The Boston Cannons have witnessed a remarkable transformation in Ethan Rall, affectionately known as "Raller" by his teammates, and "Chippy" by head coach Brian Holman. Rall's journey to this point has been anything but conventional, marked by a determination to prove himself after being overlooked during his collegiate career.
Despite being an All-American at Islip High School, Rall faced challenges in gaining recognition at the collegiate level. At Rutgers University, he excelled as a long-stick midfielder, earning three USILA All-American honors. However, his talent went unnoticed during the PLL College Draft, leaving him feeling somewhat slighted, though he refrained from expressing outright resentment.
"He still carries that with him, which I think is a motivator for him," Holman noted, emphasizing Rall's drive to succeed in a league where he felt he had been overlooked. Rall himself acknowledged the motivation derived from watching others selected ahead of him, stating, "I want to make sure I’m living up to the standards that I set for myself and Coach Holman." This mindset has fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence on the field.
Rall's rise to prominence began when he received a call from Holman while at a Wawa, inviting him to join the Cannons. His rookie season was impressive, leading the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) in caused turnovers and earning nominations for both Rookie of the Year and LSM of the Year. In his first two seasons, he was recognized as a two-time All-Pro LSM and ranked in the Players Top 50.
In the 2026 season, Rall's performance reached new heights. He finished among the league leaders with 43 ground balls, a career high, and tied for second in caused turnovers among long-stick midfielders. His efforts culminated in his first All-Star Game selection, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Cannons.
Despite the challenges of sharing playing time with fellow LSM Owen Grant, Rall's adaptability and skill shone through. The Cannons' coaching staff made a strategic decision to move Grant to close defense, allowing Rall to take on a more prominent role. This shift not only benefited Rall but also transformed the Cannons' defense into one of the league's top units, a significant improvement from their previous season.
Rall's defensive prowess is underscored by his ability to read the game and anticipate plays. His agility and strategic approach have earned him praise from teammates and coaches alike. Grant likened Rall's instinctual play to that of a "cheetah" ready to pounce, highlighting his ability to disrupt opposing offenses effectively.
In a standout performance against the Whipsnakes, Rall recorded four caused turnovers, seven ground balls, and even contributed a goal, earning him the title of PLL Player of the Week. His impact on the game was undeniable, with commentators lauding him as the best player on the field during that matchup.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Rall has emerged as a leader in the Cannons' locker room. With the retirement of several veteran players, he has taken it upon himself to mentor younger teammates, fostering a culture of growth and accountability. Rall actively engages in team discussions, offering insights and guidance to rookies as they navigate the challenges of professional lacrosse.
Rall's commitment to the sport extends beyond his playing career. He founded Cover U Lacrosse, a program dedicated to training and mentoring aspiring defenders, particularly those who, like him, may be overlooked due to their size. Rall's message to these young athletes is clear: dedication to the game will yield positive results. "If you love the game, the game will love you back," he asserts, embodying the spirit of perseverance that has defined his career.
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