Former Navy Standout Signs Pro Lacrosse Contract

Xavier Arline, a two-sport athlete at the Naval Academy, inks deal with Redwoods lacrosse team.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:47am

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Xavier Arline, a former standout two-sport athlete at the U.S. Naval Academy, has signed a professional lacrosse contract with the Redwoods after graduating in 2024 and serving for a year and a half in the military. Arline had figured his competitive lacrosse days were over, but the Redwoods reached out and he accepted their offer to play professionally.

Why it matters

Arline's signing is an inspiring story of a talented student-athlete who was able to fulfill his military commitment and then return to the sport he excelled at in college. It highlights the opportunities available for former college athletes to continue playing professionally, even after taking a break from their sport.

The details

After graduating from the Naval Academy in May 2024, Arline spent a year and a half working as a motor vehicle operator, during which time he did not even pick up a lacrosse stick. However, the Redwoods professional lacrosse team reached out to Arline and offered him a contract, which he accepted despite initially thinking his competitive lacrosse days were over.

  • Arline graduated from the Naval Academy in May 2024.
  • For a year and a half after graduating, Arline worked as a motor vehicle operator and did not play lacrosse.
  • The Redwoods reached out to Arline in early 2026 to offer him a professional lacrosse contract.

The players

Xavier Arline

A former two-sport standout athlete at the U.S. Naval Academy who has signed a professional lacrosse contract with the Redwoods after serving in the military for a year and a half.

Redwoods

A professional lacrosse team that reached out to Xavier Arline and offered him a contract to play for them.

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What they’re saying

“Redwoods reached out and asked if I was interested in playing and my immediate response was, 'Yes if I am able to do so,'”

— Xavier Arline (wn.com)

What’s next

Arline will begin training with the Redwoods in the coming weeks to prepare for the upcoming professional lacrosse season.

The takeaway

Arline's story demonstrates that former college athletes can sometimes find opportunities to return to their sport professionally, even after taking a break to fulfill other commitments like military service. His signing with the Redwoods is an inspiring example of perseverance and the continued pursuit of one's athletic passions.