US Indoor Lacrosse Name 2026 U16 & U18 Outstanding Players

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

US INDOOR LACROSSE Announces 2026 u16 & u18 outstanding player RECIPIENTS (MVP)

September 2, 2026 — US Indoor Lacrosse - USA Indoor Team has officially crowned its 2026 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award winners, celebrating outstanding performance, leadership, and athletic excellence from this past season.

The premier individual honor, Presented by Predator Sports, was presented to Sam Kumin of the 2026U16 USA Indoor Team and Manuel Fernandes III of the 2026 U18 USA Indoor Team. This award recognizes the athlete whose overall contributions most significantly impacted team success, combining exceptional statistical performance with unmatched consistency on the field.

During the training, Sam lead the team earning an “A” Assistant Captain for the 2026 Games.  As a leader and veteran of the team Kumin stood out by leading the U16 USA Indoor Lacrosse Team in Goals throughout the 2026 World U16 Lacrosse Championship tournament.

“Sam is the kind of athlete who reminds us why sports matter," said Brian Kuczma - Head Coach. 

Manuel "Manny" was a leader from the first training to the last second of the 2026 tournament, this leadership earned him the “C” Captain for the 2026 Games.  As a leader Fernandes stood out throughout the tournament with his relentless motor giving 110% from start to finish. Leading the team in assists and averaging 4 points a game throughout the World U18 Lacrosse Championship Tournament.  “Manny earned every single minute and position in the Box through pure sweat, determination, and a heart for the whole team to follow." said Jack Spallone - Head Coach

On behalf of the US Indoor Lacrosse, it is my pleasure and privilege to congratulate Sam Kumin and Manuel Fernandes III on receiving the 2026 USIL MVP Award for the U16 and U18 USA Indoor Teams,” said Graham D’Alvia. “Throughout the 2026 year, Sam and Manny have exemplified leadership, integrity, and PURPOSE.  Sam and Manny helped shape each of their team’s environment and culture, which ultimately played a key role in the success of each team.”

To view the full list of player statistics, for the 2026 World U16 & U18 Lacrosse Championships, visit World Junior Lacrosse Championship