Sam Handley Bio
Sam Handley is an American lacrosse player currently playing for the California Redwoods in the Premier Lacrosse League. He is a standout athlete from Portland, Oregon, who made his mark in college lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was celebrated as a three-time All-American. Handley was honored with the prestigious McLaughlin Award as the top midfielder in the nation, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field. As a player, he blends his height and agility, making him a formidable presence in the midfield position.
Early Life and Background
Sam Handley was born in Portland, Oregon, where he was the oldest of three children born to Lisa and JB Handley. He began playing lacrosse at the suggestion of his grandfather, who had played college lacrosse at Dartmouth. Handley looked up to Peter Baum, a fellow Portland native who won the 2012 Tewaaraton Award, stating that as kids playing lacrosse in Oregon, they all wanted to emulate him. Handley attended Jesuit High School, where he was recognized as a US Lacrosse All-American and a first-team OHSLA all-state selection for three consecutive years. As a sophomore, he led the Crusaders to an appearance in the state championship game. By his senior year, Handley was named both the OHSLA Player of the Year and the Oregon Sports Awards Player of the Year, and he was selected to play in the Adrenaline All-American Game as one of the top players on the West Coast. He finished his high school career with an impressive 421 points, comprising 213 goals and 208 assists. In addition to lacrosse, Handley captained the basketball team, earning first-team all-Metro League honors as a senior.
Path to Lacrosse
Handley was rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 79 overall recruit in the 2018 class by Inside Lacrosse. He committed to play college lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was initially recruited as an attackman but was converted to a midfielder to balance the roster. He made an immediate impact, starting in his third game against Penn State, where he scored three goals. In his freshman season at Penn in 2019, he set program records for points, goals, and assists by a freshman, earning multiple accolades including first-team All-American honors and the Ivy League Rookie of the Year award. Handley led the Quakers to their first Ivy League double in program history, winning both the conference tournament and the regular-season title. He also played a crucial role in the NCAA tournament, scoring the game-winning goal against Yale in a thrilling triple-overtime match.
Sam Handley Career
Early Career (2023)
Sam Handley began his professional career in 2023 after being selected by the Chrome Lacrosse Club with the fourth overall pick in the Premier Lacrosse League draft. In his rookie season, he made a significant impact, recording nine goals, a two-pointer, and three assists across nine games. His performance established him as a promising talent in the league.
Breakthrough (2023)
Handley’s breakthrough moment came during his time at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was named a team captain ahead of his senior season in 2022. He produced an impressive 36 goals and 37 assists, earning first-team All-American honors and the Ivy League Player of the Year award. His outstanding performance culminated in receiving the McLaughlin Award as the best midfielder in Division I, making him the first player from Penn to be a finalist for the Tewaaraton Award. In his final collegiate season, Handley finished with 104 goals and 90 assists, ranking third in program history with 194 points.
Notable Works and Milestones
Sam Handley is recognized for his signature work as a three-time First-team USILA All-American and for winning the McLaughlin Award. His dramatic moments include leading the Quakers to consecutive Ivy League tournament titles and setting numerous records during his college career.
Sam Handley Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Sam Handley has received several nominations, including being named a finalist for the Tewaaraton Award, which recognizes the top collegiate lacrosse players in the United States.
Sam Handley Awards Won
Sam Handley has achieved notable awards, including the McLaughlin Award for the best midfielder in Division I and the Ivy League Player of the Year. He is also a three-time First-team USILA All-American, highlighting his exceptional talent on the field.
Sam Handley Family
Sam Handley was born to Lisa and JB Handley, who have supported his athletic endeavors throughout his life.
Personal Life
Details about Sam Handley’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available. He remains focused on his professional lacrosse career while continuing to build on his achievements.