The journey of CJ Kirst’s Brothers highlights how family tradition and dedication can lead to national prominence in lacrosse.
Christopher John Kirst has established himself as one of the most dominant players in college lacrosse history.
The Cornell senior attackman achieved legendary status during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, earning first-team All-American honors from both USA Lacrosse and Inside Lacrosse in consecutive years.
Kirst reached the pinnacle of Division I lacrosse by breaking the all-time career goals record with his 225th goal against Dartmouth on April 26, 2025.
His remarkable 2024 senior campaign featured 45 goals and 22 assists across 14 games, earning him Tewaaraton Trophy semifinalist recognition and a unanimous first-team All-Ivy League selection.
The pinnacle of his collegiate career came on Memorial Day 2025, when he scored six crucial goals in Cornell’s 13-10 victory over Maryland in the NCAA championship game, ending the Big Red’s 48-year title drought.
With his sixth goal of that historic game, Kirst tied the Division I single-season goals record with 82 tallies, cementing his status as college lacrosse’s all-time leading scorer and a true game-changer who transformed Cornell into national champions.
CJ Kirst’s Brothers Have Built A Strong Lacrosse Legacy Together
The Kirst brothers’ extraordinary achievements stem from a family deeply rooted in the tradition and excellence of lacrosse.
Their parents, Kyle and Michelle Kirst, built the foundation for what would become one of lacrosse’s most remarkable family dynasties.
Kyle Kirst served as a legendary figure in New Jersey lacrosse, earning recognition from Cornell coach Connor Buczek as “a legend in New Jersey lacrosse.”
The Kirst family faced devastating tragedy on June 9, 2015, when Kyle suffered a fatal heart attack at age 47, leaving Michelle to raise five boys ranging from elementary school to college age.
Michelle Kirst, also a Rutgers graduate, demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience in maintaining the family’s lacrosse legacy while providing emotional support and guidance to her sons.
Connor Kirst – The Pioneer
Connor Kirst, born in 1997, blazed the trail for his younger brothers as the first to achieve Division I lacrosse success.
His collegiate journey began at Villanova University, where he established himself as an elite midfielder from 2016 to 2020.
Connor’s Villanova career peaked with recognition as a 2020 Inside Lacrosse Media All-American First Team selection and BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year in 2019.
His impressive statistics included 121 goals and 58 assists for 179 points across 65 college games, along with 131 ground balls and 25 caused turnovers, showcasing his complete two-way game.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption of the 2020 season, Connor made the meaningful decision to transfer to Rutgers University for his fifth year, reuniting with his family’s alma mater alongside brother Colin.
At Rutgers, Connor earned Third Team All-American honors from USILA and First Team All-Big Ten recognition, helping establish the program’s competitive foundation.
The Premier Lacrosse League recognized his talent by selecting him seventh overall in the 2021 draft, launching his professional career with the Whipsnakes before eventually joining the Boston Cannons.
Connor currently excels as a dual-threat professional, competing as a two-way midfielder for the Boston Cannons in the Premier Lacrosse League and the Las Vegas Desert Dogs in the National Lacrosse League.
His leadership qualities and relentless work ethic have made him one of the sport’s most respected players.
Connor’s international achievements include earning a silver medal with Team USA at the 2022 World Games, where he scored 15 goals in five games while excelling in the innovative Sixes discipline.
His teammates and coaches consistently praise his team-first attitude and contagious work ethic, qualities that directly reflect the values instilled by his father, Kyle.
Colin Kirst – The Goalkeeper Guardian
Colin Kirst, born in 1998, followed in his father’s footsteps as a goalkeeper while establishing his own distinguished career.
His collegiate journey began at Lehigh University, where he developed into one of the nation’s premier netminders.
Colin’s exceptional play earned him US Lacrosse All-American recognition and first-team All-League honors.
His leadership and character shone through his academic achievements as well, earning a USILA Scholar All-American distinction.
Like his older brother Connor, Colin chose to spend his fifth year at Rutgers University, creating a powerful brotherhood on the field while honoring their family’s connection to the program.
At Rutgers, Colin elevated his game to new heights, earning 2022 Second Team All-American recognition from USILA.
The Premier Lacrosse League selected him in the third round, 24th overall, in the 2022 draft, bringing him to the Boston Cannons alongside Connor.
Colin’s professional career reached its pinnacle during the recent PLL Championship Series, where he made an incredible 52 saves across five games to lead the Boston Cannons to the title.
His defensive prowess and clutch performances under pressure demonstrated the mental toughness developed through years of family competition.
Beyond his playing career, Colin has shown commitment to lacrosse development by serving as a volunteer assistant coach at Tufts University during spring 2023, utilizing his defensive expertise, particularly in goalkeeper training.
His work with Kirst Brothers Lacrosse continues his father’s coaching legacy, as he teaches young players the fundamentals and mental aspects of the position.
Cole Kirst – The Dynamic Scorer
Cole Kirst, born in 2000, developed into one of college lacrosse’s most versatile and dangerous offensive weapons.
His collegiate career began at Lehigh University, where he played four seasons and started every game during his senior year.
Cole accumulated 55 career goals and 26 assists while demonstrating remarkable consistency and clutch scoring ability.
His 2021 season stood out particularly, as he earned second-team All-Patriot League attackman honors despite missing early games due to injury, finishing with 30 points and showcasing his resilience.
Seeking new challenges and graduate school opportunities, Cole transferred to Syracuse University for the 2023 season, where he immediately made an impact.
The Orange coaching staff recognized his leadership qualities by naming him co-captain, while his on-field performance earned All-ACC Men’s Lacrosse Team selection.
Cole’s Syracuse statistics included an impressive shooting accuracy of 36.1%, with career-high performances of four goals and five points in individual games, proving his ability to dominate at the highest level of college lacrosse.
Cole’s international achievements parallel his collegiate success, as he served as co-captain of the gold medal-winning 2022 U.S. Men’s U20 National Team alongside brother CJ.
His leadership and performance earned him the Team USA Spirit Award, recognizing not only his athletic contributions but also his character and sportsmanship.
Cole currently competes professionally in both the Premier Lacrosse League and National Lacrosse League, bringing his winning mentality to the Halifax Thunderbirds in the NLL.
His experience in journalism and broadcasting has provided unique perspectives on lacrosse, allowing him to contribute to the sport’s growth through media coverage and analysis.
Caden Kirst – The Rising Star
Caden Kirst, born in 2005, represents the future of the family’s lacrosse dynasty as he begins his collegiate career at Rutgers University.
As the youngest brother and a goalkeeper like his father, Kyle, and brother Colin, Caden carries the family tradition while forging his own path.
His high school career at Bernards High School showcased tremendous potential, including an impressive 241 saves during his junior season in 2023, demonstrating the shot-stopping ability that runs in the family.
Caden’s commitment to Rutgers University reflects the deep family connection to the program, where his parents met and his father played, and where his brothers, Connor and Colin, later starred.
The family history influenced his decision to attend Rutgers, the electric atmosphere he experienced attending his brothers’ games, and the program’s educational excellence and team tradition.
As a dual-sport athlete in high school, Caden also played football as a lineman, helping Bernards High School capture the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group 2 championship, showcasing his versatility and team-first mentality.
While Caden did not see game action during the 2025 season, his development as a goalkeeper continues under the program’s guidance.
His brothers consistently emphasize his determination, leadership qualities, and social nature, noting how he brings teammates together for training sessions and team bonding activities.
Caden’s confidence continues to grow through the support and mentorship of his four older brothers, who provide constant guidance and motivation.
His future in lacrosse appears bright, as he combines natural talent with the work ethic and competitive spirit that defines the Kirst family legacy.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- During fifth and sixth grade club lacrosse, CJ would play goalie in the first half and then switch to attack in the second half, often recording 12 saves and five goals in the same game.
- CJ was initially cut from the U20 Games team, but his confidence and belief that “time will come” proved correct when he was later invited to travel with the team, ultimately scoring five crucial goals to lead Team USA to a gold medal.
- While his lacrosse achievements are well-documented, he is pursuing his academic studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University.
