Vic Made — Lincoln Struhs, The Hill Academy

Vic Made — Lincoln Struhs, The Hill Academy

About this series

Vic Made is a Lacrosse Victoria series featuring Victorian players who have taken their lacrosse overseas, to high schools and colleges across North America. Every path looks different. Some players go through recruiters, some contact schools directly, some build highlight reels for years before a door opens. There is no single way in. What these players share is that they went looking for the opportunity and found it. This series exists to show the next generation of Victorian players that the opportunity is real, and that it might look different for each of them too.

Meet Lincoln Struhs

Lincoln Struhs comes from Altona Lacrosse Club. He represented Victoria in the U18 Men's State Team this year, coming home from Canada specifically to pull on the state jersey for the national tournament before heading straight back. Before that he was part of the Australian U16 Boys national team, competing at the Asia Pacific U16 Lacrosse Championship in 2025, and played for the Salties in the Major League Sixes tournament that same year.

He joined The Hill Academy in Ontario, Canada in January. One of North America's leading sports academies, The Hill is where he now trains and plays as a goalkeeper.

In his own words

How did you get on the radar of The Hill Academy?

"Me and mum contacted schools directly, asking if they wanted a goalie. But it's also very important to have a highlight reel, not only of your best plays but of the plays that represent how you play and what you're all about."

What surprised you most when you arrived?

"As a goalie, how quickly the ball moves around the field and the level of communication that is shared between the team."

How much game time have you had so far?

"Honestly, not a lot. I've only been here for about three months. But that's part of the challenge, getting better and fighting for that starting spot while no one else is watching."

What's been the highlight so far?

"Definitely the training. I love waking up each morning and getting to play the game I fell in love with. It's a real gift and I would do anything to keep doing it."

Is there anything you wish you'd known before committing?

"It's a huge leap from a big pond to an even bigger pond. Pure training isn't gonna cut it. You need to be ambitious, ask other players for advice, ask coaches what they would do. Go after it."

How do you manage the balance between study and lacrosse?

"When you talk about a student athlete, the student always comes first. Before any coach wants to see your highlight reel, they will be asking for your transcripts. Always make sure your grades are first, then work your tail off with lacrosse."

What would you say to a young player in Melbourne who wants to do what you're doing?

"Be yourself. No one is what you are, and that's what makes everyone special. That's what coaches want to see. Character, not someone who blends into the crowd."

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Vic Made is an ongoing Lacrosse Victoria series. More stories coming soon.

Are you a Victorian lacrosse player currently studying or playing overseas? We'd love to feature you. Get in touch via Instagram.

Playing in an overseas camp or tournament this year? We want to hear from you for part two of the series.

Already committed to a school overseas? Congratulations. We want to share your story in part three. Reach out via Instagram DM.