Barry University Athletics announced six additions to the Barry University men’s lacrosse team’s 2027 roster on Oct. 6, including three goalies and three face-off specialists. Two of the additions are transfers. Head coach Alex Williams said the group brings competition and experience to the program in Miami Shores.
Daniel Castro, Jordan Gortarez-Nelson and Max Johnson are the face-off specialists. Nick Dutrieux, Luke James and Matthew McCoy make up the goalie group. Williams discussed the freshmen, transfers and the preparation required at both positions.
Barry adds three face-off specialists
Castro attended Vestal Senior HS and compiled a 73 percent face-off percentage as a senior. He was a sectional champion and received the Seal of Biliteracy. Castro said he chose Barry University because he wanted to compete in the Sunshine State Conference while being held to high standards.
“I chose Barry University because not only do I want to be held to the highest standards but also compete in one of the most respected and well-known conferences,” Castro said.
Gortarez-Nelson is from Paradise Valley, Arizona, and was a five-time letter winner in football and lacrosse. He played in 11 games as a senior, finishing with five goals, two assists, seven points, 38 shots on goal, 104 ground balls and 157 face-offs won. He played in 51 career games, totaling 15 goals, six assists, 21 points, 401 ground balls and 527 face-offs won.
Gortarez-Nelson was a three-time all-state selection and a first-team all-state selection. He also was a Faceoff Factory Top FOGO watchlist selection, won the Billy Loyd Memorial Award and ranked No. 1 in Arizona in ground balls and face-off wins. He said the opportunity to help build Barry’s first-year lacrosse program influenced his decision.
“I chose Barry because I wanted to be part of the first year lacrosse program and have the opportunity to help build something from the ground up. I also loved the idea of living in a big city where I can enjoy fishing, going to the beach, and everything Miami has to offer,” Gortarez-Nelson said.
Johnson previously attended CCBC-Essex and Westminster HS. He played and started 12 games, recording four goals, one assist, five points and eight shots on goal while winning 157 of 233 face-offs. Johnson finished his CCBC-Essex career with 292 face-offs won out of 443 taken.
Johnson also played and started 16 games as a freshman, winning 135 of 210 face-offs. He was a New Balance All-American and a two-time all-state selection. His reason for choosing Barry was concise: “To become the best while competing with the best.”
Three goalies join 2027 roster
Dutrieux recorded a .600 save percentage as a senior and a .620 save percentage over his career. He was a second-team All-Catholic selection. Dutrieux said Barry’s academics, atmosphere and opportunities helped shape his decision.
“I chose Barry for the academics and the great atmosphere along with the opportunities that revolve around it,” Dutrieux said.
James previously attended Mercyhurst University and appeared in one game there. He attended East Syracuse Minoa Central HS, where he was named Defensive Player of the Year. James finished his high school career with 454 saves, including 191 during his senior year.
“I chose Barry because of the immediate connection with Coach Williams and wanted to be a part of Barry’s first ever lacrosse team,” James said.
McCoy recorded a .550 save percentage as a senior and a .610 save percentage during his team’s championship run. He finished his career with a .540 save percentage and more than 350 saves. McCoy also was a two-time state champion, a two-time first-team all-county selection and an AP Scholar.
“I chose Barry, because it is an awesome opportunity to help start a new program and make history,” McCoy said.
Williams emphasizes competition and preparation
Williams said the face-off specialists have shown the technique, strength, quickness and competitive mentality required to battle on every possession.
“This is an exciting group with tremendous potential. Faceoffs require technique, strength, quickness and a willingness to battle every possession. These young men have shown that competitive mentality, and we’re looking forward to watching them push each other every day.”
Williams also emphasized preparation and mentality for the goalies.
“Goaltending is a position where preparation and mentality matter just as much as athletic ability. This group has the tools, competitiveness, and work ethic we’re looking for. They’re eager to learn, eager to compete, and ready to put in the work.”
Regarding the transfers, Williams said, “You want goalies and FO specialist who aren’t afraid of the pressure, and this group thrives on competition. They bring experience, confidence and an edge to the cage and the Dot,”
Williams added, “These guys also have tremendous leadership qualities, they mentor our guys and exemplify what we are looking for on a daily basis! We’re excited to have them here and can’t wait to see them make an impact.”
FSB Take
Barry University Athletics has added six players to its men’s lacrosse roster, with the announcement focused on the face-off and goalie positions. The group includes two transfers, three face-off specialists and three goalies. The additions also bring documented face-off, ground-ball and save-percentage production from their previous programs and high school careers.
Source: Original report