In just the first eleven games of his second season, Connor Ganschow has scored fourty-eight goals, provided fourteen assists, and has been a standout for the OPRF boys lacrosse team this season. Despite only being a sophomore, Ganschow has become a prominent figure on the field and in the locker room who hopes to pave the way for a deep state run this year.
Lacrosse runs in the Ganschow family, as Ganschow’s dad, English teacher Dan Ganschow, played for the lacrosse team at OPRF before he graduated in 1993. Later on, Dan Ganschow was the head coach of the boys lacrosse team for 14 years before stepping down in 2013, and then rejoining as head coach in 2024.
Some of Connor Ganschow’s success can be attributed to his early exposure to the sport, as he grew up watching his dad coach games and lead warmups. However, his dad made sure to provide opportunities for his kids to explore other sports and interests other than lacrosse.
“Our garage and our backyard have always been kind of a playground of if you want to throw it, we’ve got it. If you want to kick it, we have it. If you want to toss it, run it, shoot it, it’s there,” said Dan Ganschow.
Connor played soccer his freshman year and football this past season but has found his passion on the lacrosse field.
As a freshman, Ganschow sprang onto the scene immediately. He led the team in goals and earned All-Conference First Team honors and a nomination for the IHSA All-State team. Ganschow credited the seniors for his seamless transition into the team: “All the seniors were nice. We really felt like a family.”
Ganschow’s powerful performances extend beyond his ability to score goals. His coach credited his ability to create for his teammates as well: “As long as he is getting to the goal and keeping his head up…we’re going to have an awful lot of people that are going to score.”
Alexander Lee, a teammate of Ganschow’s, said, “He’s always around the game of lacrosse, and really sets the example that we should always be pushing ourselves to improve.”
Ganschow’s fearlessness as a sophomore has set the standard for everyday practice. Ganschow noted, “I’ll yell at them when they mess up, but they know that I’m just trying to push them to be their best,” even though he later conceded, “You know sometimes I need to be a little bit nicer, and say kinder things.”
Ganschow brings more than just goals to the team; his positive attitude and grit make him invaluable to the team.
“He knows when to be serious in practice, but he’s also just a good guy to be around; we all have a good relationship off the field as well,” said Lee.
Dan Ganschow took over the head coaching role again in 2024 after spending time away from coaching to spend with his family. When asked about his experience coaching his son, he said, “It’s strange, you know, I think it’s more of a double-edged sword for him…he doesn’t get a break from me.” He continued, “Sometimes I’ll criticize or critique players on the side, but with him off to the side and in private, it is everywhere.”
Connor Ganschow agreed that, “It’s not weird, but at the same time it is…he’ll talk to me at home about different things on the field.”
The ceiling is high for Ganschow; his combination of scoring ability, strength, and quickness make him one of the top underclassmen in Illinois.
As Ganschow heads into the second half of his second season, he is hoping to continue improving on his already impressive start. His work ethic and dedication to the sport will only help him become an even more important figure for the Huskies.
