Penn State lacrosse’s senior standout TJ Sanders was named a 2016 Scholar All-American by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA). He joins 43 other NCAA Division I athletes in the honor, but the Ontario native attacker is the sole Nittany Lion receiving it this year.

The USILA established the award to recognize student athletes who are distinguished academically, athletically, and in the community. Nominees must be selected by their coaches and must be seniors academically standing with GPAs above 3.0 on the 4.0 scale.

Sanders, a supply chain and information systems major, is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a two-time Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. He finished his last season with 43 points four of those coming from the thrilling Denver upset. Through his career, from starting as a freshman, he’s collected 124 goals and 36 assists.

He’s the fourth player under Coach Jeff Tambroni to receive the award and ninth in program history. The last Nittany Lion to be named was goalkeeper Austin Kaut in 2014.

Sanders’ performance through his career has earned him a slew of accolades including CAA Rookie of the Year in 2013 and appearances in the Big Ten Tournament in 2015 and 2016.

About the Author

Jess Frezza

Jess is a PR major with some random minors who, despite being a Jersey native, still bleeds blue and white. You can find her thinking it’s normal to break out into past THON lines dances or being called some variation of her last name. If you think you see her on campus, she's the one who tripped and/or spilled coffee on herself. Tweet her a bad pun and a puppy picture at @jessfrezza16 or exchange your ACL tear story with her at jess@onwardstate.com.

How Centre County Voted In The 2026 Midterm Elections

Centre County saw a 55.32% voter turnout rate in the general election.

Man Accused of Stealing Vehicle From State College Hotel & Driving Drunk

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 12.

‘Blood In The Water’: Penn State Football Cornerback Audavion Collins & Secondary Elevating Surrounding Units

“He does a good job of making everyone else around him better because he’s the hardest-working guy on the field at all times.”