Former Tufts D3 star Mason Kohn now dominating the X for No. 6 Syracuse
By Matt Rebuck (@mrebuck19)
February 21, 2024 - Just a few weeks into the 2024 NCAA lacrosse season, Mason Kohn is already lighting up the Division 1 lacrosse world with his work at the faceoff X for the Syracuse Men’s lacrosse team. Kohn’s journey from Tufts University to Syracuse University stands out as a testament to his skill, determination, and adaptability. While at Tufts, Kohn, who additionally served as the captain of the hockey team, achieved recognition for an impressive 72% win rate and secured 184 ground balls at the faceoff X. These accomplishments led to him being honored with the Faceoff Player of the Year award in Division 3 for the 2023 season. Now, as the starting faceoff man for Syracuse University, Mason has maintained an impressive 77% win rate through his first three games, earning himself the ACC defensive player of the week for the first week of ACC play. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Kohn, a former teammate of mine at Tufts. He shed light on the motivations behind his transfer, the challenges he has faced so far, and the personal growth he has experienced throughout this transition.
The decision to transfer from Tufts to Syracuse was rooted in Kohn’s aspiration to compete at the pinnacle of collegiate lacrosse. Despite a challenging choice, the allure of Division 1 competition and the opportunity to contribute to Syracuse's storied lacrosse program played pivotal roles in his decision-making process. Kohn mentioned that he and the other seven 5th year grad transfer students on the Syracuse lacrosse team, often refer to the goal of “restoring the dominance” of the program that current head coach, Gary Gait helped to establish as a player for the orangemen in the late 80s.
Analyzing the disparities between Division 3 and Division 1 lacrosse, Kohn emphasizes the nuanced aspects of pace, athleticism, and game management. In acknowledging the swifter tempo and elevated athleticism characteristic of Division 1 play, Kohn recognizes the necessity for recalibration. Interestingly, he attributes the prompt decision-making skills he developed at Tufts to the institution's offensive pace of play. Kohn candidly observes that Syracuse's offensive rhythm is somewhat slower than Tufts', although he underscores that the superior athleticism of the athletes demands rapid decision-making. Notably, he pays homage to the offensive mentality cultivated at Tufts, which has become a cornerstone for his keen decision-making and stick skills. Kohn insightfully notes the evolving nature of his game, acknowledging the imperative role of a heightened lacrosse IQ in the Division 1 landscape. In contrast to relying predominantly on athleticism, as occasionally witnessed at Tufts, Kohn underscores the vital importance of strategic decision-making in navigating the challenges posed by the heightened level of competition at Syracuse.
Syracuse's team dynamics reflect a slightly more professional culture compared to Tufts. While fostering a tight-knit camaraderie accentuated by the sheer amount of time spent together, the abundance of transfers lends an almost one-year-contract ambiance to the team and Kohn’s role on it. Concurrently, in the off-season, Kohn witnessed a substantial shift in training practices, with the amount of time spent in the weight room nearly doubling compared to Kohn's experiences at Tufts. The NESCAC’s offseason restrictions and emphasis on academic work prohibit Tufts from coming anywhere near Syracuse in offseason practice and training time. As a result, Kohn has noticed a difference in his speed, quickness, and overall fluidity while on the field. He noted that he truly feels “like a lacrosse player now, rather than just an athlete with a stick in his hands.” Despite facing challenges integrating with the team in the fall due to his injury, Kohn's resilience and positive contributions to the team culture were evident. His ability to overcome these hurdles resonated with teammates, ultimately leading to his election as captain for the 2024 season. This outcome was unsurprising to those acquainted with Kohn's exceptional leadership, a trait consistently observed during his years at Tufts.
Looking forward, Kohn's lacrosse career at Syracuse is fueled by a dual commitment to personal improvement and contributing to the team's success. As a leader both on and off the field, he harbors aspirations of leaving a lasting impact on the program and aiding Syracuse Men's Lacrosse in reclaiming its historic prominence in collegiate lacrosse. Rather than succumbing to it, Kohn sees pressure as a motivating force derived from his experiences at Tufts. His ability to positively handle external expectations emphasizes the mantra of motivation over stress, embodying a mindset that has become integral to his narrative of ambition, adaptation, and triumph. As Kohn continues to etch his legacy on D1 lacrosse, his journey serves as an inspirational narrative, encouraging aspiring athletes to embrace challenges, pursue growth, and make an enduring impact on the sport they love.
From his beginnings as a hockey player at Tufts to his current success in Division 1 lacrosse at Syracuse, Mason Kohn's journey is a testament to his unwavering passion and relentless effort. His accomplishments at every level underscore the notion that with dedication and fervor, one can achieve anything they set their sights on.
February 21, 2024 - Just a few weeks into the 2024 NCAA lacrosse season, Mason Kohn is already lighting up the Division 1 lacrosse world with his work at the faceoff X for the Syracuse Men’s lacrosse team. Kohn’s journey from Tufts University to Syracuse University stands out as a testament to his skill, determination, and adaptability. While at Tufts, Kohn, who additionally served as the captain of the hockey team, achieved recognition for an impressive 72% win rate and secured 184 ground balls at the faceoff X. These accomplishments led to him being honored with the Faceoff Player of the Year award in Division 3 for the 2023 season. Now, as the starting faceoff man for Syracuse University, Mason has maintained an impressive 77% win rate through his first three games, earning himself the ACC defensive player of the week for the first week of ACC play. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Kohn, a former teammate of mine at Tufts. He shed light on the motivations behind his transfer, the challenges he has faced so far, and the personal growth he has experienced throughout this transition.
The decision to transfer from Tufts to Syracuse was rooted in Kohn’s aspiration to compete at the pinnacle of collegiate lacrosse. Despite a challenging choice, the allure of Division 1 competition and the opportunity to contribute to Syracuse's storied lacrosse program played pivotal roles in his decision-making process. Kohn mentioned that he and the other seven 5th year grad transfer students on the Syracuse lacrosse team, often refer to the goal of “restoring the dominance” of the program that current head coach, Gary Gait helped to establish as a player for the orangemen in the late 80s.
Analyzing the disparities between Division 3 and Division 1 lacrosse, Kohn emphasizes the nuanced aspects of pace, athleticism, and game management. In acknowledging the swifter tempo and elevated athleticism characteristic of Division 1 play, Kohn recognizes the necessity for recalibration. Interestingly, he attributes the prompt decision-making skills he developed at Tufts to the institution's offensive pace of play. Kohn candidly observes that Syracuse's offensive rhythm is somewhat slower than Tufts', although he underscores that the superior athleticism of the athletes demands rapid decision-making. Notably, he pays homage to the offensive mentality cultivated at Tufts, which has become a cornerstone for his keen decision-making and stick skills. Kohn insightfully notes the evolving nature of his game, acknowledging the imperative role of a heightened lacrosse IQ in the Division 1 landscape. In contrast to relying predominantly on athleticism, as occasionally witnessed at Tufts, Kohn underscores the vital importance of strategic decision-making in navigating the challenges posed by the heightened level of competition at Syracuse.
Syracuse's team dynamics reflect a slightly more professional culture compared to Tufts. While fostering a tight-knit camaraderie accentuated by the sheer amount of time spent together, the abundance of transfers lends an almost one-year-contract ambiance to the team and Kohn’s role on it. Concurrently, in the off-season, Kohn witnessed a substantial shift in training practices, with the amount of time spent in the weight room nearly doubling compared to Kohn's experiences at Tufts. The NESCAC’s offseason restrictions and emphasis on academic work prohibit Tufts from coming anywhere near Syracuse in offseason practice and training time. As a result, Kohn has noticed a difference in his speed, quickness, and overall fluidity while on the field. He noted that he truly feels “like a lacrosse player now, rather than just an athlete with a stick in his hands.” Despite facing challenges integrating with the team in the fall due to his injury, Kohn's resilience and positive contributions to the team culture were evident. His ability to overcome these hurdles resonated with teammates, ultimately leading to his election as captain for the 2024 season. This outcome was unsurprising to those acquainted with Kohn's exceptional leadership, a trait consistently observed during his years at Tufts.
Looking forward, Kohn's lacrosse career at Syracuse is fueled by a dual commitment to personal improvement and contributing to the team's success. As a leader both on and off the field, he harbors aspirations of leaving a lasting impact on the program and aiding Syracuse Men's Lacrosse in reclaiming its historic prominence in collegiate lacrosse. Rather than succumbing to it, Kohn sees pressure as a motivating force derived from his experiences at Tufts. His ability to positively handle external expectations emphasizes the mantra of motivation over stress, embodying a mindset that has become integral to his narrative of ambition, adaptation, and triumph. As Kohn continues to etch his legacy on D1 lacrosse, his journey serves as an inspirational narrative, encouraging aspiring athletes to embrace challenges, pursue growth, and make an enduring impact on the sport they love.
From his beginnings as a hockey player at Tufts to his current success in Division 1 lacrosse at Syracuse, Mason Kohn's journey is a testament to his unwavering passion and relentless effort. His accomplishments at every level underscore the notion that with dedication and fervor, one can achieve anything they set their sights on.