Nedrow, NY –– The Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award proudly announces that its 2026 recipients are Dom Starsia, Michael Kennedy, and Mike Kanatakeron Mitchell.

In its third year, the award recognizes recipients whose contributions span the globe: a college coach who shaped generations of players, an international leader who has helped lacrosse broaden its international reach with integrity, and a Haudenosaunee ambassador whose presence affirms the game's living roots.

Mike Mitchell is an Akwesasne Mohawk Faithkeeper who has spent a lifetime promoting Haudenosaunee lacrosse. Coming from a lacrosse stick-making family, he has served as Grand Chief of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. At the University level, he was the co-founder of the North American Indian Traveling College, along with elder Ernest Benedict. Mitchell also established the Akwesasne Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Mitchell has been associated with the Haudenosaunee Nationals program as a long time board member, contributing to its mission of representing Indigenous sovereignty on the world stage.

"Mike Mitchell has devoted his life to supporting Indigenous rights and honoring the deeper meaning of the medicine game," said Sid Jamieson, former head coach at Bucknell University.

Dom Starsia played lacrosse at the collegiate level, internationally, and professionally, while developing as a coach. Under his leadership, the Cavaliers captured four NCAA national championships. Starsia was honored three times as National Coach of the Year, firmly dispelling the notion ––common at the time ––that "nice guys don't win championships."

Starsia's impact extended beyond trophies and records. He has been a strong voice promoting the game's Haudenosaunee roots as well as bringing lacrosse into the inner city through his affiliation with Harlem Lacrosse. Starsia reflected on his journey and philosophy in his book, I Hope You Will Be Very Happy; Leadership Lessons From a Lifetime in Lacrosse.

"Alfie was one of the most humble humans that I've had the luck to know in this life, and Coach Dom Starsia is from that same thread," said Justin Giles, both an Award Board Member and Virginia graduate.

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ireland Lacrosse, and as a long-serving player, captain, coach and referee at many levels, Michael Kennedy's career reflects a rare combination of competitive experience, institutional leadership, and stewardship of the game. He represented the Irish Men's National Team across multiple eras, competing in 11 European and World Championship tournaments and serving as national team captain for six years.

Kennedy's leadership reached a defining moment in 2022 during preparations for the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama. When the Haudenosaunee Nationals –– ranked third in the world –– were temporarily excluded, Ireland Lacrosse, under Kennedy's direction and in consultation with key leaders in the organization, made the decision to voluntarily vacate its qualified place so the game's originators could compete. The decision resonated globally and Ireland Lacrosse was subsequently honored with the Musial Award for sportsmanship, recognizing this act of integrity within modern lacrosse.

Together, Starsia, Kennedy, and Mitchell have demonstrated the way in which lacrosse brings people together. They all look at the game as something that reaches beyond wins.

The 2026 Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award ceremony will be held in Syracuse, New York, on September 11. Visit www.alfieaward.com for more information.

Ireland photos by Tom Berry