Over the last 16 years, we’ve had the privilege of watching players change the trajectory of lacrosse in our community, elevating the sport inSt. Louis, representing our city on the national stage, and cementing themselves as all-time Missouri greats.
There is no doubt Steele Crissman Jr. is one of those players.
Steele, the son of Coach Kay’s first defensive coordinator in St. Louis, Steele Crissman Sr., has literally grown up around the program. From running around the field in his onesie to picking up a stick for community lacrosse in 2nd grade, Jr. has always just been around.
He has been on the sidelines for nearly every memorable moment since the club’s inception, idolizing the generations that came before him. And while we always kind of knew he’d pan out like those he revered, he also seemed like one of those kids that would never grow up.
However, time flies—and Crissman panned out, his way.
Never the most physically gifted, he focused on developing his understanding of the game and stick skills, areas he could control. That looks like hours of film, wallball, staying after practice, and getting into the weight room starting in middle school. What really developed from all those extra hours is a deep sense of confidence and self-belief that continues to serve him.
Jr.’s high school career started like most, on JV. However, Crissman’s senior campaign for MICDS in ‘26 was one for the record books, capstoning a future Hall of Fame career:
- 3x State Champion, including State Championship MVP
- 3x 1st-team All-State
- 2x All-American
- 2x Metro Player of the Year
- 312 Career Points, including MSLA All-time Assists Record
- University of Denver commit
And most recently: USA Lacrosse Magazine’s Midwest Player and Attackman of the Year
The end of June is approaching and lacrosse season in Missouri has been over for a month.
Don’t bother telling Steele Crissman that.
As MICDS coach Andy Kay talked on the phone one summer evening, he guessed Crissman was probably still on his high school field, refusing to take a break after winning a third straight state title.
“If you were to drive up to MICDS right now, there’s a 90-percent chance that he’s at the field,” Kay said. “He is there all day, every day. Really, it’s an obsession.”
The only previous player from Missouri to earn this honor was Graham Bundy, Jr. in 2018.
To celebrate the honor, we recently sat down with Crissman to talk about his process, from start to finish.
Despite the accolades, Crissman has never lost sight of repaying the investment made in him by those who came before him. He’s active in Champions League and is almost always found playing ball with younger players, making himself available to the next generation. Just like the players who inspired him.
That’s why you’re so easy to cheer on, kid.
Go do great things at Denver University. We’re proud of you.