Georgia Swarm forward, Lyle Thompson

What does a typical day in the life of Lyle Thompson look like?

I wake up with the sun and practice an hour of stillness. From there, I like to head to the gym for a few hours. When I get home from the gym, I usually make a nice meal for myself and the kids, and I’ll spend some time doing what the kids want to do. Then, I typically do some business work and take some calls. I wind down the evening with some mobility movement followed by a family dinner and then off to bed.

Where do you call home?

Six Nations.

Tell us more about your personal life.

I am a father of five. Four daughters and one son. I love to train and spend time with my family.

how did you get into the sport of lacrosse?

I come from a community where lacrosse is very intertwined with culture, so I had a stick in my hands before I could walk.

At what point did you realize you wanted to go pro?

I would say sixth grade. I was able to see a few people from my community play at the pro level, and it inspired me to want to play pro.

Describe for us the feeling of being drafted #1 overall by the swarm.

It was a dream come true, and I was excited to have the opportunity to play alongside my brother.

What or who inspired you to pursue your dreams?

My family. I’m fortunate to have a strong support system that is always there to encourage me.

From a lacrosse standpoint, who was your role model?

My oldest brother, Jeremy, who currently plays for Panther City Lacrosse Club, was my role model. He sort of blazed the trail for the rest of us.

What is your best memory playing the sport?

Winning the National Lacrosse League Championship with the Georgia Swarm in 2017...

You mentioned your brothers play too. Who amongst your siblings is the best athlete?

We all bring our own uniqueness to the game.

did you play lacrosse as a family?

Yes, backyard games were a regular thing.

What has been the best part of this season?

Being back with the team after a intermission due to the coronavirus pandemic.

How does living in Georgia compare to living in New York?

I love the four seasons of the north. But I love the warm weather year round, as well...both are great.

What is your favorite thing about georgia?

They have great golf courses.

what do you miss most about Onondaga nation?

I miss my family.

tell us a fun fact that most people would not know about you.

I love to write, draw, and listen to music.

you want to help grow the game of lacrosse. Do you have any advice for today’s youth who may be starting out?

It’s unlike any other game. It’s fast, creative, physical, and fun. The stick brings a real uniqueness to the game because it is a reflection of you. Not one stick is the same, and neither is the player using it.

what advice would you give young athletes?

Follow your passions, your passions will make you happy. They will make you want to work hard and can really occupy your mind. And if you’re lucky, your passions will lead you to your purpose. You know it’s a passion when it makes you happy, you know it’s your purpose when what makes you happy makes other people happy.