Christopher John Kirst Bio
Christopher John Kirst is an American professional lacrosse player for the Philadelphia Waterdogs of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and for the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League (NLL). He became the fifth player to be selected first overall in both drafts in 2025. Kirst is recognized for his exceptional skills on the field, having set a new Division I record for most career goals with 247 while playing for Cornell University. His impressive performance has earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Tewaaraton Award.
Early Life and Background
Christopher John Kirst was born on September 20, 2002, in Bernardsville, New Jersey, to Kyle and Michelle Kirst. He is the fourth of five sons in his family, all of whom have pursued lacrosse at the collegiate level. Growing up in a lacrosse-centric household, Kirst was heavily influenced by his father’s coaching career, which included stints at various high schools in New Jersey. Tragically, his father passed away from a heart attack in 2015, an event that deeply impacted Kirst and his family.
Kirst attended the Delbarton School in Morristown, New Jersey, where he quickly established himself as one of the state’s leading lacrosse scorers. His senior year was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he had already committed to play lacrosse at Cornell University by July 2019. In addition to lacrosse, Kirst also played basketball during his time at Delbarton, although he chose to focus solely on lacrosse in college.
Path to Lacrosse
Kirst’s lacrosse journey began in earnest during his freshman year at Cornell in 2022, where he made an immediate impact on the team. He scored 55 goals and recorded 79 points across 19 games, finishing second on the team in both categories. His performance earned him the Ivy League Rookie of the Year award and a second-team All-Ivy selection. Notably, he tied the single-game record with seven goals in a first-round NCAA tournament victory against Ohio State.
In addition to his collegiate success, Kirst represented Team USA in the World Lacrosse Men’s U-21 World Championship, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory against Canada in the final, earning MVP honors in the process. His sophomore year in 2023 saw him score 65 goals, tying for the second-most single-season goals by a Cornell player, and he was recognized as a first-team USILA All-American. Kirst continued to build on his success, receiving multiple accolades and becoming a finalist for the Tewaaraton Award.
Christopher John Kirst Career
Early Career (2022-2024)
Kirst’s early career at Cornell was marked by significant achievements. In his freshman year, he helped lead the team to the NCAA championship game, and although they fell short against Maryland, his performance set the stage for future success. His sophomore year further solidified his reputation, as he became a key player in the Ivy League and earned multiple awards, including Ivy League Player of the Year.
During his junior year, Kirst maintained a high level of performance, scoring 45 goals and achieving recognition as a preseason first-team USILA All-American. His contributions to Team USA in the Men’s Box World Championships also highlighted his versatility and skill as a player.
Breakthrough (2025)
Kirst’s senior year in 2025 was a historic one. He scored 82 goals, tying the Division I record for most single-season goals, and became the all-time leading scorer in Division I history with a total of 247 goals. His remarkable performance in the NCAA tournament led Cornell to its first NCAA title in 48 years, with Kirst scoring six goals in the championship game against Maryland. His efforts earned him the title of Most Outstanding Player of the tournament.
Kirst’s accolades continued to accumulate as he was named a first-team USILA All-American for the third consecutive year, along with multiple player of the year honors. His success culminated in winning the Tewaaraton Award, making him the third Cornell player to achieve this honor.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kirst’s signature achievements include setting the Division I record for most career goals and tying for the most goals in a single season. His numerous awards and honors reflect his status as one of the top players in collegiate lacrosse history.
Christopher John Kirst Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Christopher John Kirst has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including the Tewaaraton Award, highlighting his exceptional performance and contributions to the sport of lacrosse.
Christopher John Kirst Awards Won
Kirst has won several notable awards, including the Tewaaraton Award in 2025, Ivy League Player of the Year in 2023 and 2025, and the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Outstanding Player of the Year in 2025.
Christopher John Kirst Family
Christopher Kirst is the fourth of five sons in the Kirst family. His brothers have also pursued lacrosse at the collegiate level, continuing the family’s legacy in the sport.
Personal Life
Details regarding Christopher Kirst’s personal life outside of lacrosse are not widely publicized. He remains focused on his professional career and the upcoming challenges in the Premier Lacrosse League and National Lacrosse League.
