The 2024 Maryland Whipsnakes were one of the most fascinating teams in the league. For most of the regular season, they flew under the radar. The wins weren’t dominant, the metrics didn’t scream contender, and there wasn’t much flash coming out of that locker room. But by the time the playoffs hit, they were one of the most dangerous teams in the league. A fourth seed with nothing to lose, they knocked off the top-seeded Atlas in overtime and found themselves in the title game. They fell short in the final, but the message was clear—this team isn’t going anywhere.
A lot of credit goes to Jim Stagnitta, who continues to prove why he’s one of the best in the business. He kept his team focused, made all the right adjustments, and got the offense to peak at the perfect time. That postseason run felt like a team hitting its stride—not just getting hot. And now heading into 2025, the Whipsnakes seem to have embraced that version of themselves, doubling down on a few key strengths and making some necessary upgrades across the board.
Building Around Malone
The biggest storyline for this group is TJ Malone. Coming off a standout rookie year where he racked up 37 points and made weekly appearances on the highlight reel, Malone is the kind of piece you build around. His energy, creativity, and scoring ability gave the Whips a new dimension, and now with a full offseason under his belt, expectations are sky-high.
The attack unit around him looks strong. Matt Rambo returns, bringing experience and toughness. Rob Pannell joins the mix in one of the more interesting fits of the offseason. The veteran arrives from the Redwoods, and while his game has evolved with age, he still has enough in the tank to contribute. With Malone and Rambo creating chaos, Pannell may have the freedom to find soft spots and play a more relaxed brand of lacrosse that fits him well.
Matt Brandau is another piece that could quietly make a big difference. Things never fully clicked for him with the Waterdogs, but the talent is real, and the Maryland Whipsnakes seem like a better fit for his dodging-heavy style. Aidan Carroll, taken in the first round of the draft, will be one to watch. His ceiling is still unknown, but if he can earn minutes early, he may end up being a bigger factor than most expect.
Questions in the Midfield
This is where the team still feels like it’s searching for an identity. The midfield production in 2024 was by committee, with Poitras, Chanenchuk, and Levi Anderson all posting 13 points. That’s solid, but not explosive. The good news is that the Whips aren’t necessarily built around their midfield needing to carry the load. If Brandau or Carroll emerges as a second-line threat, it could help balance things out, but for now, this group will need to be consistent and efficient, not flashy.
Defense Must Level Up
Defensively, the numbers weren’t where they needed to be. Finishing seventh in scores against average at 12.4 per game doesn’t cut it for a team trying to win a championship. But watching this group, it never felt like a lack of effort or ability—it just felt like things didn’t quite click for stretches of the season.
Ajax Zappitello and Matt Dunn are still two of the best when they’re on, and Colin Squires continues to be a presence on the wing with 39 ground balls last season. The issue wasn’t individuals. It was cohesion. The unit needs to play better as a group, trust their slides, and make things easier on the goalie. That brings us to one of the bigger questions for this year—who steps up in net?
With Kyle Bernlohr retiring, the Maryland Whipsnakes need someone to claim the crease. Whether it’s a veteran or someone emerging from the draft, that position could determine the ceiling of this team. If the defense can force lower-angle looks and give their starter shots he wants to see, this becomes a different group entirely.
The Nardella Advantage
Joe Nardella was an absolute machine at the stripe last year, winning a staggering 67.5 percent of his draws. It’s the type of edge most teams dream of having. With Nardella giving them consistent possessions and Malone leading the offense, the Whipsnakes found their identity down the stretch. That formula doesn’t need to change. It just needs to stay sharp.
Smart Moves, Strong Core
The Maryland Whipsnakes didn’t just “run it back” this offseason. They made targeted moves that fit their style and filled real needs. Trading Zed Williams was a risk, but one that felt more calculated than reactive. Bringing in Pannell and Brandau, shoring up depth with a few defensive additions, and taking a swing on a guy like Carroll—all of it points toward a team that knows exactly what it’s trying to be.
This team isn’t just hoping to recreate last year’s playoff run. They’re aiming to build on it. The question will be how quickly they can tighten up the defense, find their goalie, and keep their offense humming. If those pieces come together, they’re not just contenders. They’re right back in the final.
