St. Mary’s Defenseman Noah Ridgeway Commits to Stevenson, Will Reunite with Teammate Rocco Pellito

The 2026 Saints standout chose the Mustangs for their winning culture, coaching staff, and close-to-home appeal—continuing a friendship and on-field bond at the next level
St. Mary's lacrosse defenseman Noah Ridgeway has committed to Stevenson University.
St. Mary's lacrosse defenseman Noah Ridgeway has committed to Stevenson University. / The Ridgeway Family

For many high school athletes, the dream is simple—keep playing with your best friend at the next level. For St. Mary’s lacrosse defenseman Noah Ridgeway, that dream just became reality. The 2026 standout announced his commitment to Stevenson University, where he’ll reunite with teammate Rocco Pellito and join a winning program led by veteran coach Paul Cantabene.

Why Stevenson Was the Choice

Ridgeway said that, beyond the chance to continue as Pellito’s teammate, he picked Stevenson because of the program’s winning lacrosse culture and the leadership of its experienced coaching staff. The school’s proximity to home, strong academics, and quality athletic facilities also factored into his decision. “It felt like the right fit all the way around,” Ridgeway said.

Coach Cantabene has led Stevenson to many fine seasons and postseason appearances, with the highlight coming with the 2013 national title.

Carrying St. Mary’s Tradition Forward

For Ridgeway, the commitment also represents another step for St. Mary’s players making an impact at the college level. Under new head coach Will Dalton, the Saints are continuing to build a strong culture, and Ridgeway is among several current players set to extend that success into college. His next chapter at Stevenson is both a personal milestone and a testament to the strength of St. Mary’s lacrosse tradition.

Looking Forward

Many congratulations to Noah Ridgeway on his commitment to Stevenson. His journey reflects both the tradition of excellence at St. Mary’s and the bright future that awaits him with the Mustangs.


Published
Al Franyo
AL FRANYO

Al Franyo has been a die-hard fan and follower of lacrosse, especially at the high school and college levels, since the late-80s. He absolutely loves watching games, as well as talking and writing about the sport. On Facebook, he founded the College Lacrosse Discussion Page, which has well over 15,000 members, and helped found and runs the MIAA Lacrosse Discussion Page, which has nearly 5,000 members. The MIAA A Conference is one of the strongest, most competitive and exciting high school conferences in America. Three of his favorite topics include recruiting news about players making college commitments, programs taking the next steps under their respective head coaches, and programs that are so-called "sleepers" when it comes to being very good to great. Even with lacrosse growing at such a rapid pace, Franyo loves how it is still such a small, tight, and fun world. And, in many ways, it is its own culture. He began writing about his favorite sport for High School On SI in 2024. Twitter: @alfranyo