Fighting Irish Ready to Compete in 2026 Lacrosse Season

SEATTLE - Forget the 11–5 record from last year. For the O’Dea Fighting Irish, those 178 goals in 2025 were just the start. As the guys walked off the turf at Genesee Park after the first official practice of the 2026 season, you could tell this spring feels different. It isn’t just about getting back on the field; it’s about unfinished business. The Metro League is never easy, but O’Dea is heading into this season with the kind of veteran leadership most teams wish they had. At the center of it all are seniors Miles Burdeen and Bennett Smoltz, a duo that’s been playing together so long they practically know what the other is thinking before the whistle even blows. If the Irish are going to make a deep run this year, it’s going to be because of seniors like them stepping up when the game is on the line.

The schedule isn’t doing the Irish any favors early on, but that’s exactly how the team wants it. "We open on March 17 against Nathan Hale at Jane Addams, a game that’s always loud, physical, and high-energy." From there, the team hits the road to face Eastlake on March 24 for a massive reality check against one of the top KingCo programs, before coming back home to host Bellarmine Prep and Lakeside.

The most interesting part of the calendar, though, is the trip to Arizona in early April. By scheduling Southwest heavyweights like Corona del Sol and Brophy Prep, O’Dea is intentionally stepping out of the PNW comfort zone. It’s a huge test: traveling 1,500 miles to see if our defense can keep up with that fast, desert style of play. Those out-of-state trips are about more than just the flight and the hotels; they’re where the team really clicks before the games that matter most.

When the Irish get back to face "the Big Three,” which are teams like Eastside Catholic, Bellevue, and Seattle Prep, they won’t just be relying on raw talent. They’re banking on the chemistry built during those long road trips and the hours spent grinding at Genesee. This 2026 season isn't just about wins and losses on the scoreboard, it’s about whether this team can keep their heads when the clock is winding down in May. From the rain at practice to the heat in Phoenix, the Fighting Irish look balanced, confident, and ready to prove they belong at the top.

By: Brandon, Save, Ivan, Kyle

Video interview link: WIN 20260306 10 10 01 Pro