Kevin Nguyen has become the first lacrosse player at Notre Dame de Namur University to earn Inside Lacrosse Preseason All-American accolades with his selection to the Honorable Mention Team.

Nguyen, a senior, is a midfielder from Bainbridge Island.  He has done just about everything in his career at Notre Dame de Namur University, according to the coaching staff the school. Nguyen has started in the midfield, on attack and has even been the team’s best face-off guy the past two seasons. He was also the team’s leading goal scorer as a freshman, leader in assists as a sophomore and leader in groundballs as a junior.

“It’s a huge honor to be selected,” Nguyen said.

“Being chosen as a Preseason All-American means a lot to me and will serve as great motivation on and off the field,” he said.

Nguyen has garnered several awards in his three seasons at NDNU, and earned Western Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2011. He was named First Team All-WILA in each of the league’s two seasons while also being named Team MVP last season and NDNU Male Freshman of the Year in 2010.

Last season, Nguyen made the move from attack to midfield and took over the face-offs full-time. He led the Argos in wins with 72 and groundballs with 64 while finishing in the top-20 in the nation in both categories.

“Kevin has worked extremely hard over the past few years both on and off the field and has been a great leader within our school and community,” said Argos Head Coach Derek Pedrick. “It’s great to see one of our players get honored for his play over the past few years.”

During his junior campaign, Nguyen led the team in points with 37, and racked up 20 goals and 17 assists. His assist total was good enough for 28th in country while his 51 groundballs also ranked 28th. Additionally, he led the Argos to a 7-1 league record and a WILA Championship.

For his career, Nguyen has registered 58 goals in 38 games, ranking him seventh in school history. He tallied a career best 24 goals as a freshman despite taking just 63 shots.

“It’s great to know that players from schools in the West, that aren’t from powerhouses on the East Coast, can get recognized,” Nguyen said. “I’m very excited for this season and cannot wait to step on the field.”

The Argos kick off their 2013 season on Feb. 23 when they host WILA rival Dominican at NDNU’s Koret Field.