Matthew Mackrides

Classroom

An Academic All-Big Ten member in spring 2011, Mackrides has maintained a 3.16 GPA as a Communication Arts and Sciences major with a Business minor. A two-time Dean’s List member (fall 2009, fall 2010), he is pursuing a career in the business industry upon graduation.

Character

Mackrides is Penn State’s first two-time captain since a trio of players held the honor during both the 1996 and 1997 seasons. His leadership does not stop on the field as he is a member of the University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Board. Mackrides was also inducted into the University’s Spiritus Leoninus Honor Society, which recognizes student-athletes for outstanding performance in athletics, academics, leadership and community service. In 2011, Mackrides was also honored as the team’s Hard Hat recipient, given to a member of the team whose persistence, work ethic and courage set a blue-collar standard for the program.

Community

The Newtown Square, Pa., native has been heavily involved in the State College community, mentoring students at local elementary schools. Mackrides is also involved in EVANFEST, which was created in memory of Philadelphia-native Evan Brady, who lost his battle to osteogenic sarcoma in 2005. EVANFEST has helped raise more than $400,000 for families whose child is battling a life-threatening disease. Mackrides is also involved with the Philadelphia Youth Lacrosse All-Stars, coaching and helping organize tournaments and camps throughout the summer.

Competition

Entering his fourth season as a starter, Mackrides has started in 39 of Penn State’s 41 games during his career. He is a two-time All-CAA first-team honoree (2010, 2011) and has led the Nittany Lions in goals in each of the past two seasons. As a sophomore, Mackrides led the team with 44 points and, as a freshman in 2009, he added a team-best 13 assists.