Mac O’Keefe Bio
Macaire Emeric O’Keefe is an American professional lacrosse player who currently plays for the Archers Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League and the San Diego Seals in the National Lacrosse League. Born on February 6, 1998, in Plainview, New York, he is notably recognized as the all-time leading goal scorer in NCAA history. O’Keefe’s exceptional skill set and impactful performances have made him a key player in the sport, earning multiple accolades during his collegiate career at Penn State.
Early Life and Background
O’Keefe was born in Plainview, New York, as one of two children to Lynann and Brian O’Keefe, and raised in Syosset, New York. His father, Brian O’Keefe, played college lacrosse at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he recorded 251 career points, and went on to play professional lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League for the New York Saints and Anaheim Storm. Due to his father’s influence, Mac grew up playing box lacrosse. In the field, O’Keefe originally played as a goalie before switching to attack in eighth grade. He played lacrosse for Syosset High School, where he helped the team win Nassau County and Long Island Class A Championships in 2015, leading Nassau County in goals and earning honorable mention All-America honors in 2014 and 2015.
Path to Lacrosse
O’Keefe began his collegiate career in 2017 at Penn State. In his first collegiate game against Robert Morris, he scored seven goals, earning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors. He broke Penn State’s single-season goals record, which had stood since 1957, with 51 goals, earning honorable mention All-American honors and being named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week six times. During his sophomore year, O’Keefe led the team with 35 goals and earned honorable mention All-American honors again. He truly broke out as a junior, forming a dynamic partnership with teammate Grant Ament, leading the NCAA with 78 goals and achieving the second-highest scoring season in Penn State history with 96 points. In the NCAA quarterfinal against Loyola, he tied the NCAA record for most goals in a tournament game with nine, helping Penn State reach its first-ever Final Four.
Mac O’Keefe Career
Early Career (2021)
O’Keefe was drafted sixth overall by Chaos in the 2021 Premier Lacrosse League College Draft. During his first professional season, he won the PLL Championship with Chaos. He signed a two-year contract with the Archers in the 2023 offseason as a free agent, reuniting with former Penn State teammate Grant Ament.
Breakthrough (2021-Present)
O’Keefe was drafted 15th overall by the San Diego Seals in the 2020 National Lacrosse League Draft and made his debut during the 2022 season. He has continued to excel in both leagues, showcasing his skills as one of the best shooters in the world, known for his low release point and deceptive shooting style.
Notable Works and Milestones
O’Keefe holds the NCAA all-time goals record with 221 goals, achieving this milestone during his final season at Penn State. He has been recognized as a three-time All-American and a three-time First Team All-Big Ten player, solidifying his legacy in collegiate lacrosse.
Mac O’Keefe Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Mac O’Keefe has received multiple nominations and accolades, including being named an All-American three times and earning First Team All-Big Ten honors on three occasions.
Mac O’Keefe Awards Won
Mac O’Keefe has achieved significant recognition in his lacrosse career, including winning a PLL Championship in his rookie season. His accomplishments in college lacrosse include breaking the all-time goals record and being named to various All-American teams.
Mac O’Keefe Family
Mac O’Keefe is the son of Brian and Lynann O’Keefe. He has one sibling and was raised in a family that valued sports, particularly lacrosse, which has influenced his career path.
Personal Life
Details about Mac O’Keefe’s personal life, including relationships and children, are not publicly available. He remains focused on his professional lacrosse career while continuing to make an impact in the sport.