University of Richmond Athletics
Smith Selected 10th Overall By Boston Cannons in PLL College Draft
04/14/2026 | Men's Lacrosse
Richmond, Va. — University of Richmond senior defenseman and team captain Hunter Smith was selected 10th overall during Tuesday night's Premier Lacrosse League College Draft by the Boston Cannons.
Chosen with the second pick of the second round, Smith became just the second active Spider to be drafted to a PLL club, joining defenseman Mitchell Dunham, who was selected in the 2025 College Draft by the Utah Archers. Smith is the highest PLL Draft pick in program history and was the second defenseman taken in the draft.
A native of Rochester, N.Y., Smith has established himself as one of the top cover defenders in program history and the country, consistently drawing the opponent's top attackman. He has recorded 73 caused turnovers and 97 ground balls in 60 career games, ranking fifth all-time at Richmond in caused turnovers and eighth in caused turnovers per game (1.21). A three-time All-Atlantic 10 selection, Smith was named A-10 Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a junior and earned All-America honors from USILA, USA Lacrosse, and Inside Lacrosse last season.
This year, Smith has earned Preseason All-Atlantic 10 recognition, Preseason All-America honors from USA Lacrosse, USILA, and Inside Lacrosse, a spot on the Tewaaraton Award Watch List, and a No. 18 ranking on Inside Lacrosse's Top 50 Players list.
With Smith anchoring the defense, the Spiders have consistently ranked among the nation's top defensive units. Richmond finished third nationally in scoring defense in 2024. In 2025, the Spiders ranked second in scoring margin, third in scoring defense, fourth in caused turnovers per game, and eighth in clearing percentage. This season, Richmond once again ranks among the national leaders, sitting first in scoring margin, second in scoring defense, third in both clearing percentage and ground balls per game, and fifth in caused turnovers per game with Smith as its base.
