NEW HAVEN, Conn.- TD Ierlan '20, a three-time All-American at Yale, was named the Paul Cantabene Faceoff Athlete of the Year, as the Premier Lacrosse League announced its end-of-season awards.
Ierlan is the third player, and first Yale Bulldog, to ever win the accolade. He was second in the league in faceoff percentage (60.5%) and third in the league in ground balls (74) this season. He also won 70 percent or more of his faceoffs in three games during 2025 and dropped below 50 percent only twice. Additionally, he recorded six points (3G, 3A) for a Redwoods team that reached the semifinals.
Regarded as one of the best faceoff specialists of all time, Ierlan had a decorated career at Yale. He was a Tewaaraton Award finalist and a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year for the Bulldogs. While at Yale, he set the NCAA career records for ground balls and faceoff wins. He holds 10 total NCAA records from his collegiate career.
History of the Paul Cantabene Faceoff Athlete of the Year Award
Always known as one of the most intense and hardest-working lacrosse players, Paul Cantabene was an All-American during his time at Loyola and a perennial All-Star in both the indoor and outdoor professional game. Nationally known for his durability, toughness and unrelenting will to win, Cantabene remains one of the best lacrosse players of all time. This award is given to the best faceoff player.
