Former local resident inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame

Former Montgomery Village resident Paul Rabil was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in January. As one of the most influential figures in the world of lacrosse over the past two decades, USA Lacrosse memorialized his efforts and years of dedication and excellence to the sport.

According to the USA Lacrosse website, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 450 men and women who by their deeds as players, coaches, officials and/or contributors personify the great contribution of lacrosse. The Class of 2024 will add eight new names to the Hall of Fame, including Rabil.

Rabil’s career at Johns Hopkins University earned him four All-American honors, where he was named the National Midfielder of the Year in 2007, and helped lead the team to two national championships. He also played five seasons in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and 13 seasons professionally in Major League Lacrosse (MLL), and he co-founded the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) with his brother, Mike, in 2019.

During his time in MLL, Rabil was a seven-time All-Star, twice named the league’s MVP, and earned Offensive Player of the Year honors three times. He helped lead his teams to MLL championships in both 2011 and 2015, further cementing his legacy in the sport. He also represented the U.S. Men’s National Teams in three World Championships, earning gold medals in 2010 and 2018. Rabil retired in 2021 as the all-time leading scorer in professional field lacrosse, amassing 657 career points.

Attending the induction were his parents, Allan and Jean Ann Rabil who reside in Whetstone, his uncle and aunt, Dick and Kathi Rabil who reside in North Village, his siblings, Mike Rabil and Rebecca Rabil, and his fiancé, Vanessa Kirby. Rabil credited his mother for teaching him the value of commitment. “I wanted to quit the sport when I first started playing youth lacrosse,” said Rabil. He credited his father for teaching him the value of receptiveness. “He told me to be coachable and to always be willing to ask for help,” Rabil said. “Let others guide you in your journey.”

Rabil got his start in lacrosse by playing as a youth in the Montgomery Village Sports Association (MVSA) in Montgomery Village, and so it was important to him that his MVSA coaches Bob Powell and John Fegan were able to attend his induction ceremony and share in his honor.

Below: From left to right: MVSA Coach Bob Powell, MVSA Coach
John Fegan and his wife, Cindy Fegan, and Paul Rabil.

Right: Rabil family left to right: Allan Rabil, Rebecca Rabil, Jean Ann Rabil, Paul Rabil, Vanessa Kirby and Mike Rabil.