University of Richmond Athletics
Three Spiders Tabbed Inside Lacrosse Preseason All-Americans
01/28/2026 | Men's Lacrosse
Richmond, Va.— A trio of Spiders were named Inside Lacrosse Preseason All-Americans, announced by the publication Wednesday. Short-stick defensive midfielder Jack Pilling earned Second Team honors, close defenseman Hunter Smith was named to the Third Team, and offensive midfielder Joe Sheridan received Honorable Mention recognition.
Pilling played in all 18 games last season and earned national recognition as both an Inside Lacrosse and USILA Third Team All-American, while also receiving Second Team Midseason All-America honors from Inside Lacrosse. The short-stick defensive midfielder and cornerstone of Richmond's rope unit collected 27 ground balls and caused 17 turnovers, added a goal against UMBC on March 8, and helped the Spiders finish eighth in the country in clearing in 2025, going over 89 percent. He recorded a season-high three caused turnovers twice, against Robert Morris on Feb. 8 and No. 19 UMass on April 19.
Smith, a staple of Richmond's defense, started all 18 games during the 2025 season and routinely drew assignments against opponents' top attackmen. He earned Inside Lacrosse Second Team All-America and USILA Third Team All-America honors, while also being named Atlantic 10 Co-Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection. Smith finished the season with 27 ground balls and 27 caused turnovers and was additionally recognized as a Preseason All-Atlantic 10 pick and an Inside Lacrosse Second Team Midseason All-American.
Sheridan, a key contributor in Richmond's midfield, also started all 18 games and earned USILA and Inside Lacrosse All-America Honorable Mention honors, along with First Team All-Atlantic 10 recognition. He totaled 40 points on 30 goals and 10 assists, while adding 14 ground balls and four caused turnovers. Sheridan was named the Atlantic 10 Tournament Most Outstanding Performer after scoring three goals in the championship game against High Point on May 3 and was also recognized as an Atlantic 10 All-Academic selection.
All three, who will serve as captains for the 2026 season alongside attackman Aidan O'Neil, were also tabbed Preseason All-Americans by USA Lacrosse Magazine.
The No. 9 Spiders open the season this Saturday, Jan. 31, when they host preseason favorite Maryland at noon at Robins Stadium.
