Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Noah Molnar

Noah Molnar made quite an impact in his four-year varsity career, helping Corona del Mar move into the elite ranks of Orange County.

"Our program has come so far in four years," said Molnar, the Register's boys lacrosse player of the year.

Molnar, a midfielder, led Corona del Mar (20-2) to the Pacific Coast League title. The Sea Kings, who wound up ranked second in Orange County, advanced to the Orange County championship, falling to Foothill, 10-8.

Molnar had some impressive statistics on the season, scoring 79 goals with 43 assists and 81 groundballs.

"We knew we were going to be competitive," said Molnar, the MVP of the league. "We came up a little bit short, but it was a really fun season. I feel like the whole team really improved and we came together.

"We came up one game short, but besides that, we definitely reached all of our goals. Our first win versus Foothill was a big win. The win over Palos Verdes in overtime was another one."

Molnar, also a key member of the Corona del Mar football team, gained confidence each year playing lacrosse.

"His size, speed and stick work are certainly formidable, but his self-determination, competitiveness and high expectations for himself are even greater forces that have made him the player that he is today," Corona del Mar coach Mark Todd said.

"Sure being a coachable player gifted with superior athletic ability makes Noah the kind of player that everyone wants on his team, but those personal character factors are what every coach hopes all his players will possess. They are the qualities that distinguish the great athletes from the good athletes."

Molnar will continue his lacrosse career at Lehigh University.

"I feel like I can come and contribute all four years," Molnar said. "They're an up-and-coming D-I team and they have real high expectations for me."

Contact the writer: tburt@ocregister.com