Kastner, Shellenberger, Schutz Named USILA Preseason All-Americans

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia men’s lacrosse players Cole Kastner (first team), Connor Shellenberger (first team) and Griffin Schutz (second team) have been named preseason All-Americans by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA), the organization announced Thursday (Feb. 1).

Additionally, the Cavaliers were voted No. 3 in the nation according to a vote by a panel of head coaches.

Kastner was tabbed a USILA All-American honorable mention last year after finishing second on the team in caused turnovers (21) and fourth in ground balls (40). In 2022, he was named a USILA Second Team All-American and voted ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

Shellenberger is one of two UVA players in program history to be named a USILA First Team All-American three times. In 2023, he also became a two-time Tewaaraton Award finalist after leading the nation in assists (3.38/game). Upon recording 11 goals and 11 assists in the Cavaliers’ three NCAA Tournament games last season, Shellenberger garnered NCAA All-Tournament honors for the second time of his career. In 2021, when the Hoos captured their seventh NCAA title, he was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.

Schutz scored 24 goals and dished out 16 assists last season, having registered at least one point in 15 games. His 40 total points were good for second among UVA’s midfielders, and fifth overall. Schutz was named a USA Lacrosse Magazine Honorable Mention All-American last year.

The Cavaliers kick off their 2024 campaign on Saturday, Feb. 10, when they host No. 9 Michigan. Opening faceoff from Klöckner Stadium is set for noon on ACC Network.