecks
- 2006 – Sean Greenhalgh, Philadelphia Wings
- 2005 – Gary Gait, Colorado Mammoth
- 2004 – Gary Gait, Colorado Mammoth & Peter Lough, Arizona Sting
- 2003 – Chris Driscoll, New York Saints/Toronto Rock
- 2002 – Jim Veltman, Toronto Rock
