EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Placing his name alongside the greatest lacrosse players in the country, Max Wayne made history on Tuesday evening when the Christopher Newport standout was selected by the Atlas Lacrosse Club in the third round of the Premier Lacrosse League's 2022 College Draft.

With his selection, Wayne became the first Division III lacrosse player selected in the history of the PLL Draft. Overall, he was one of 32 standouts selected in 2022, joining a group comprised of the best senior lacrosse players in the NCAA.

Along with making PLL history, Wayne also became just the third Christopher Newport student-athlete selected in the draft of a major professional sports league. Previously, Lamont Strothers was chosen by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1991 NBA Draft, while Austin Chrismon was taken by the Houston Astros in the 26th round of the 2013 MLB Draft.

Stockpiling awards during his collegiate career, Wayne has already secured four All-American accolades, including second-team plaudits from USA Lacrosse Magazine in 2021. Additionally, he is a four-time All-League selection and was celebrated as the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year last week.

A reliable force on the back line, Wayne owns the program record with 81 career starts. Making the most of his time on the field, the Ashburn, Virginia native ranks second in school history with 170 caused turnovers. His 190 ground balls also stand fifth on the all-time charts and first among defensemen.

Continuing his legendary career in 2022, Wayne ranks 18th among all players in the NCAA with 46 caused turnovers this season. Honored as the USA Lacrosse Magazine Preseason Defenseman of the Year, he has helped Christopher Newport slot 12th in the country in scoring defense and first in takeaways per game.

On Saturday, Wayne and the rest of the Captains will return to action when the squad hosts the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Jennings Family Stadium. Christopher Newport will face the winner of a first-round tilt between Sewanee and Benedictine (Ill.), which takes place on Wednesday in Tennessee.

The Premier Lacrosse League will begin its fourth season in 2022 when action kicks off on June 4 in Albany, New York. Overall, the league features a 14-week schedule culminating with the championship game on September 18 in Philadelphia.

Last year, Atlas tied for the best record in the regular season with a 6-3 ledger. Led by head coach Ben Rubeor, the squad kicks off 2022 with a game against the Redwoods on June 4 at 2:15 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.

Along with Wayne, Atlas made three other selections in the annual College Draft on Tuesday evening. The organization also welcomed in North Carolina's Chris Gray, Towson's Koby Smith, and Syracuse's Brendan Curry.

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