Ben Wayer
Ben Wayer Pronunciation
TIFFANY ON WAYER
2024 – “Ben is a changed defenseman, having undergone a transformation rarely observed. Startling is the word the best defines the unwavering and almost maniacal intensity Ben now brings to the lacrosse field. A talented player before, Ben is currently on a mission to wreak historic havoc on opponents and bring even more firepower to our offensive end. While his teammates have to bear the brunt of his zealous spirit in practice, we are all eager to witness Ben and his impending impact as he is unleashed back into the Division One lacrosse world.” 2022 – “Taking the proverbial next step in front of our eyes, and these are not baby steps … Making plays up and down the field … Anticipates the opposing offense’s next pass, and then attacks the ball or the receiver … Hunts ground balls and has exceptional skills to make them end up in his long stick.” 2021 – “A lot to work with here … has a sophisticated handle with his long stick … will focus as a long-stick midfielder and play on faceoff wings … proving himself already to have a good foundation with the team schemes.”
2024
- USILA Honorable Mention All-American
- USA Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American
- Appeared in all 18 possible games as UVA’s primary long-stick midfielder
- Led all Division I non-faceoff specialists in ground balls (98) and ground balls per game (5.44)
- His 98 ground balls are the most by a UVA non-faceoff specialist in single-season history
- Tallied a career-best 10 ground balls and added an assist in UVA’s 11-10 double-overtime win over Johns Hopkins (May 19) in the NCAA Quarterfinals
- Picked up eight ground balls in UVA’s NCAA First Round win over No. 13 Saint Joseph’s (May 11)
- Also dished out a career-best two assists against the Hawks
- Collected a then career-high eight ground balls and scored one goal at No. 3 Duke (April 14)
- Tied his career best of two goals in UVA’s win at Towson (March 9)
- ACC Defensive Player of the Week (Feb. 12-18)
- Most Improved Player Recipient at Virginia Men’s Lacrosse Annual Banquet
2022
- Appeared in 11 of UVA’s 16 games as a long-stick midfielder
- Picked up 15 ground balls and caused nine opponent turnovers
- Scored two goals, including one in the Cavaliers NCAA Tournament First Round game at Brown (May 14)
- Tied his season high of four ground balls in UVA’s NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals matchup against No. 1 Maryland (May 22)
2021
- Appeared in 12 of UVA’s 18 games
- Missed six games with an injury
- Picked up 19 ground balls and caused 3 turnovers
- Made collegiate debut against Towson and picked up five ground balls
- Picked up three ground balls in the NCAA title game against Maryland
- Scored one goal and dished one assist against High Point
HIGH SCHOOL
- Four-year starter
- Part of two state championship teams and a member of the 2019 IAC runner-up team
- A three-time all-state and All-IAC honoree
- A three-time Under Armour Underclass team member
- Named second-team All-Met from the Washington Post in 2019 and honorable mention in 2018
- Member of the 2020 IAC championship team and 2020 state runner-up squad that went 30-4
- Two-year starter as a defensive end
- Two-year starter as a forward
- Earned nine letters in high school
PERSONAL
- Son of Ellen and Kevin Wayer
- Has two brothers, Calum and Alex
- Mom, Ellen, played basketball at the University of Rochester (1989-90)
- Volunteer work includes Old Presbyterian Meeting House Youth Group and Winners Lacrosse Coach, where he worked with kids on how to play and appreciate the game of lacrosse
- Enjoys golfing, fishing, skiing, pickup basketball and long boarding
- Majoring in Commerce and Global Studies