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18 CAVALIER CORNER BY PATRICK BOLING W hile much of the lacrosse world eagerly awaited the end of Con- nor Shellenberger's illustrious college career, its conclusion was one that was out of sorts for Shellen- berger and UVA lacrosse fans alike. Shel- lenberger and the Cavaliers' 2024 campaign came to a close after falling 12-6 in the NCAA Tournament semifinals to Maryland, which unfortunately for the Hoos was playing its best lacrosse of the season at the time. Following the loss at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Shellenberger took to the po- dium at the post-game press conference, his last official duty as a Virginia Cavalier. To no sur- prise, it was emotional, but completed in Shel- lenberger fashion: with authenticity and class. Upon being asked to reflect on his time as a Cavalier, Shellenberger paused and held back tears while being consoled by head coach Lars Tiffany. "You trying to make me cry?" Shellenberger asked rhetorically. "I'm passionate. It means everything. I've been going to the games since I was 10, 11 years old. This team means ev- erything. I just can't believe it's over." Shellenberger, who grew up in Charlottes- ville, arrived on Grounds as a heralded recruit and exited as one of the greatest players in the history of UVA's storied program. After guiding the Hoos to their seventh NCAA championship in 2021 in his first season on the field, Shel- lenberger went on to reach heights that no other player in school history attained. For starters, he now holds the program's all-time points (323) and assists (192) re- cords, and is UVA's only four-time first team All-American and three-time finalist for the Tewaaraton Award, which is annually be- stowed upon the nation's top lacrosse player. "I know, isn't it amazing what he's done?" Tiffany said. "He sashayed into the lacrosse world as a redshirt first-year in 2021 and blew us all away, what he did in those four games." While Shellenberger's career from start to finish is perhaps one of the best ever in NCAA history, many of his signature perfor- mances came on the biggest of stages. Tiffany's comments came on the heels Shel- lenberger's game-winning goal in double over- time of this year's NCAA Tournament quarterfi- nal against Johns Hopkins, the program where ironically enough Shellenberger had previously committed to as a young prospect. His game- winner sent the Cavaliers to championship weekend for the third time of his career. Considered one the best passers in the game, Shellenberger took matters into his own hands on that memorable afternoon. Coming out of a UVA timeout, Shellenberger dodged down the alley and headed behind the goal, but quickly reversed course, eluding his de- fender in the process, and buried a left-handed shot which snuck past the Hopkins goalkeeper. Tiffany elaborated, "He'd prefer to be a feeder. He loves being 'Mr. Unselfish,' but he continues to earn that moniker, 'Mr. May,' doesn't he?" Speaking of the month of May, for the third time of his career Shellenberger was named to the NCAA's All-Tournament team. He was the only player to not participate in this year's championship game to earn such honors after averaging 4.33 points in three tournament contests. For the second consecutive year, Shellen- berger led the ACC in assists (52), good for second among all Division I players nationally. He made a name for himself as an elite distributor, elevating the confidence and abili- ties of players around him such as Payton Cormier, who ended his career as the NCAA Division I all-time goal leading scorer, and Xander Dickson, who previously set UVA's single-season goals record (61) in 2023. Seemingly more often than not, both Cormier and Dickson were on the receiving end of a Shellenberger pass before finishing at the net. And now, Shellenberger, Cormier and Dick- son — Virginia's starting attack in 2023 — have been reunited as members of the Premier La- crosse League's New York Atlas. Shellenberger was drafted second overall by the Atlas, join- ing Dickson who was selected in the second round of the 2023 draft. Cormier was claimed off waivers just days after the 2024 draft. Shellenberger had only one week to heal from the sting of playing in his final collegiate career game to making his PLL debut. In his first professional outing, Shellenberger did what UVA fans were so accustomed to for four years. He broke out for 8 points on 3 goals and 5 assists to tie the PLL record for the most points recorded in a rookie debut, a strong sign of perhaps yet another fruitful chapter of his decorated career. While the list of Shellenberger's accomplish- ments is seemingly endless, so too are his positive intangible qualities he provided to his alma mater: his drive, humility and selflessness. The fusion of Shellenberger's lacrosse skill set, acumen and leadership, which Virginia will surely miss, is not lost upon Tiffany. "It's Patrick Mahomes retiring. He's our quarterback. He does everything. He's just so humble, so wonderful to be around. Not a conceited, arrogant bone in his body." 'MR. UNSELFISH' Homegrown Star Connor Shellenberger Capped His Stellar Career As UVA Men's Lacrosse's All-Time Assists And Points Leader MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 2023-24 IN REVIEW Shellenberger, UVA's only four-time first-team All-American, fin- ished his career as the school's all-time leader in both assists (192) and points (323). (Photo courtesy UVA)