Kaiden Sullivan and Connor Marks have been a dynamic duo, taking over the lacrosse world since Obama was president.
The two seniors at Saint Xavier go way back, starting their lacrosse career together at Saint Patrick’s grade school and playing together ever since. From their early days at Saint Patrick’s to becoming standout players at St. X, the duo has built a strong connection on and off the field.
Now, with their senior season underway, Sullivan and Marks have one final opportunity to take the field together.
However, the start to their last season hasn’t been easy. Both players entered the year recovering from significant injuries that forced them to miss time before the season began.
Sullivan, a Bellarmine lacrosse commit, has battled through several injuries during his career. A torn ACL stripped him of his entire junior season, and most recently a meniscus tear sidelined him for the first few weeks of this year.
Sullivan’s recovery hasn’t been without difficulties.
“The most difficult part of recovery was being forced to sit out and watch my teammates play the game I love, a game I’ve played since I was nine years old.” Sullivan said.
Marks faced a similar challenge. He was forced to sit out the first few weeks of his senior season after suffering a torn labrum in his shoulder this fall.
The injury kept him away from both practice and offseason workouts for months.
Marks faced challenges both mentally and physically while on the road to recovery.
“Lacrosse is a sport I’ve been playing since 3rd grade and now knowing that I won’t be playing college and my career is coming to an end,” Marks said. “I just wanted to play any moment I could. As a senior with huge expectations of the team and myself, not being able to go to practice or offseason workouts for 6 months was tough mentally and physically.”
Since freshman year, Kaiden Sullivan and Connor Marks have been arguably the two best lacrosse players in the state of Kentucky for their class. Years of playing together have created a unique chemistry between them.
“Our connection on the field is special. Us being on the same page at all times helps our team win games and make big time plays in big time moments.” Marks said.
With the team finally healthy, their focus is clear.
“Now that everyone on the team is finally healthy, I think we all can agree that our main goal this season is a state championship,” Marks said. We have fallen short the past 2 years and all of the guys are determined to make this the year where we get it done.”
After everything they have faced, Sullivan has a new found perspective.
“I am focused on the process and trying to no longer take anything for granted,” Sullivan said. “You never know when it might be your last time on the field, so I am making sure I take it all in. I know I only have a few months left wearing St. X on my jersey, and I intend to make the most of every moment.”
For Sullivan and Marks, their final season together is about finishing the journey they started 11 years ago, with one last run at a state lacrosse championship.
