Bridgewater College Boosts MIAA Pipeline with 2025 Commitment of Mount St. Joe's MJ Doyle

Division III’s ODAC continues to tap into MIAA talent as Bridgewater lands standout short-stick defensive midfielder MJ Doyle

Al Franyo | Dec 4, 2024

Mount St. Joseph's MJ Doyle is the latest MIAA A Conference lacrosse player to commit to Bridgewater College. / Photo Courtesy of MJ Doyle

In college lacrosse, the MIAA (Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association) serves as a premier breeding ground for top talent. Conferences like the Division III Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) have increasingly benefited from this pipeline, securing players who excel at the collegiate level. Among ODAC programs making notable strides in recruiting MIAA talent, Bridgewater College is emerging as an underrated yet consistent player.

Bridgewater recently added another jewel to its recruiting crown with the commitment of Mount St. Joe short-stick defensive midfielder MJ Doyle. A member of the class of 2025, Doyle brings tenacity and skill to the Virginia-based program. His decision to join Bridgewater adds him to a growing roster of former MIAA standouts, including defenseman Ryan Addison, a fellow Mount St. Joe product. Addison, who served as a team captain and earned all-conference honors last spring, has set a high bar for MIAA alumni excelling in ODAC play.

Doyle’s commitment reflects a strong mutual fit. According to MJ, his visit to Bridgewater left a lasting impression, particularly the welcoming atmosphere of the campus and the guidance of its coaching staff. These factors solidified his choice, making the Eagles his collegiate home.

The program, led by veteran head coach Mic Grant, has steadily grown in prominence within the ODAC since its inception. Entering his 13th season at the helm, Grant has guided the Eagles to multiple conference tournament appearances, including five in the last six full seasons. Known for fostering development and competitive success, Grant has created a program where players like Doyle can thrive.

Doyle’s arrival could coincide with continued success for Bridgewater, as the Eagles aim to make deeper runs in the ODAC tournament. His skills as a short-stick defensive midfielder and the strong leadership of Coach Grant offer a promising foundation for Bridgewater’s aspirations.

With a growing list of MIAA talent and a focus on cultivating team success, Bridgewater College is solidifying its reputation as a destination for top lacrosse recruits. Congratulations to MJ Doyle and his family as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.

Published Dec 4, 2024

AL FRANYO

Al Franyo has been a die-hard fan and follower of lacrosse, especially at the high school and college levels, since the late-80s. He absolutely loves watching games, as well as talking and writing about the sport. On Facebook, he founded the College Lacrosse Discussion Page, which has well over 15,000 members, and helped found and runs the MIAA Lacrosse Discussion Page, which has nearly 5,000 members. The MIAA A Conference is one of the strongest, most competitive and exciting high school conferences in America. Three of his favorite topics include recruiting news about players making college commitments, programs taking the next steps under their respective head coaches, and programs that are so-called "sleepers" when it comes to being very good to great. Even with lacrosse growing at such a rapid pace, Franyo loves how it is still such a small, tight, and fun world. And, in many ways, it is its own culture. He began writing about his favorite sport for High School On SI in 2024. Twitter: @alfranyo