Madison, NJ's McLinden Enjoys Jersey Shore, but Loves Assisting on Lacrosse Goals as a Senior at Fairfield

Colin McLinden is a proud native of Madison, New Jersey, so while he may long for the summertime at the Jersey Shore during these wintry days, that desire is superseded only by his abilities as senior playmaker on Fairfield University men’s lacrosse team, where he led the ECAC in assists last year with 29, and helped the Stags to a 12-4 record as a junior.‎‎

His league-leading assists last year brought his career total to 67, placing him 3‎rd all time in Fairfield annals. He was also positioned 14th in the nation with 1.93 assists per game. McLinden didn’t only dish the ball but found the back of the net 22 times, which totaled 51 points for the season, leading the Stags. Colin has also been chosen by Inside Lacrosse as a Preseason All-American Honorable Mention, as well as being named part of the Preseason All-CAA team and the NEILA Second Team.

The Stags will kick off their season at home, hosting Holy Cross this Saturday, February 14th at 12 noon. They will be looking to have another great season this year. Fairfield was ranked 3rd in the preseason Coaches’ Poll for the CAA, a conference that the Stags have joined this year.

McLinden doesn’t mind scoring goals either. “I rank the two about even, but I do love setting my teammates,” he says. “The important thing is scoring. No matter who scores, even if I don’t get an assist or score, we are all pumped and huddle together.”

Colin has played lacrosse since he was a little tyke, so he is experienced beyond his years. “I got my first stick when I was 3 years old. My big brother was a big influence on me ever since I was 5 years old. He played at Virginia and won a national championship and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps. “

Lacrosse is not the only sport McLinden follows. He keeps his eye on college football, too, so much so that he says: “I would love to have dinner with Johnny Manziel. I believe he was one of the best college football players ever. He knows when to work hard, when he can have fun, when he has to put his head in a book. I think it would be interesting and I would want to sit down and have dinner with him. LeBron James would have been a second choice.”

Colin McLinden is a proud native of New Jersey, so his affinity for the Jersey Shore makes the summer season almost as enjoyable as lacrosse season. “I love going down to the shore,” he says. “I go every summer, every Memorial Day weekend with my friends. Madison is a tight knit community. I have had the same friends since I was in 4th grade. We like to hang out and have fun.”

Still a lot of lacrosse left before heading to the shore.

McLinden Quotables

On how he has become such a great set up man

I played with some great players my freshman year. (Brent) Adams and (Sam) Snow paved the path for me. I would play off them.

Now I play with some big time shooters. TJ Neubauer is a big shooter.

Also helps that coach switched me from middle to attack. I can see the field more, see more cuts and where to pass the ball. Coach gives me the freedom to play on the field, trusts me to make the right play.