MURFREESBORO, N.C. – Out of all the teams on Chowan University's campus that embody energy and unity, the men's lacrosse program stands out in their own way. They are known for showing up not only for one another but for their fellow Hawks across every sport. As the 2026 season approaches, it is only fitting that they receive the same unwavering support they so passionately give.
After competing last season with a young roster who were still learning the game and each other, the team returns in 2026 with valuable experience and a more concise understanding of what it takes to compete at a high level within Conference Carolinas. With growth, maturity, and chemistry built through a demanding offseason, the Hawks enter the new year poised to take another step forward.
Head Coach P.R. Simshauser begins his second season at the helm after serving six total years with the program. Joining him on the sidelines is newly appointed assistant coach, Hassan Davis. Davis enters his inaugural coaching season after competing for the Hawks just three years ago—bringing both familiarity and a player's perspective to the staff.
Building the Standard
This offseason Coach Simshauser emphasized three key areas of improvement: reducing turnovers, implementing new offensive principles, and playing with greater decisiveness on the defensive side of the field. Together these priorities serve as the blueprint for continued growth and sustained success.
"It's the most fun I've had in a fall offseason," said Simshauser on his time with the group in the fall season. "This group is extremely cohesive and continues to persevere through the good, the bad, and everything in between."
That sense of unity—paired with leadership from a coaching staff deeply connected to the program—has positioned the Hawks to turn togetherness into a competitive advantage. Lacrosse, at its core, is more than athletic ability; it is communication, trust, and the willingness to work collectively to out-strategize opponents on both ends of the field. It's these very qualities that will position the Hawks for success in the season to come.
Core Group of Returners
Chowan returns 23 student-athletes who are well-versed in the program's culture, expectations, and competitive mindset. That continuity provides a strong foundation entering the 2026 campaign, supported by a talented senior class and emerging leaders across the field.
Senior Michael Litchfield, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, continues to anchor the defense as a long-stick midfielder and defender. A consistent starter throughout his career, Litchfield has recorded 99 ground balls and 61 caused turnovers, while also contributing offensively with five career goals. Known for his versatility, hustle, and physical presence, he brings energy to every possession.
Senior goalkeeper Rocco Smith, from Stuart, Florida, enters his second season as the Hawks' primary goalie. In 21 career games, Smith has accumulated 200 saves while serving as the backbone of Chowan's defense. A team captain, his leadership extends far beyond the crease, setting the tone for communication and togetherness on the defensive end.
Reed Low, a native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, returns as one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the conference. The attackman totaled 25 goals and 15 assists last season for 42 points and served as the engine behind much of the Hawks' offensive production. Quick, explosive, and difficult to defend, Low remains a focal point for opposing teams scouting reports.
Senior defender Harry Edwards, a native of Adelaide, Australia, adds further strength to the defensive unit. Across his career Edwards has collected 85 ground balls and forced 44 turnovers. His presence over the last four seasons has aided in providing consistent pressure and reliability on the defensive side of the ball.
Also returning are seniors and four-year contributors Julian Wolfe, a native of Germantown, Maryland, and Calvin Evans, from Decatur, Georgia. Wolfe brings a shiftyness and composure at the attack position, while Evans adds depth and physicality as a long-stick midfielder and defender.
A trio of Canucks return after a solid 2025 season for the Hawks. That trio is led by Seth MacKenzie who suited up for 11 matches a year ago, getting 13 goals and 11 assists. MacKenzie has the ability to put up multiple goals in a game and with another year of experience on his side, he will be one of the top offensive threats this season. Justin Hill and Owen Williams combined for 10 goals and 17 assists a year ago. Both players are healthy heading into the spring season after having a productive fall season.
Treston Gatewood returns as an attackman and has the ability to make shots all over the field. The Jacksonville, North Carolina native posted nine goals and three assists a year ago. Scott Cathcart returns for his junior season after a productive sophomore season at the midfield position. The New Zealander started in all 12 games a year ago and posted seven goals and two assists.
Thomas Rohal returns for his junior season as midfielder. The Abingdon, Maryland native is an aggressive player who finds ways to create opportunities for his teammates while also posing as an offensive threat himself. Over two seasons he has 14 career goals and five career assists and will look to add to that total this season.
On the defensive side of the field, the Hawks return Reagan Corley, Isaiah Gill, Patrick Hoff, and Jayden Rodriguez. Hoff picked up 22 ground balls a year ago and caused 16 turnovers while Corley had 14 ground balls and 19 caused turnovers. Both defenders played in all 12 games a year ago, which adds experience to the Hawks defensive scheme for 2026. Gill picked up 24 ground balls and had 10 caused turnovers in 12 games a year ago while Rodriguez's field presence will assist in Simshauser's plan for an aggressive defense.
At the faceoff position, Kennedy Moore returns as the Hawk with the most experience from a year ago. The Mechanicsville, Virginia native appeared in 11 games in 2025, winning 12 faceoff attempts for the Hawks. Nathan Rawls returns as a junior for the Hawks at the midfield position. Rawls, a native of Bowie, Maryland, saw time in 2024 but missed the 2025 season. After a solid 2025 fall season, Rawls is ready to contribute.
Andrew Marker, Junior Philippe, Todd Egan, Kevin Bailey, and Ja'Michael Stewart will suit up this season after redshirting in 2025. Egan will add depth to the attack position while both Bailey and Stewart will assist in shoring up the defense. Marker will add depth to the midfield position. Philippe will assist the Hawks in their defensive efforts this season.
The Newcomers
The 2026 freshman class brings both talent and unique connections, with several players arriving from shared hometowns and high school programs.
From Virginia Beach, Virginia, goalkeeper Christopher Willis joins the Hawks alongside midfielders C.J. Kuykendall and Kelly Williams. Willis and Kuykendall were high school teammates, with Kuykendall serving as a face-off specialist, while Williams adds athletic depth and versatility to the midfield unit.
Midfielders Michael Wagner and Iijah Linder also enter their first collegiate season after competing together in high school, growing up just one town apart in Zebulun and Wendell, North Carolina. Their familiarity and on-field chemistry are expected to translate seamlessly to the Hawks' midfield.
International representation continues with Australians Lachlan Daniel, a midfielder and face-off specialist, and Mitchell White, a spring addition who brings added versatility to the midfield group. Hailing from towns just 30 minutes apart—Greenmount and Perth—the two bring more depth to the midfield group.
Rounding out the class are Tobin Kaiser, a face-off specialist born and raised in Okinawa, Japan, and Matthew Ingram, a defender from Buford, Georgia—both poised to make an impact as they develop within the program.
The Season Ahead
The 2026 season opens on the road as the Hawks travel to Hartsville, South Carolina, to face Coker University on February 14 at 2:30 p.m. Chowan will then return home just three days later for its home opener against Tusculum University on February 17 at 1:00 p.m., continuing non-conference play.
Conference Carolina's action begins on March 7 when the Hawks host Shorter University at 12:00 p.m. The contest will also serve as Senior Day, honoring the seven members of the Class of 2026.
The regular season concludes on the road against Barton College on April 17 at 7:00 p.m. as Chowan looks to secure a spot in the Conference Carolinas Championship.
"Consistency through four quarters, winning the ground-ball battle, and creating more opportunities in the riding game will be our focus every time we step on the field," Simshauser said.
As the Hawks set their sights on success this season, the message remains clear—play together, compete for all four quarters, and hone in on everything that worked in the off season.
"Come out and support the team," Simshauser added. "We have several exciting home games this year, and we're especially looking forward to playing under the lights—starting with Mount Olive on March 18 at 7:00 p.m."
