A Denver native who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy is heading to the Premier Lacrosse League championship semifinals — all while serving at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs.
As a freshman at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Josh Yago tore his ACL before his rookie season had even started. The injury ultimately resulted in a medical fifth year at Notre Dame, which led to him being drafted to the Premier Lacrosse League in April, where he plays for the Philadelphia Waterdogs while continuing his service in the Space Force.
During his four years at the academy, Yago earned numerous awards and honors, including the 2025 ASUN Offensive Player of the Year, and became the program's 17th all-time All-American. Yago thought Notre Dame would be his final lacrosse season, but after leading the Fighting Irish to the NCAA Division I Men's Lacrosse National Championship, he caught the attention of PLL teams across the country.
While some were hesitant about drafting a player with military obligations, the Philadelphia Waterdogs selected Yago in the third round of the 2026 PLL College Draft. Since being drafted, Yago has been training on his own while serving at Peterson Space Force Base and travels on weekends to competitions — a schedule that recently included a trip to Jamaica with Team USA.
The academy community rallied to help Yago secure the medical fifth year, and then did so again to help him continue playing after being selected in the PLL College Draft. Yago said Peterson was "very cooperative and easygoing" about his dual commitments.
After a rocky start to the season, Yago has helped the Waterdogs to a breakout season with the most wins in team history, and the team is peaking at the right moment. His father described the arc of events as something few could have anticipated. "The crazy thing is, it wasn't going to happen, and then it did happen," Roger Yago said. "The next thing you know, he is playing lacrosse at Notre Dame, and everyone is wondering how that happened. And then they have this amazing season, go all the way to the championship — that's a dream for a lot of people."
Yago has been candid about his gratitude. "It's cool to think back to my younger self. I wouldn't believe me that I was a pro player with a chance to win a championship," he said. "I'm thankful to be drafted to a special team with special games that have made the experience better. No complaints about my rookie year so far."
Yago's story continues Sept. 7 in Salt Lake City in the championship semifinals, after the Waterdogs received a bye. Whether the team advances to the PLL title game will be known following that semifinal result.