Kastner, Nunes, Shellenberger Named to Tewaaraton Award Watch List
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia men’s lacrosse players Cole Kastner (defense), Matthew Nunes (goalie) and Connor Shellenberger (attack) have been named to the 2024 Tewaaraton Award Men’s Watch List, the Tewaaraton Foundation announced on Wednesday (Feb. 14).
The Tewaaraton Award annually honors the top male and female college lacrosse player in the United States. The selection committees are made up of premier collegiate coaches and are appointed annually by The Tewaaraton Foundation.
Only Duke (4), Virginia (3), Notre Dame (3) and Syracuse (3) had at least three selections in this year’s initial list.
“These student-athletes represent the very best at the collegiate level and have honored the Creator’s game with their past play,” said Andy Phillips, president of the Tewaaraton Foundation. “We look forward to watching them achieve new heights this season for both themselves and their teammates.”
Wednesday’s announcement marks the third time of Kastner’s career in which he has garnered recognition from the Foundation. In 2022, he was a first round addition to the Watch List and was later named one of the final 25 nominees. Prior to the start of the 2024 season, Kastner was tabbed a First Team All-American by Inside Lacrosse and USILA. Last season, he finished second on the team in caused turnovers (21) and fourth in ground balls (40).
Nunes’ first career honor from the Foundation comes after he led the ACC in save percentage (55.1) among conference games in 2023. In 16 starts last season, Nunes guided the Cavaliers to their third Championship Weekend appearance in the previous four opportunities and set the program’s single season saves record (213). He recorded a game-high 17 saves in UVA’s NCAA semifinals overtime loss to Notre Dame, which went on to capture the 2023 NCAA title.
A two-time Tewaaraton Award Finalist, Shellenberger is one of two players in program history to garner USILA First Team All-America honors three times. Last season, Shellenberger led the nation in assists (3.38/game). Upon recording 11 goals and 11 assists in the Cavaliers’ three NCAA Tournament games last year, Shellenberger earned 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.
No. 3 Virginia (1-0) travels to No. 16 Richmond (1-1) on Saturday (Feb. 17). Opening faceoff from Robins Stadium is set for 1 p.m. on ESPN+.