Payton Cormier and Thomas McConvey Keep in Touch

Payton Cormier and Thomas McConvey, two childhood friends from Canada who embarked upon lacrosse careers at separate collegiate lacrosse programs in different states, managed to remain close despite moving apart and playing on different teams – they still found ways to communicate.

McConvey was selected first overall by Rochester Knighthawks in 2022 and earned All-American status from USILA and Inside Lacrosse during her time at Vermont.

Professional Career

McConvey, a 6-4, 210-pound lefty who recently led the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League in goals and points, earned Team Canada silver at the 2022 U-21 World Championship held in Limerick, Ireland and led them to victory as captain.

Virginia men’s lacrosse fans got to cheer Thomas McConvey as he made his Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) Draft debut this past weekend. The Catamounts alumni was one of three former UVA players chosen in the first round; others include attackman Payton Cormier playing for Waterdogs and faceoff specialist Petey LaSalla with Atlas.

McConvey and his brother Jonathan both grew up in Mimico, Ontario. Watching Ian McKay — another former Catamount goal scorer now playing professionally in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) — make his way up through the ranks was particularly inspirational for both of them.

Achievement and Honors

Thomas McConvey stands as one of the greatest players ever seen at University of Vermont. As a senior, in 2022 he put together one of Vermont’s greatest offensive seasons ever as he scored 60 goals and totaled 74 points, setting an all-time program record that earned him America East Offensive Player of the Year and USILA and Inside Lacrosse All-American honorable mention status.

He was named twice America East Player of the Week and three-time All-Conference first team selection, and led all faceoff contests with a 61% success rate at the X this season.

McConvey recently concluded his collegiate career and was selected first overall in the 2022 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft by Rochester Knighthawks. Upon league approval, he will join long-stick midfielder Jared Conners from Virginia as one of two Virginia players on Rochester.

Personal Life

McConvey began playing both field and box lacrosse as a child alongside his brother Jonathan and cousin Warren Jeffrey – now freshman players on UVM’s squad – and chose Vermont because of its academic and athletic opportunities, noting past Canadian recruits who have come through Burlington to join UVM as part of his decision-making.

He achieved 60 goals during his senior season and was recognized with America East Player of the Year honors, while also making both USILA and Inside Lacrosse’s first-team All-America selection lists.

McConvey will join the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League after being chosen first overall in Saturday’s 2022 NLL Entry Draft. Prior to that trip, he traveled with U21 squad practices in Toronto in preparation for World Championships later in May.