Mathew Kallberg, a graduate of Prior Lake High School, is one of several Minnesotans on the Rockhurst University men's lacrosse team. (Provided/Rockhurst University)

Tyler Smith jests that he was born with skates firmly fitted on his feet. Like many hockey-crazed Minnesotans, the 2022 Duluth East graduate’s first love was the ice.

However, he soon discovered a passion for another stick sport: lacrosse. With few designated fields in his hometown, Smith sharpened his skills in backyards and played games on golf course fairways.

As he rose to statewide prominence as one of Minnesota’s most gifted lacrosse players, Smith dreamed of playing collegiate lacrosse on the East Coast. But a Division II coach in Missouri proved persistent on the recruiting warpath.

For more on how Rockhurst became a destination for Minnesota high school boys lacrosse athletes, click here to read this story on startribune.com.