Nation’s Best took Florida by storm over the winter break. The debut of this elite national team composed of the top players from 3Step clubs was highly anticipated. They competed in two events over the break, the Tropical Thaw, and Club Nationals.
The teams ranged from 2023-2029. In order to be selected for a Nation’s Best players must play for a 3Step club which includes, NXT LC, Annapolis Hawks, Thunder, Kings, CT Wolves, and the 3d Lacrosse family of clubs which spans nationwide.
In total, 13 NXT LC athletes were selected. Coach Nile Thompson, Head Coach of the NXT LC 2026, was selected as a 2023 coach for Nation’s Best.
2023 - Coach Nile Thompson
2024 - Stevie Pileggi (Springside Chestnut Hill), Tommy Tray (Malvern Prep)
2025 - Kevin Covington (Haverford School), Dom Paone (Upper Dublin)
2026 - Caden Chisolm, Quinn Mahoney, Kevin Piffath
2027 - Danny Kinnard, Mason Braun, Jake VanMater
2028 - Liam Murray, Bryce Chekemian
2029 - Riley Brennan (2029 MVP at Club Nationals)
Nation’s Best provides an opportunity for NXT LC athletes to compete on an elite stage with other top athletes from around the country. NXT President Peter Lawrence says “it’s an exciting opportunity to be a part of the 3Step family, for NXT LC players to travel and compete with Nation’s Best teams.”
Tropical Thaw
The Nation’s Best teams kicked off their week in Florida at the 3d Lacrosse Tropical Thaw. It was a clean sweep for the teams as they one every division! A great warmup for the Club Nationals that were just a day away.
2022/2023 Team
5-0 | Beat UNRL Texas 6-3 in the finals
