Established in 2001 by the Tewaaraton Foundation, the Tewaaraton Award is college lacrosse’s premier individual honor and annually recognizes the nation’s most outstanding men’s and women’s player.

The award honors the Native American origins of the sport, with “Tewaaraton” meaning lacrosse in the Mohawk language. The trophy itself was designed by Mohawk artist Bob Haozous and features a bronze statue of a Native American lacrosse player.

Since the award’s inception, no school has produced more Tewaaraton Award winners than the University of Virginia, which boasts recipients Chris Rotelli (2003), Matt Ward (2006) and Steele Stanwick (2011). Virginia is also one of only two programs nationally with at least 13 finalists, including Connor Shellenberger, the Cavaliers' lone three-time finalist.