Larkin and Dwan Defensive Academy - Middle School Age

Larkin and Dwan Defensive Academy - Middle School Age
Training with us provides comprehensive development in every aspect of defensive play. We emphasize stick work, footwork, game IQ, change of direction, checking techniques, and more. Our approach prioritizes mastering fundamental skills first, then progressively building advanced layers to enhance overall performance to a modern day defenders game.

Details
Date: December 20th
Elementary Age: 10am - 11:30am (CLICK HERE)
Middle School Age: 11:30 am - 1pm
High School Age: 1pm - 2:30 pm (CLICK HERE)
Location: Loyola Blakefield High School

About the Coaches

AJ Larkin

AJ Larkin is a 6’3”, 215-lb long-stick midfielder and defensive specialist for the Maryland Terrapins, known for his athletic range, physical presence, and defensive IQ. A Baltimore native and Loyola Blakefield product, Larkin has grown into one of Maryland’s most reliable backline players, excelling in ground-ball battles, caused turnovers, and transition play. In 2025 he emerged as both an on-field and off-field leader, contributing in all 18 games while elevating his offensive output and taking on major responsibilities for the program. His combination of technique, vision, and leadership makes him a model modern LSM—and a high-level teacher for developing defenders.

2025 NCAA All-Tournament team

2x Academic All-Big Ten

• Played all 18 games in 2025, in Maryland’s defensive midfield.

• Posted 39 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers—one of Maryland’s top disruptors.

• Added 4 goals and 2 assists, showcasing true transition ability.

• Selected as President of Maryland’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for 2025–26.

Billy Dwan III

Billy Dwan III is a 6’4”, 220-lb close defenseman for Syracuse, recognized nationally for his physicality, footwork, and ability to lock down elite ACC attackers. A product of Baltimore and Loyola Blakefield, Dwan is a modern-generation defender—strong on-ball, dangerous in transition, and a proven playmaker. In 2025, he started all 19 games for the Orange, becoming one of the ACC’s most impactful defenders and earning spots on the Tewaaraton Watch List and All-America teams. His toughness, technique, and high lacrosse IQ make him one of the premier young defenders in college lacrosse and an elite developer of defensive talent.

2x USILA All-American

2x Inside Lacrosse All-American

All-ACC

3x All-Academic ACC

2x Captain

• Started all 19 games for Syracuse during the 2025 season.

• Recorded 33 ground balls and 18 caused turnovers—elite production in the ACC.

• Added 3 goals and 1 assist, showing two-way capability from close defense.