Lebanon Valley College men's lacrosse alumni Andrew Kruter '14 and Alex Kiviniemi '23, M'24, showcased their skills by competing in the 2025 European Lacrosse Championships this past July in Wroclaw, Poland.

Kruter brought home his country's first field championship with Team Israel, winning the European Lacrosse Championship. Kruter, a former Dutchmen defender, played an important role in the squad's strong defensive efforts this summer, including its 10-0 shutout against Norway. He and Team Israel claimed their first-ever field lacrosse title by winning each of its seven games, culminating with a 9-8 victory over Italy in the Gold Medal Game.

"Winning the European Lacrosse Championship ranks among the best moments of my life," Kruter said. "All the endless hours of training and stick work were worth it in the end. We weren't just playing for ourselves; we were playing for our country."

Kruter also played on Team Israel's gold-winning squad at the 2017 European Box Lacrosse Championship in Finland. This year's victory in the European Championship secured Israel's spot in the 2027 World Championship in Japan.

"Preparing for a World Championship is never easy, and I'm hopeful I'll still be able to compete, especially considering my age," Kruter said. "Playing in Asia has always been a dream, and I'm excited about the potential of our young, talented roster."

In addition to earning a trip to the World Championship, Kruter and Team Israel will work toward qualifying for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This will mark the first time lacrosse has been an official Olympic sport since the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. Upcoming tournaments over the next two years will determine qualification for the Olympics.

Kiviniemi, an athletic trainer with Penn State Health, also had success during the European Championship as an assistant captain for Team Finland. He recorded 16 goals, eight assists, and six faceoff wins during eight games. This was the sixth international competition in which the former Lebanon Valley midfielder has appeared. Kiviniemi has made every Finnish National Team roster since 2018. He has participated in two European Lacrosse Field Championships, two World Box Lacrosse Championships, one World Field Lacrosse Championship, and one European Box Lacrosse Championship.

"It was a great honor to put on the Finnish jersey and represent my country," Kiviniemi said. "It is always an amazing experience to attend these events; the camaraderie in our team and in the lacrosse community is unmatched."

Kiviniemi expressed his appreciation to Lebanon Valley for preparing him to compete at a high level and serve as a leader.

"LVC helped me become the best version of myself on and off the lacrosse field," Kiviniemi said. "I competed against great talent daily and grew my leadership skills as a captain for three years. I have been honored to be named as an assistant captain of the Finnish national team in the past two tournaments."

Kruter also had a positive experience at Lebanon Valley and was joined at the College by his sister, Taylor Kruter '14, who was a four-year member and three-year captain of the women's lacrosse team. He said that playing lacrosse for the Dutchmen taught him life lessons that still guide him today. These lessons include the importance of hard work and leading with integrity.

"I wouldn't trade my experience at LVC for anything," said Kruter, a manager with Lifestyles Sports in New York. "I wasn't just a number—I felt like I made an impact on campus, and I found the perfect balance between academics, athletics, and friendships."

Kruter and Kiviniemi can be seen in action on the same field next weekend as they are both scheduled to return to Annville for Homecoming. The former Dutchmen will compete in the men's lacrosse team's annual alumni game that is scheduled for a 10 a.m. start.

"I can't wait to be back on the historic Arnold Field on October 11 for our alumni game," Kiviniemi said.

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