Cmiel Readies for PLL Championship Series
2/25/2026 1:03:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State men's lacrosse alumnus Connor Cmiel ('24) will play for the California Redwoods in the Premier Lacrosse League's Championship Series starting this weekend in Springfield, Va.
Cmiel is a four-year letterwinner and played short-stick defensive midfield for the Buckeyes from 2021-24. Following his collegiate lacrosse career, he played a season of football at Coastal Carolina before earning a Premier Lacrosse League training camp invite last summer. He started his professional career with the Philadelphia Waterdogs and joined the Redwoods in August of 2025. The Rocky River, Ohio native is reunited with former Buckeye and Redwoods head coach Anthony Kelly ('03), who was named the team's head coach last year.
Learn more about Connor:
Why did you choose Ohio State? What stood out to you about Ohio State in the recruiting process?
"Growing up as a kid from Ohio, I always wanted to play for the Buckeyes. Throughout the recruiting process the culture and my relationship with Coach Myers and Crane made a big impact on why I chose Ohio State. From the minute you step in the locker room, you can feel why the brotherhood is different in Columbus."
What was your favorite memory from your playing career at Ohio State?
"My favorite memory from playing at Ohio State was beating Notre Dame at the 'Shoe in 2022."
What went into your decision to play a season of football following your collegiate lacrosse career?
"I had a dream of playing college football since I was young and got the opportunity to pursue that at Coastal Carolina. It was a little daunting to play football again after not playing since high school, but I loved competing and proving myself every day. Coach Myers and the staff were super supportive throughout the process."
What made you want to pursue a professional lacrosse career following the football season?
"The opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport against the best players in the world."
What's is like playing for former Buckeye Anthony Kelly?
"It's been awesome to get to play for Coach Kelly. He is an Ohio lacrosse legend. He cares deeply about the players and has created a great culture for the Redwoods. I've been fortunate to be coached by him in the past and to have another opportunity is really special."
What are some key differences between the Championship Series and the typical PLL game?
"The Champ Series is a fast, up-and-down version of lacrosse. Tons of goals, everyone playing offense and defense makes for a fun game to play and exciting game to watch."
What excites you about your team?
"We have a great core that have played together along with several young talented guys that add juice to the team. The coaching staff and leaders have instilled a positive vibe and competitive spirit in the locker room. We have had a great couple months of prep and believe we are ready to get after it this weekend."
How do you feel about coming back with the PLL to the Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium this summer?
"It's amazing to have the PLL back at Ohio State Lacrosse Stadium. The venue is unlike anything else in lacrosse. I've had so many great memories on that field and I'm excited for the opportunity to add some this summer. The stadium is a really special place and to have the pinnacle of our sport back is great for the growth of lacrosse in Ohio."
The Championship Series
The tournament features the top four teams from the 2025 season – the Redwoods, Denver Outlaws, New York Atlas and Carolina Chaos – in a Sixes style game. This will be the format the game will played when lacrosse makes its return to the Olympics at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The round-robin games will be contested February 27-March 6 with the top three teams moving on. The second and third place teams from the round robin play in a semifinal game March 7 and the winner advances to play the first place team March 8 in the championship game.
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