For the first time in the history of Villanova's Men's lacrosse program the team can lay claim to a first-team All-America selection. Brian Karalunas, a long-pole midfielder, was recognized by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association for the third time (he was previously named to the Honorable Mention team).
He has also been the Big East Defensive Player of the Year for the past two seasons as well as receiving the CAA defensive honors prior to that.
Five other Big East lacrosse players made the first-team, including Joel White, John Lade and John Galloway of Syracuse and Kevin Ridgway and David Earl of Notre Dame. No other Villanovans were named to any of the USILA All-American teams.
Reid & Karalunas
Karalunas was also named Villanova's 2011 Men's Senior Student-Athlete of the Year at the annual Senior Student-Athlete Banquet held on May 17th, 2011. Cross-Country superstar Sheila Reid won the Women's award. According to Villanova, "[t]he Senior Student-Athlete of the Year is given to the top male and female Villanova student-athlete who excel in athletics, academics and community service. The winner must have at least a 3.2 GPA, in addition to being a significant contributor to his/her team."
Karalunas met the academic aspect of the award by compiling a 3.94 GPA. He graduated with degrees in Philosophy and the Honors Program. Reid also graduated this spring with a 3.41 GPA in her English major and will return to Villanova in the fall for her final year of eligibility.