Last Saturday, Hunter Lemieux had one of his lifelong dreams turn into reality. The Roberts Wesleyan men's lacrosse senior was selected 15th overall in the 2021 National Lacrosse League draft by the Philadelphia Wings. Lemieux becomes the first player in Roberts' program history to be drafted into the NLL. 

Lemiuex was projected to be a top draft pick following a successful box lacrosse career growing up which began at the age of three. 

"Nothing seems real until you hear your name called," Lemieux said. "Even after that it still didn't feel real. I'm just excited for the opportunity to play in the NLL and couldn't be happier that it will be in Philly." 

Ascending to one of the elite prospects of the NLL draft wasn't an easy road for Lemieux who spent most of his time crossing the border to Canada to gain his lacrosse experience. Starpoint High School in Lockport, N.Y. where Lemieux grew up didn't offer lacrosse as an option. 

"Not having lacrosse at my high school, I was never heavily recruited for college, so being able to be noticed coming from a smaller school means even more to me," Lemieux remarked. 

Roberts head men's lacrosse coach Rocky Delfino was one of few who did recruit Hunter and is happy that he did. Lemieux will go down as one of Roberts most accomplished men's lacrosse players. In four seasons of play, including the COVID-19 suspended 2019 season Lemieux has scored 140 goals for the Redhawks. 

"For the past four years I have had a front row seat to watch a truly special player," Delfino said. "Hunter is one of the most level-headed, humble, and grateful players you will meet. He will succeed at the next level because no stage is too big for him." 

The Philadelphia Wings and head coach Paul Day also believe that Lemieux will be a success at the professional level. 

"In the first round of the draft, we were eager to draft Hunter Lemieux," said Day. "Hunter is an American player that has played Box lacrosse in Canada since he was 3 years old. He lives very close to the border and had a good career in Junior A where he was coached by current Wings Brett Hickey and Alex Crepinsek. Hunter was at the top of our draft board and when it looked like he was going to be available at 15, we were lucky enough to trade down to get another second round pick for next year."

Philadelphia will have to be patient to get Lemieux acclimated as the senior forward will complete his degree in Business Management and Social Entrepreneurship at Roberts and finish out one last season with the Redhawks this spring. 

"I am still excited to play my last year at Roberts," Lemieux said. "I'm focused on getting my degree and getting a full time job. Although, I can't wait to get to Philly for training camp next year."