TD Ierlan Bio
Tristan David “TD” Ierlan is an American professional lacrosse player who plays as a faceoff specialist for the California Redwoods of the Premier Lacrosse League and the Toronto Rock of the National Lacrosse League. Regarded as one of the best faceoff specialists of all time, Ierlan holds numerous NCAA records, having played at Albany, Yale, and Denver before turning professional. Additionally, he is a volunteer assistant lacrosse coach at Syracuse.
Early Life and Background
TD Ierlan was born on April 12, 1998, in Victor, New York, USA. He is the son of Mike and Karen Ierlan and has a brother, Chayse, who is also a lacrosse player with the Redwoods, and a sister named Doyle. Ierlan attended Victor Senior High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, earning four varsity letters in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. He set a school record in wrestling with 161 wins and achieved significant success in lacrosse, winning 1,135 faceoffs at an impressive 83% win rate, collecting 661 ground balls, and recording 50 points throughout his high school career. His outstanding performance helped lead Victor to state championships in lacrosse during his final two years, earning him All-American honors and recognition as New York Player of the Year.
Path to Lacrosse
After high school, Ierlan began his collegiate lacrosse career at the University at Albany, where he quickly made a name for himself. In his freshman year, he won 70.8% of his faceoffs, totaling 323 wins, which ranked second in NCAA history at the time. He also collected 202 ground balls, placing fourth in NCAA history. Ierlan’s impressive performance earned him the America East Rookie of the Year title, along with several All-Conference honors. In his sophomore year, he set single-season records for faceoff percentage, wins, and ground balls, and was named the America East Defensive Player of the Year. After two successful seasons at Albany, Ierlan transferred to Yale University, where he continued to break records. During his first season with the Yale Bulldogs, he set new records for faceoff wins and ground balls, achieving 393 and 293 respectively. He also set the NCAA record for the best faceoff percentage in a game, going 26-26 against Harvard, and established records for faceoff wins and ground balls in an NCAA tournament game. Ierlan’s performance earned him First Team All-American honors and a finalist position for the Tewaaraton Award.
TD Ierlan Career
Early Career (2021-2022)
TD Ierlan began his professional career in 2021 after being drafted. He was selected first overall in the 2020 Major League Lacrosse draft by the New York Lizards but opted to return to college for another season. In 2021, he was drafted fourth overall by the Redwoods Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League college draft, where he made an immediate impact as a rookie, earning All-Star honors. Ierlan was also selected 30th overall in the 2020 NLL Draft by the Toronto Rock, making his debut in the 2022 season as a defenseman and faceoff specialist.
Breakthrough (2022-Present)
Ierlan’s breakthrough in the professional arena came with his debut in the National Lacrosse League during the 2022 season. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Toronto Rock, contributing significantly to the team’s performance. His ability to win faceoffs and his defensive skills have made him a valuable asset to both the Toronto Rock and the Redwoods Lacrosse Club.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, TD Ierlan has achieved numerous milestones, including setting the career record for faceoff wins in NCAA history with a total of 1,245 wins and 867 ground balls. He also holds the single-season record for faceoff wins and ground balls, showcasing his dominance in the sport. Ierlan’s accolades include being named Ivy League Player of the Year in 2019 and America East Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
TD Ierlan Award Nominations
Throughout his career, TD Ierlan has received several nominations and accolades, highlighting his exceptional skills and contributions to lacrosse. His recognition as Ivy League Player of the Year and America East Defensive Player of the Year are among the notable honors he has achieved.
TD Ierlan Awards Won
TD Ierlan has won multiple awards throughout his career, including being named a five-time All-American, with two selections to the First Team. His achievements in the NCAA have solidified his reputation as one of the top faceoff specialists in lacrosse history.
TD Ierlan Family
TD Ierlan is the son of Mike and Karen Ierlan. He has a brother, Chayse, who plays alongside him on the Redwoods Lacrosse Club, and a sister named Doyle. The Ierlan family has a strong connection to sports, particularly lacrosse, which has played a significant role in their lives.
Personal Life
While specific details about TD Ierlan’s personal life are limited, he is known for his commitment to the sport and his role as a volunteer assistant lacrosse coach at Syracuse. His dedication to lacrosse extends beyond his playing career, as he actively contributes to the development of young athletes in the sport.