From freshman rookie to senior captain, Colin Kryger has combined hard work, determination, and an unstoppable drive to succeed in his lacrosse journey both on and off the field.
“My mom said I was born with a lacrosse stick in my hand,” Kryger said. He attended multiple M-A lacrosse games during his childhood. He always knew that when he became a Bear, he would play lacrosse.
Kryger’s journey started with his family’s support when he was only eight. He began playing for the Grizzlies, a recreational team in Menlo Park.
Kryger also comes from a family of accomplished lacrosse players. His father played lacrosse for the University of Pennsylvania, and his brother, a M-A alumnus who graduated last year, went on to play lacrosse at the University of Florida.
Before his first year at M-A, Kryger switched club teams to join ADVNC, seeking a more competitive atmosphere. He practiced almost daily and traveled to cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego for tournaments.
When it finally came time to try out for the M-A lacrosse team, Kryger’s talent shined bright. He earned a spot on the varsity team as an attacker in his freshman year. “The transition to playing here felt easy because I’d been coming to games for so long,” Kryger said.
He attributes much of his success to his former teammate Marcello Battista, who also played attack. After games and practices, Battista would help him develop his skills and give him advice.“I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who’s had a bigger impact on me,” Kryger said.
Along with Battista, Kryger’s father has actively supported him throughout his lacrosse career. Whether cheering him on from the sidelines or actively coaching a game, Kryger’s father has played a vital role in his journey.
“A lot of people think it’s awkward for my dad to be my coach, but it’s nice because we can bond over something we both love,” Kryger said.
Now, as a senior and team captain, Kryger aims to continue encouraging the team just as his former teammates did for him. With over five years of previous lacrosse experience, along with his determination, this season has been a top-shelf finish for the Bears.
Despite some losses at the start of the season, their resilience and dedication carried through as they remain undefeated in the PAL league. “It’s been awesome to see the improvement and watch it pay off,” Kryger said. “It’s been a learning curve, but we’re just trying to go daily and make as many improvements as possible.”
Kryger’s persistence and passion for lacrosse keep him constantly pushing forward. “I’m super competitive, so I love the intensity,” he said.
Alongside the competition, the relationships he’s built over the years keep him returning to the field. “I’ve made some of my best friends through lacrosse. I honestly can’t imagine my life without it,” he said.
Kryger has long been determined to take his game to the next level. Last year, he began actively seeking colleges that offered the perfect balance between rigorous academics and a highly competitive club lacrosse program, places where he could continue growing both as a student and an athlete.
Kryger recently committed to the University of Texas at Austin, where he will play on the club lacrosse team and major in sports management.
“When I toured it, I loved it. I could totally picture myself going there,” Kryger said.
For Kryger, this next chapter only marks the beginning. “Lacrosse will always be a big part of my life,” he said. “I hope I can come back and coach somewhere one day.”
Whether he’s on the field or cheering from the sidelines, his love for the game and the community it creates is something he plans to carry with him for years to come.
