The 2025 UNC Men's Lacrosse Roster: Key Players, New Faces, And The Joe Breschi Era Deep Dive
The University of North Carolina Men's Lacrosse team is poised for a significant bounce-back season in 2025, fueled by a mix of returning star power and one of the most impactful coaching staff additions in recent history. As of December 20, 2025, the Tar Heels have finalized their roster, which features a strong core of veteran leaders and a dynamic group of young attackers ready to compete in the demanding Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The focus for Head Coach Joe Breschi is clear: leverage the talent on hand and the new defensive mindset to return to the NCAA Tournament conversation.
The 2025 campaign is generating buzz, particularly around the offensive unit anchored by a Tewaaraton Watch List candidate, but the true story of this year’s roster may lie in the locker room leadership and the strategic changes implemented by the coaching staff. This deep dive into the official UNC Men's Lacrosse roster reveals the critical players and staff members who will define the Tar Heels' pursuit of a national title.
2025 UNC Men’s Lacrosse Captains and Core Player Profiles
The success of the Tar Heels in 2025 will hinge on the leadership provided by the newly elected captains and the on-field production of the team's top returning talent. This group is responsible for setting the tone for a program aiming to climb the national rankings.
- Owen Duffy | Attackman | Sophomore: The undisputed star of the Tar Heels offense. Duffy earned a spot on the Tewaaraton Award Watch List and was a two-time All-ACC Team selection. As the team's leading scorer in 2024, his electric playmaking ability and scoring prowess make him the focal point of every opponent's defensive game plan. He is also a key member of the USA Lacrosse U20 Roster.
- Michael Gianforcaro | Goalie | Graduate Transfer & Captain: A high-impact graduate transfer and one of the three team captains for 2025. Gianforcaro brings veteran presence and elite shot-stopping ability to the cage. His leadership is crucial for a defense undergoing a philosophical shift under the new coordinator.
- Ty English | Midfielder | Senior & Captain: A respected senior leader, English was voted a team captain for 2025. His role as a two-way midfielder will be vital in controlling possession and providing stability in the transition game.
- Ryan Levy | Attackman | Senior & Captain: The third captain, Levy is an experienced senior attackman who provides scoring depth and a veteran voice to the offensive unit. His on-field chemistry with Owen Duffy will be essential to maximizing offensive efficiency.
- Dominic Pietramala | Attackman | Junior: Emerging as a key offensive threat alongside Duffy, Pietramala is expected to be a major contributor in the attack line. His development is a major storyline for the 2025 season.
- Johnny Schwarz | Midfielder | Senior: A seasoned midfielder who provides experience and depth. Schwarz’s performance in the midfield will be critical for maintaining possession and generating secondary scoring opportunities.
The Strategic Shift: The 2025 Coaching Staff and Defensive Overhaul
The most significant and fresh development surrounding the 2025 UNC Men's Lacrosse program is the strategic reinforcement of the coaching staff. Head Coach Joe Breschi, entering his 17th year at the helm, has made a monumental addition that signals a clear intent to elevate the team’s performance, particularly on the defensive end.
The Tar Heels have historically been known for their high-powered offense, but a lack of consistent defensive intensity has often been the team's Achilles' heel. The 2025 season is set to change that narrative with the arrival of a legendary figure in college lacrosse.
The Arrival of Defensive Coordinator Dave Pietramala
In a move that sent shockwaves through the college lacrosse world, Dave Pietramala has joined the Tar Heels staff as the Defensive Coordinator. Pietramala is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive minds in the sport's history, having previously led the Johns Hopkins program to national championships. His arrival in Chapel Hill represents a massive topical authority boost for the program.
Pietramala's mandate is simple: instill a new, disciplined, and aggressive defensive culture. This change is already evident in the focus on defensive-minded players and the strategic importance placed on the goalie position, now manned by captain Michael Gianforcaro. The pairing of Breschi's offensive pedigree with Pietramala's defensive mastery gives the Tar Heels one of the most experienced and decorated coaching staffs in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
The rest of the 2025 coaching staff includes Assistant Coach Peter Murphy, who provides crucial support in player development and recruiting.
Roster Depth and Positional Outlook for the ACC Challenge
The ACC is arguably the toughest conference in college lacrosse, and success requires not only star players but also exceptional depth. The 2025 UNC roster has worked to build that depth, particularly in the midfield and at the face-off position, which are critical for controlling the pace of the game.
The overall roster features a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent. The defensive unit, now under the tutelage of Pietramala, will rely heavily on communication and the performance of long-stick midfielders and close defensemen. Names like Mason Szewczyk, a player from the highly-regarded Culver Academy, are expected to contribute significantly to the defensive rotation.
The Importance of the Midfield Unit
The midfield is often the engine of a successful lacrosse team. With captain Ty English leading the charge, the Tar Heels need consistent production from this unit. The depth here allows for specialized shifts, including short-stick defensive midfielders (SSDM) who are vital for transition defense and clearing the ball. The ability of the midfielders to win ground balls and create unsettled situations will be a major factor in close ACC matchups.
Freshman Impact and the Future of the Program
While the focus is on the veterans, the 2025 roster also features a promising group of freshmen. These newcomers, often recruited from top high school programs across the country, are the future of the Tar Heels program. Their role is typically to provide depth and push the veterans in practice, but a few are expected to crack the rotation and see early playing time, particularly late in the season or in non-conference games. The development pipeline, which includes strong ties to preparatory schools like Culver Academy, ensures a continuous flow of high-caliber athletes to Chapel Hill.
The 2025 UNC Men’s Lacrosse Outlook
The 2025 season represents a pivotal moment for the UNC Men's Lacrosse program. After a period of what some have termed "mediocrity," the pieces are now in place for a significant resurgence.
The combination of an elite attackman in Owen Duffy, a veteran leader in the cage with Michael Gianforcaro, and the transformative defensive coaching of Dave Pietramala provides a compelling narrative. The schedule, which includes perennial ACC powerhouses, will be a rigorous test of the team's new defensive structure and the captains' ability to maintain focus throughout a demanding season.
Fans and analysts are eager to see how quickly the Tar Heels can integrate the new defensive philosophy. If the defense can elevate its performance to match the potential of the offense, the 2025 UNC Men's Lacrosse roster has the talent and coaching to not only compete for an ACC title but also make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, restoring the program to its historic place among the nation's elite.
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