The Georgia Swarm today announced the team has signed Lyle Thompson, the first overall selection of the 2015 NLL Draft, to a two-year deal. Thompson is the first-ever draft pick in Georgia Swarm team history.
“Being selected number one overall in the NLL Draft is an amazing experience, but having the opportunity to play for the Georgia Swarm with my brother is a dream come true,” Thompson said. “I am very thankful and excited to play for the fans of Georgia and the NLL community.”
“Lyle has proven at every level of lacrosse that he is one of the game’s best,” Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. “With the opportunity to once again play with his brother, Miles, along with several of his teammates from the Iroquois Nationals, we believe that Lyle is in the perfect position to succeed here in Georgia. He has an electric skillset and he possesses the natural ability to make those around him better. We look forward to seeing him in a Swarm uniform at training camp this December.”
Thompson, 23, is the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer in DI lacrosse, totaling 400 career points during his four-year career as an attackman at UAlbany from 2012-15. Thompson also holds NCAA DI records for all-time career assists (225) and points in a single-season when he totaled 128 (51G, 77A) in 2014 – his 121 points (52G, 69A) in 2015 rank second all-time. Regarded as one of the best athletes to ever play the collegiate game, the Onondaga Nation, N.Y. native became the first back-to-back male recipient of the prestigious Tewaaraton Trophy (Lacrosse Player of the Year) when he received the award during the 2014-15 seasons. Thompson’s 77 assists in 2014 also tied an NCAA record for the most in a single-season.
“We’re looking forward to having Lyle in town next Monday for a introductory press conference and a meet-and-greet event for our fans,” Swarm Co-Owner and President Andy Arlotta said. “Lyle along with his brother, Miles, are great role models for young lacrosse players and we know the local community is eager to meet them.”
The 6-foot, 180-pound attackman, who is the younger brother of Swarm forward Miles Thompson, posted three-straight seasons with at least 50 goals from 2013-15, and finished his career with 175. With his natural ability to both distribute and score, Thompson led the nation in points per game (6.37) en route to First Team All-America honors this past season.
While at UAlbany, Lyle was a member of the well-known “Thompson Trio” which included his brother, Miles, and cousin, Ty. With their unique chemistry and lethal scoring abilities on the field, the Thompson Trio garnered national attention on ESPN’s SportsCenter, CBS News and the New York Times. With Miles and Ty having graduated in 2014, Lyle managed to lead UAlbany to its second consecutive NCAA Quarterfinal appearance on National TV.
Thompson is also a member of the Iroquois Nationals (National Team), who won the silver medal in the 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships this past Sept. in front of over 10,000 fans at the Carrier Dome. While playing against many of the top NLL players at the world games, Thompson totaled 30 points (16G, 14A) in six games and was named to the All-World Team.
“We are very excited to have Lyle join the Swarm and to get a chance to work with him,” Swarm head coach Ed Comeau said. “Having watched him compete at the WILC, I have no doubt that Lyle can make an immediate impact for our team in the NLL. His athleticism, speed and vision will allow him to work well with our returning offensive players and other draft picks.”
Thompson’s brother, Miles, was selected No. 3 overall in the 2014 NLL Draft by the Swarm. Thompson also has two other older brothers, Jerome, and Jeremy, who play in the NLL.
