Graphic: Kyle Maier
BY: KYLE MAIER, SPORTS EDITOR
Six years before Utah Archer’s starting goalie Brett Dobson became a two-time Premier Lacrosse League champion, he was a Canadian high school prospect with zero Division I offers, hoping for a single opportunity.
St. Bonaventure men’s lacrosse head coach Randy Mearns gave him that chance.
“I knew Brett had that special ‘it’ that takes you to the next level,” said Mearns. “He wasn’t shy about his dream of playing in the NLL, the PLL, or team Canada in our very first phone call. That’s big for me in our recruiting process. ‘Where are you trying to get to?’ Then we go to work to make those dreams achievable.”
The National Lacrosse League is a men’s professional box lacrosse league that primarily plays in the Fall and Winter.
Also a two-time PLL all-star, Dobson described how a lack of college offers motivates him even now.
“To take that one offer and really make the most of it, I think it was huge and helped motivate me,” said Dobson. “Not being recruited and not really getting some respect that I felt like I deserved at the time really pushed me to get to where I am now and it still pushes me.”
A goalie for SBU from 2018-2022, Dobson says he’s forever grateful for his time in the Southern Tier.
“My four years at Bonaventure were some of the best years of my life and I wouldn’t change that for the world,” said Dobson. “The relationships I’ve built with all the guys who were at the championship; it speaks volumes to how that one offer evolved into everything else. To be the first guy from St. Bonaventure to play in the PLL has been a tremendous honor.”
Dobson said he hopes to pay Bonaventure lacrosse back through his sponsorship with New Balance Athletics.
“I’m with Warrior as a New Balance-sponsored athlete,” said Dobson. “I’m big on making sure to leave a place better than I found it, and I’ve been working with Warrior to try to get a full deal done with Bonnies in the future. If I’m using that gear, I think it would be awesome if we could get guys at Bonaventure using it and following that pipeline.”
Warrior Sports, a subsidiary of New Balance, is a sporting goods manufacturer that produces lacrosse apparel and equipment.
On Sept 15., the Archers secured their second straight 2024 PLL Championship and Dobson won his second-straight Championship Game MVP. Following the victory, Dobson rushed to the stands to celebrate with Mearns, former teammates and the current Bonaventure lacrosse team, who flew to Philadelphia to support him.
Dobson said he aims to be an inspiration for current Bonnie’s lacrosse talent.
“One of coach Mearn’s biggest philosophies is to have kids who have dreams of being somewhere,” said Dobson. “Mine were to play in the NLL, the PLL and Team Canada. A lot of those current players have the same dreams. I’m hoping I’ve taught them how to lead guys the right way and about family.”
Once overlooked and now living his dream, Dobson has a message for young players with similar goals.
“Continue to love what you do,” said Dobson. “Don’t lose that passion for the sport. If you’re able to have that passion and never lose it, good things will come. All you need is an opportunity. All you need is a chance.”
Coach Mearns emphasized Brett’s story represents what manifestation can do for an athlete.
“Brett paved the way in that at a very special place we call St. Bonaventure, dreams can become reality,” said Mearns. “The fact of the matter is that he had a dream, was willing to talk about it, and put it in the daily work to become the best goalie on planet Earth. And he’s a Bonnie forever. Priceless!”
maierkj22@bonaventure.edu
