LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bellarmine lacrosse head coach Andrew Whitley today announced the appointment of two seniors, John Alie and Christopher Reynolds, and two juniors, Luke Healy and Matt Kirton, as captains for the Knights' 2026 season.
 
Alie, an attackman, and Reynolds, a defenseman, will be serving in the role for the second time while Healy, a midfielder, and Kirton, a defenseman, assume captainship for the first time.
 
"I'm really excited about this group of captains," said Whitley. "John and Chris bring a wealth of experience into the role as second year captains, but also as accomplished performers on the field throughout their career. Luke and Matt have been extremely consistent throughout their careers and that consistency has resonated with their teammates over multiple seasons. As first year captains, they have grown into very influential voices in the locker room and that growth is very exciting to see."
 
Alie set the program record for goals (52) and the Knights' second-highest points total (77) as a junior before earning ASUN Scholar Athlete of the Year and Second Team All-ASUN honors. The Aurora, Colo., native enters 2026 with 102 career goals, 12 shy of passing Kyle Playsted (2021-24) for the program's all-time lead.
 
Reynolds is eighth on Bellarmine's all-time caused turnovers list with 38 and led the Knights with 15 last season. He also picked up 32 ground balls and was named ASUN Defensive Player of the Week following Bellarmine's gritty, rainy 9-5 win over St. Bonaventure.
 
Healy last year scored once, matched a career high with five assists and set new career highs with six ground balls and two caused turnovers.
 
Kirton ranked second on the Knights in 2025 behind Reynolds with 14 caused turnovers and matched Reynolds' 32 ground balls to tie for third on the team. He earned ASUN Defensive Player of the Week honors following his performances against Cleveland State and Detroit Mercy in which he grabbed a combined nine ground balls and caused five turnovers.
 
"I am extremely excited about the direction of the program and guidance this group will provide in pursuit of our short- and long-term goals for the 2026 season," Whitley concluded.
 
Bellarmine went 8-8 during the 2025 regular season and earned a conference championship berth for a record fourth straight season. The Knights had five other captains in addition to Alie and Reynolds last season, the since-graduated Alex Coco, Justin Wescoat, Nicholas Sheremetta, Brady Long and Brennan McDermott.
 
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