Why Butler lacrosse’s Jake Stevens is eager to make most of final season after a major knee injury
In one respect, last spring was the season that never was for Jake Stevens.
After totaling over 100 points during his freshman and sophomore years for Butler's boys lacrosse team, he was poised for a big junior campaign as an attack in 2025.
Then came a practice for his club team in late January.
“I was dodging the defense and went to plant my foot behind the net when I heard my left knee pop,” said Stevens, who immediately went down when it happened. “I was hoping I just tweaked it, but in the back of my mind, I knew it was more serious than that.”
Stevens tore the MCL, ACL, both menisci and his calf muscle. In an instant, his high school season was wiped out.
“We had named him an offseason captain last year, and losing a leader like that put a damper on the whole team,” Butler coach Justin Steiner said.
Stevens remained around the team as much as he could.
“I felt helpless, just sitting there instead of being on the field,” he said. “But I helped the younger players, took on a coaching role.”
Rehab was intense. Stevens had to bypass his club season, and it wasn't until the fall that he was able to start running and shooting with confidence.
He's back on the field now, wearing a brace on the knee, and hoping to do his part to help make his senior season a successful one for himself and the Golden Tornado (1-1).
Steiner is counting on Stevens' ability and knowledge of the game to lead the offense.
“We allow him to be creative,” he said. “Depending on which way a defense slides, Jake can look for a teammate cutting through the crease or he can get a scoring opportunity himself. It allows us to get more shots on the cage.”
Stevens began playing lacrosse eight years ago.
“My mom grew up in Maryland, so she was familiar with the sport,” he said. “She suggested that I try it, and I fell in love with it.”
The lost season has affected Stevens' outlook when it comes to lacrosse.
“Your junior season is when you get a lot of looks (from colleges), and I missed out on that,” he said. " I want to prove to myself that I can be the player I was, but there are days when my knee still hurts a good bit. I wanted to play at the next level, but coming back has been rough. An injury like I had sticks with you. I will be going to IUP but won't be playing lacrosse.
“This season is my last chance to play, and I'm enjoying the game for everything it's worth. Just being back on the field with the other guys, it feels amazing.”
