Instagram story viewer> @ryancmcdonald> Tagged
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
Lacrosse is often referred to as The Medicine Game.

We found out Finn made the USA Lacrosse U15 National Team while Pappy was in the hospital after a very difficult summer. I opened the email sitting beside him and read it out loud.

Pappy said right away, “I’ll be at those games.” That became part of his motivation to get stronger. And he was there, with Gigi, watching Finn wear USA across his chest.

Then there was #21.

Finn was randomly assigned 21, a number that means a lot to our Norfolk Academy lacrosse family. It honors legendary coach Tom Duquette, who wore 21 at UVA, and is awarded each season to the player who best represents Respect, Grit, Tradition, Courage and Camaraderie. Chase has worn it at Norfolk Academy. Now Finn wore it for USA Lacrosse.

While in Sparks, we visited the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and found Coach Duquette’s name on the wall. A little serendipity, and a reminder that we were exactly where we were supposed to be.

Finn knew how special it was to have Pappy and Gigi there, and he soaked up every picture, dinner and moment with them.

So proud of this kid’s effort, determination and focus. And grateful to @usalacrosse for an experience our family will never forget.

Medicine game, indeed. 🇺🇸

(Bonus: I got to wear my 4th of July earrings.)

📸 Lax action photos by @zelax_media 

#USALacrosse #TheHealingGame #LacrosseFamily #LAX
18
Proud parent moment. Congratulations to Finn for being named to the 2026 USA Lacrosse U15 Boys’ Youth National Team!

After a long spring season and a nonstop summer of lacrosse, the National Combine was a true test, challenging these athletes both mentally and physically. Earning the opportunity to represent USA Lacrosse after such a competitive process is an incredible honor.

What makes us proudest is the recognition of the person and teammate he is, on and off the field, and in the classroom. Keep working, keep growing, and keep enjoying the journey, Finn. What an incredible opportunity to wear the RED, WHITE & BLUE 🇺🇸

So proud of you, Finn! 🥍
19
Through every season, you’ve been my constant. 💗
~
Still the best decision I ever made.
~
Happy 21st Anniversary, my love. Though we are miles apart today,  we’ll celebrate soon🥂❤️

@ryancmcdonald 
#mcdstrengthandhonor
25
Comeback Kid🧡💙
~
1st Team All Prep
TCIS Player of the Year 
1st Team TCIS 
Norfolk Academy MVP
~
#mcdstrengthandhonor
11
Boston University Bound 🥍✈️❤️
~
From the moment Chase stepped onto the lacrosse field at just four years old, we knew something special had begun. His eyes lit up, his soul ignited and we saw the pure joy the game brought him. 
~
Over the years, his dedication to his D1 🥍dream has been nothing short of inspiring. Early mornings, late nights, long car rides, endless hours with a stick in his hand, he’s poured his heart and soul into the game. Watching him chase this goal with everything he has, and now seeing it pay off, is an indescribable feeling.
~
To ALL the incredible coaches who poured into Chase’s growth as an athlete and a person, you have all shaped him in meaningful ways, thank you.
~
To all the players who support and inspire him, especially his brother, Finn and McDonald and Vota cousins, thank you.
~
Thank you to the team that’s helped him recover and return from injury Dr. Bonner, Dr. Byrd, Neil Sheth, Chris Anninos & the entire PT squad at Jordan Young and Kelly Delyannis❤️.
~
Thank you to the Haggert family for housing and feeding us in Maryland for weeks every June and November for as long as I can remember. We could never have survived this journey without your warmth, care, and hot meals!
~
A special shout-out to Coach Ryan Flanagan, who guided us every step of the way through the recruiting process, thank you.
~
And finally, to Coach Polley, Coach Morgan, Coach Rowlett, and Coach Fairey thank you for believing in Chase and giving him this incredible opportunity.
~
We are so excited to join the Terrier family.
Go BU! 🐾❤️🖤
#BostonUniversity #mcdstrengthandhonor
35
back to up