Leo Nolan III, a proud member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation (Wolf Clan), has dedicated his life to excellence in athletics, leadership, education, and public service. His influence on the game of lacrosse — and on the Indigenous communities connected to it — spans more than five decades.

Akwesasne Mohawk Leader and Lacrosse Pioneer

Early Athletic Excellence

Nolan graduated from Lafayette High School as a standout two-sport athlete in football and lacrosse. He earned All-County honors in both sports and helped lead Lafayette to multiple Onondaga County Lacrosse Championships from 1963 through 1965. In 1963, he guided the team to an undefeated season and earned All-County First Team honors at attack — recognition he repeated in 1964 and 1965. On the football field, Nolan also earned All-County honors in 1963 and 1964.

Syracuse University Lacrosse Career

Nolan graduated from Syracuse University in 1970, but his impact on the lacrosse field began much earlier. In 1966, he led Syracuse’s freshman lacrosse team to an undefeated season. At the time, NCAA rules prevented freshmen from varsity competition, but Nolan quickly proved himself once eligible.

He competed on Syracuse University’s varsity lacrosse team for three seasons from 1968 to 1970. In 1969, Nolan emerged as the team’s leading scorer, cementing his reputation as a skilled and intelligent offensive player.

Coaching and Program Development

Following his graduation, Nolan played a key role in expanding collegiate lacrosse opportunities. In 1971, he helped establish the men’s lacrosse program at SUNY Oswego. As the program’s first varsity and assistant coach, he led the team from 1971 to 1974. His inaugural 1971 team completed an undefeated season, setting a strong foundation for the program’s future success.

Box Lacrosse and International Leadership

Nolan competed in box lacrosse with the Onondaga Nation Warriors from 1969 through 1974. During that span, the team captured multiple NALA league and playoff championships in 1970, 1972, 1973, and 1974. In addition to box lacrosse, Nolan played summer league club lacrosse for Lafayette and West Genesee teams from 1965 to 1969.

His leadership extended to the international stage when he served as head coach for Team USA at the 1981 Canadian Lacrosse Association President’s Cup tournament.

Iroquois Nationals and Global Lacrosse Impact

Nolan has played a critical role in advancing Indigenous representation in the sport. He served as Executive Director of the Iroquois Nationals from 2006 to 2008 and as a board member from 2002 to 2008 and again from 2017 to the present. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the organization’s landmark partnership with NIKE.

In 2015, Nolan served on the host committee for the World Indoor Lacrosse Championships, held at the Onondaga Nation and Syracuse University — a historic event for the sport and for Indigenous lacrosse.

National Recognition and Advisory Roles

Since 2002, Nolan has served as an advisor and board member of the Tewaaraton Lacrosse Award Foundation. He also sits on the selection committee for the Native American High School Male and Female Player Annual Award program. In addition, he contributes as an advisory board member of the Syracuse Alumni Lacrosse Network.

Academic Leadership and Public Service

Beyond the field, Nolan has committed more than 40 years to public service supporting Indian Nations, federal agencies, and universities. He earned his master’s degree in 1976 and completed PhD candidacy at Pennsylvania State University.

Nolan serves as Associate Faculty and Special Projects Director for Johns Hopkins University’s School of Public Health, Center for American Indian Health. He also holds board positions with the American Indian Law Alliance, the Center for American Indian Resiliency, and Northern Arizona University. In addition, he is a partner in Gwe: Nis Consulting.

A Lasting Legacy

Leo Nolan III’s life reflects leadership rooted in tradition, excellence, and service. Through athletics, education, coaching, and advocacy, he has strengthened the game of lacrosse while advancing opportunities for Indigenous communities. His legacy continues to shape the sport and the institutions connected to it.