Battle-Tested: O’Dea Lacrosse Pushes Forward Through Injuries

SEATTLE - The O'Dea Fighting Irish Lacrosse has built a reputation as a consistently strong program, and this season is no different. Sitting at 6-2, the Fighting Irish have combined skill, depth, and resilience to position themselves as a serious contender heading into the postseason.

A key part of that success has been the health and performance of attackman Ben Smoltz, who is finally experiencing a full season without setbacks. “I’ve been able to stay healthy this year… it’s the first year that I’ve been fully healthy,” Smoltz said. After dealing with a back injury as a sophomore and multiple ankle injuries last season, his return to form has provided stability and production on the offensive end. “I’ve been doing a lot of PT and stuff just to get back healthy again,” he added.

Still, injuries have remained a theme for the team as a whole. “It hasn’t just been me… we’ve had a bunch of knees go recently,” Smoltz said, pointing to the loss of several key players, including senior Patrick Mirkin. Despite these challenges, the team has maintained its competitive edge under the leadership of the Snider brothers, who continue to emphasize toughness and adaptability.

“It makes us stronger, but it’s rough in the moment,” Smoltz said, reflecting on how the team has responded to adversity throughout the season. That mindset has allowed O’Dea to stay focused and continue winning, even with a shifting lineup.

As the playoffs approach, the Fighting Irish are beginning to regain key contributors. “Patrick… just got back,” Smoltz said, noting the importance of returning players at this stage of the season. However, others remain sidelined such as senior Owen Brustkern, creating both urgency and opportunity for the roster.

Looking ahead, confidence remains high. “As long as the guys we got right now try their best to stay healthy… we should be ready to beat anybody,” Smoltz said.

With a strong record, experienced leadership, and a resilient mindset, O’Dea appears well prepared for a deep playoff run.