HIGH POINT, N.C. – The High Point men's lacrosse head coach Jon Torpey has announced the team captains for the 2024 season. Appointing five to take the lead with this year's squad, three have returned to the team as veteran graduate students.
 
"We are beyond excited and truly blessed to have these five exceptional student athletes leading our team into the 2024 season," coach Torpey stated. "These five simply put are what every DI student-athlete should strive to be both on and off the field of play. Every one of these guys embodies the traits of a leader and what we look for in a High Point Lacrosse player. What makes this even more special is that each of these young men spoke to the team on why they would be a great fit in this role and after the speeches the captains are 100% chosen by our current players. I truly believe our team did an exceptional job selecting these five young men."
 
Brayden Mayea | Senior | Windsor, Ontario, Canada | Attack
During the 2023 season, Mayea was the team and conference leading scorer totaling 47 goals (2.61 per game) with 17 assists. He became the second Panther to record 40 goals in a season and twice in a career (Dan Lomas, 2014 & 2015). The 2023 preseason All-Atlantic 10 favorite finished the season being selected to the second team All-Conference after guiding the Panthers to a fourth-place finish during the regular season and runner-up in the conference tournament. He finished the year with a .441 shot percentage and .618 shots on goal percentage. He added 17 caused turnovers and picked up 47 ground balls.
 
"I am extremely honored to be a captain on the High Point Men's Lacrosse Team," Mayea stated. "To me it boils down to two things, consistency, and leadership. Our team mantra this year is EDGE (every day give everything). Whether that be in practice, the classroom, extra work or helping teammates outside of lacrosse, there is no off day. I try to embody this and strive to bring along my teammates with me."
 
Henry Mudlaff | Graduate Student | Chevy Chase, Md. | Defensive Midfielder
Mudlaff appeared in all 17 games last season for the Panthers. On the defensive end, he collected 39 ground balls (fourth on the team) and six caused turnovers. He added in two goals and his first collegiate assist which was a season high. Mudlaff found the back of the net at VMI and against Queens last season and dished out his lone assist at Georgetown.
 
"It's a surreal feeling to be elected captain of this team and program, Mudlaff commented. "I think back to my years here, and the best leaders are still talked about to this day. Their influence and impact have shaped the culture of our team in ways that are immeasurable. It's an honor to be a part of that tradition and hopefully pass it on to the next generations of leaders to come through this place."
 
Collin Hoben | Graduate Student | Charlotte, N.C. | Face-Off
Appearing in all 17 games last season, the face-off specialist led the Panthers with 212 face-off wins. Not only did he lead the team in face-off wins, but he also led the team in ground balls. He picked up three caused turnovers and managed to score goals against Detroit Mercy and the University of Massachusetts, while adding an assist against Richmond.
 
"It is an absolute honor to serve as a captain on this team," the graduate student exclaimed. "The men who had this role before me and everything they did to make our team and our culture elite have set the standard incredibly high as to what it means to be a captain. This is a really special group, and I can't wait to see what we can do in the spring."
 
Jack VanOverbeke | Junior | St. Paul, Minn. | Attack
During the 2023 season, VanOverbeke started all 17 games for the purple and white. Leading the team with 78 points, he scored 37 goals and dished out a team-leading 41 assists. He earned his first all-conference recognition (second team) after finishing the regular season as one of the league's best distributors. He was second in the Atlantic 10 and 10^th in NCAA DI for assists per game (2.41) and was first in the conference and 18th in Division I for points per game (4.59). He was named the conference's Offensive Player of the Week on March 13th, 2023.
 
"I am extremely honored to be chosen for this role and it's still surreal, VanOverbeke added. "I can't wait to continue to follow in the footsteps of all of the phenomenal captains who have come before me."
 
Nick Murphy | Graduate Student | Las Vegas, Nevada | Midfielder
Murphy appeared in 16 games for the Panthers last season. He registered 11 goals and three assists. Against Hobart on April 8, 2023, he recorded a career-high two goals in the 14-13 nail biter. Adding to his stats, he picked up five ground balls and one caused turnover.
 
"Having the opportunity to be a captain on this team means the world," Murphy commented. "Being able to take a bigger role in leading and representing this group of guys is one of the greatest honors I have ever received. I'm beyond excited to see how far this team goes and hope this group of seniors leaves a lasting legacy for High Point Lacrosse."