For most college athletes, their final season marks the end of a rigorous and defining chapter of their lives. For Dylan Florian of the KSC Men’s Lacrosse team, that chapter had seemingly closed 10 years ago. But in a rare and unconventional twist, the 31-year-old goalkeeper has returned to Keene State College, balancing his pursuit of a master’s degree with one last season on the lacrosse team he once led to championships a decade earlier.
Florian’s journey back to Keene State was anything but traditional. A former All-American in high school, he initially pursued DI lacrosse at Sacred Heart University before transferring to St. Michael’s College. At the time, the NCAA transfer rules were much more restrictive, and navigating eligibility concerns made the transition challenging. Eventually, he found his way to Keene State, where he played the 2014 and 2015 seasons, helping the Owls secure back-to-back Little East Conference titles. However, an unexpected job opportunity led him to forgo his final year of eligibility.
After spending nearly a decade in the workforce—first in insurance and later as a bar owner—Florian said he decided he wanted a change. His plan was to return to Keene State, finish his degree and explore coaching opportunities. But a chance encounter at a lacrosse tournament with current Keene State players sparked a different idea.
“I made a joke about coming back and how I was going to use my year of eligibility,” Florian recalled. “It just put that thought into my head. Instead of coming back to try to be like a part-time assistant, I came back as a player.”
Florian said the transition back into the full grind of college athletics was a challenge, especially after a 10-year absence from high-level competition. Florian spent much of the fall working on his conditioning, knowing that returning to the daily demands of training would take time.
“I had played a lot of men’s leagues and pickup, but it’s not really comparable to being on a team and practicing every day,” he said.
As he adjusted to the physical toll of the sport again, Florian said he found himself embracing a different role within the team.
Men’s lacrosse Head Coach Mark Theriault has praised Florian’s maturity and leadership, even naming him a team captain. Theriault said Florian’s experience, both on and off the field, quickly made him a respected figure in the locker room. Beyond his contributions in goal, he has also become a leader for his younger teammates.
“He understands where we’re coming from,” Theriault said. “A lot of his real-life experiences are pretty evident every day because he’s pretty calm, collected and really thoughtful with everything he does.”
While some might expect a significant age gap to create a divide between Florian and his teammates, he said he has been intentional about integrating himself into the team dynamic.
“I wanted to be on an equal playing field, even though I’m 10 years older, and then be able to gain respect,” Florian explained. “I didn’t want that vibe to come off like, ‘I know better than you.’ I think it’s a combination now, but it’s slowly turned into a mentorship role.”
Teammates like junior midfielder Jaheim Lancaster have embraced Florian’s leadership, believing his experience will help guide the team to success.
“Florian is a genuine guy. He’s been here before, so he knows what it takes in order to get where we want to as a team,” Lancaster said. “I think his experience can only help us reach our end goal.”
Florian said the situation has not gone unnoticed by opponents. On more than one occasion, players from other teams have picked up on his age and used it as a source of mid-game banter.
“Sometimes the other team will get wind that I’m older and they’ll chirp me off the bench,” he said. “During the Bates game, the announcer found out and kept saying, ‘31-year-old goalie Dylan Florian’ every time I made a save.”
Despite the occasional jokes from opponents, Theriault said Florian’s impact on the Keene State program has been overwhelmingly positive. With five other goalies on the roster, his knowledge and experience have served as valuable teaching tools for the next generation of players.
“He’s willing to say what he needs to say, but he does it in a very thoughtful way,” Theriault said. “That’s why he’s one of our captains. He was the guy that would do the extra stuff, pick up the balls, set the example. When you’re looking at captains, that’s exactly what you want—a selfless person that puts the team first.”
Theriault said Florian’s return to the field serves as a testament to the idea that it is never too late to pursue one’s passions. While many would have been content to move on from competitive athletics, Florian saw an opportunity and seized it. Theriault said he believes that message is an important one for anyone considering a major life change.
“It shows that it’s never too late,” Theriault said. “If you want to change careers, if you want to do something different in your life, you don’t have to just settle for what you’re doing. [Florian] could have continued his path, but he challenged himself in a different way.”
For Florian, every game, practice and moment with the team is something to be cherished.
“After working for 10 years, every day here is a blessing,” he said. “I’m never going to do this again, so I just have to enjoy every moment of it.”
Elías Stowell Alemán can be contacted at
estowellaleman@kscequinox.com
