KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 23, 2017

Atlanta Blaze take Connor Hanson in 10th round

Kennesaw State’s three-time All–American Men’s Club Lacrosse goalie Connor Hanson will be playing for the Atlanta Blaze, which selected him in the 10^th round of the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) draft. Hanson, who is credited with 978 saves during his Owls’ career and a 64.3 save percentage, was the 83^rd overall pick.

The Spring 2017 graduate was instrumental in KSU’s 48-17 record during his four years on the club team, which competed in three SouthEastern Lacrosse Conference finals and two MCLA Division II National Championships.

The Blaze had a good look at Hanson during the spring semester when the MLL team scrimmaged against the club team at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, where the Blaze will play its next home game on July 1.

“I'm always looking for ways to get better or add different parts to my game,” Hanson said. “When you stop changing, you stop progressing. Having this dynamic mindset/playing style forces one to always look ahead; but I have found, looking at where you came from can be just as valuable.”

Hanson, who is the first KSU player to be drafted to play professional lacrosse, majored in information systems. He was named Co-Defensive Player of the Year after the 2016 season in which the Owls advanced to the national quarterfinals.

“Playing at KSU gave me countless opportunities to lead, teach and learn,” the Acworth native said of his club sports experience. “I just love the game. I love being a great teammate and the journey I made with my team, the relationships built along the way.”

Hanson, a three-time All-American, also was a three-time All-Conference pick, three-time Academic All-American and was chosen as Defensive Player of the Year for his conference as a junior.

"We have many athletes who have gone on to play for some highly selective teams," said Heidi Potratz, associate director of KSU Club Sports and Camp Program. "We have a former member of the women's soccer club playing for Oak City United, a team in the Women's Premier Soccer League.”

The KSU Club Sports program is home to more than 40 clubs, running the gamut from baseball and basketball, to roller hockey and waterski, with 1,800 students participating. Teams travel and compete against other universities, representing KSU on both a regional and national level.

— Robert S. Godlewski

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.