Top Pick CJ Kirst Set to Make Professional Debut for Philadelphia Waterdogs

Lexi Woodcock/Cornell Athletics

The wait is over. CJ Kirst, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 Professional Lacrosse League Draft, is officially set to make his professional debut this weekend for the Philadelphia Waterdogs. Kirst will suit up for the first time in Week 8 of the PLL season, after being activated by Philadelphia on Wednesday. The Waterdogs take on the Maryland Whipsnakes this Saturday at 8:00 p.m., marking a new chapter in what has already been a legendary lacrosse career for the former Cornell University star. The debut comes after Kirst spent the start of the season recovering from a wrist injury he suffered during Cornell’s run to a national championship this spring. Despite the injury, Kirst was still selected first overall in the PLL Draft, a testament to his generational talent and leadership on the field. Kirst’s resume speaks for itself. He finished his college career with 247 goals, including 86 in his senior season alone, tying the NCAA single-season record. He also racked up 115 total points in 2025, leading the country in both goals and points. In the final game of Cornell’s regular season, Kirst scored his 225th career goal, breaking the NCAA’s all-time record. His performance in the NCAA Championship Game was legendary. Kirst scored six goals to help lead Cornell to a win over Maryland, securing the school’s first national title since 1977. The six-goal performance tied the NCAA record for most goals in a title game.

In addition to winning the 2025 Tewaaraton Award, given to the top player in college lacrosse, Kirst was named Ivy League Player of the Year, USILA Player of the Year, and was selected as an All-American for the third time in his career. The Waterdogs, currently tied with the New York Atlas atop the Eastern Conference standings at 4-2, are looking to make a late-season push. The addition of Kirst to the lineup could be the spark they need as they battle for playoff positioning with just four weeks remaining in the regular season. All eyes will be on Philadelphia this Saturday as one of the sport’s brightest stars makes his professional debut. If his college career is any indication, CJ Kirst is ready to take the PLL by storm.