Jonathan Donville Named 2022-23 National Lacrosse League Rookie of the Year

FORT WORTH, TX (May 26, 2023) – Panther City Lacrosse Club forward Jonathan Donville has been named the 2022-23 NLL Rookie of the Year, the league announced today.

“Jonathan has been everything we had imagined and more since we selected him as the first overall selection in franchise history,” General Manager Bob Hamley said. “From the second he first stepped onto the floor, his lacrosse IQ has stuck out to me and that was seen all season as he competed at the highest level with the greatest lacrosse players in the world and held his own. His future is so bright and we cannot wait to see what’s next from him.”

Donville, the first overall selection in the 2021 NLL Entry Draft, led all rookies in points (90), which were the fourth-most ever by a rookie in NLL history, and assists (67), which were the second-most ever by a rookie in NLL history. He finished second amongst rookies with 23 goals. For his efforts, Donville was named NLL Rookie of the Week five times this past season, more than any other rookie in the league.

“We picked Jonathan first overall for a reason, even knowing we had to wait a year for him to be with our group,” Head Coach Tracey Kelusky said. “Needless to say, he was well worth the wait and is not only an elite player in our league, but he is a great teammate and a great leader for our group. His approach to the game and his desire to get better every time he steps on the floor is why he is so good and why he will continue to be a force in the NLL for years to come.”

Donville, the league’s top scoring rookie, also finished 9^th in the NLL with his 67 assists. His 90 points were the 20^th most in the league and he was the only rookie amongst the top 10 in assists and top 20 in points. His 29 power play assists were the most in the league and he finished tied for second in the NLL with 31 power play points.

With his Rookie of the Year honor, Donville has also been selected as a member of the 2022-23 NLL All-Rookie Team, which gives Panther City back-to-back years with an All-Rookie selection, as Patrick Dodds was named to the 2021-22 All-Rookie Team.