Lacrosse is a sport where height provides advantages in multiple areas: goalkeepers benefit from greater coverage of the goal, defenders can use their reach to check and disrupt, and attackmen can shoot from higher release points. The sport, which has roots in Native American traditions, has grown rapidly and now features some remarkable athletes. Here are the ten tallest lacrosse players to compete at the highest levels.
⚡ Quick Facts:
- The tallest lacrosse player ever is Jesse Schwartzman at 6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
- This list covers the top 10 tallest lacrosse players of all time
- Heights are shown in both feet/inches and centimetres
Complete List: Top 10 Tallest Lacrosse Players
| Rank | Player | Height | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jesse Schwartzman | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) | United States |
| 2 | Brodie Merrill | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | Canada |
| 3 | Matt Rambo | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | United States |
| 4 | Paul Rabil | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | United States |
| 5 | Tom Schreiber | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) | United States |
| 6 | Rob Pannell | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) | United States |
| 7 | Myles Jones | 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) | United States |
| 8 | Lyle Thompson | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | United States |
| 9 | Tucker Dordevic | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | United States |
| 10 | Mac O'Keefe | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | United States |
1. Jesse Schwartzman — 6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Country: United States
Jesse Schwartzman was one of the tallest goalkeepers in professional lacrosse history. The American goalie played in Major League Lacrosse and was known for his commanding presence in the crease. Schwartzman used his height and long arms to cover a massive amount of the goal and was among the top save percentage leaders.
2. Brodie Merrill — 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Country: Canada
Brodie Merrill is considered one of the greatest defensemen in lacrosse history. The Canadian long-pole defender won multiple MLL Defensive Player of the Year awards and was known for his exceptional ground ball ability and physical play. Merrill represented Canada in international competition and dominated at both the professional and international levels.
3. Matt Rambo — 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Country: United States
Matt Rambo won the Tewaaraton Award as the best college lacrosse player in the nation while at the University of Maryland. The tall attackman became a star in the Premier Lacrosse League and was known for his powerful shooting and creative playmaking. Rambo is one of the most dynamic offensive players in professional lacrosse.
4. Paul Rabil — 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Country: United States
Paul Rabil is arguably the most famous lacrosse player in the sport’s history and co-founded the Premier Lacrosse League. The tall midfielder and attackman was known for one of the hardest shots in lacrosse, recorded at over 110 mph. Rabil won multiple MLL championships and individual awards during his career.
5. Tom Schreiber — 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Country: United States
Tom Schreiber won the Tewaaraton Award as the best college lacrosse player while at Princeton University. The versatile midfielder and attackman has been one of the top players in the Premier Lacrosse League. Schreiber is known for his exceptional athleticism, field vision, and ability to play multiple positions.
6. Rob Pannell — 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Country: United States
Rob Pannell won the Tewaaraton Award while at Cornell University and became the NCAA Division I all-time points leader. The attackman was a prolific scorer and playmaker in both college and professional lacrosse. Pannell played in both MLL and the Premier Lacrosse League throughout his professional career.
7. Myles Jones — 6 ft 5 in (196 cm)
Country: United States
Myles Jones is one of the most physically imposing midfielders in lacrosse history at 6 ft 5 in and 240 lbs. The Duke University product was known for his combination of size, speed, and shooting power that made him nearly impossible to defend. Jones has been a dominant force in the Premier Lacrosse League.
8. Lyle Thompson — 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Country: United States
Lyle Thompson won the Tewaaraton Award twice while at the University at Albany and is considered one of the most creative offensive players in lacrosse history. The Onondaga Nation member carried on the deep Native American tradition of lacrosse. Thompson has been a star in both the PLL and the NLL indoor league.
9. Tucker Dordevic — 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Country: United States
Tucker Dordevic was the first overall pick in the 2023 PLL Draft after a stellar career at Syracuse University. The tall attackman won the Tewaaraton Award and was one of the most dominant college players in recent years. Dordevic uses his height for a high release point on his shot that is difficult for goalkeepers to read.
10. Mac O'Keefe — 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Country: United States
Mac O’Keefe set the NCAA Division I record for career goals while at Penn State University. The tall attackman was one of the most prolific scorers in college lacrosse history and transitioned to the Premier Lacrosse League. O’Keefe is known for his lethal shooting accuracy and ability to score from multiple angles.
📏 Want to see how you compare?
Use our free Height Converter to convert your height, or try the Height Comparison Tool to visually compare yourself with these lacrosse giants. Browse our Celebrity Heights database or check out Average Height by Country for more data.
Final Thoughts
Height in lacrosse provides versatile advantages across every position, from goalkeeper coverage to defensive reach to higher shooting release points on attack. As the sport continues to grow in popularity and professionalism, the influx of bigger, more athletic players is pushing the game to new heights. These tall athletes have helped shape modern lacrosse into the fast-paced, physical sport it is today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does height help in lacrosse?
Height helps in several lacrosse positions. Goalkeepers benefit from greater goal coverage, defenders gain reach advantage for checks and interceptions, and attackmen can shoot from higher release points. However, shorter players with speed and agility can also excel, particularly at midfield.
What is the average height of a professional lacrosse player?
The average professional lacrosse player is approximately 6 ft 0 in (183 cm). Defenders and goalkeepers tend to be taller at 6 ft 2 in to 6 ft 4 in, while midfielders and attackmen range from 5 ft 10 in to 6 ft 2 in.
What position is best for tall lacrosse players?
Goalkeeper and close defense are the positions that benefit most from height in lacrosse. Tall goalkeepers cover more of the goal, while tall defenders use their reach for checks and ground balls. Tall attackmen also benefit from high release points on shots.