“My plan was to go to Western University to play lacrosse since grade 12,” Jishan Sharples, McGill’s graduating, and recently crowned national champion said. “I didn’t even think of going to McGill, hadn’t even visited the campus. I was sure I didn’t want to go there. But then [Head Coach Tim Murdoch] contacted me and with one 30 minute phone call, I switched right away.”

Amazingly, this one discussion with Murdoch transformed Sharples’ life. Using the captain’s desire for a premium education and a promise of a national championship in the coming years at McGill, Murdoch lured the young star recruit to Montreal. Despite Sharples’ early uncertainty, the move to McGill has undoubtedly paid off, as he scored the game winning overtime goal in the Baggataway Cup final to beat the team he was once destined to join—the Western Mustangs.

“I saw immediately that Jishan was a versatile athlete—strong, fast, and athletic,” Murdoch said. “[Yet], it is truly ironic that Jishan scored the most historic goal in our history against Western in the championships. I’m so glad he was wearing red that day instead of purple.”

Growing up in Vancouver, Sharples began playing lacrosse at just five years old, after his father got him interested in the sport. Long travel sessions to practices and games marked Sharples’ high school playing days, then a member of the Burnaby Mountain Selects, the premier travelling lacrosse program in British Columbia. The club cycles through tournaments in the United States to provide exposure for gifted lacrosse players to Divison I NCAA schools.

“There isn’t a lot of exposure in Canada, specifically for field lacrosse, which is what is played in university,” Sharples said. “In order to take it to the next level, you really need to join a travelling team. The switch really came for me in grade nine, when I joined Burnaby.” Sharples said.

The Vancouver native was recruited by 18 American institutions, in addition to his few Canadian opportunities. However, McGill’s strong lacrosse program, as well as its academic reputation, won the Sharples over.

“The best decision I ever made was becoming a Redmen,” he said.

According to Sharples, the team’s success can be attributed to the roster’s diversity and the team’s devotion to the motto “for the boys.” The team features players from all across Canada and the United States. This multi-faceted dynamic—faithfully helmed by Princeton alumnus Murdoch—presents an environment where players can mature and constantly improve. This differs dramatically from other elite Canadian programs, like Western, which recruit heavily from the local talent base.

Even this year’s national championship—where Sharples scored five goals between the semis and finals, including the game-winner in the Baggataway Cup—was a total team effort.

“The entire tournament everybody played his role­—as corny as that sounds, from offence to defence—and even though my name will be on that last goal, I’m adamant that it stands as a team one,” Sharples said. “But, it is a pretty amazing feeling … it’s the only way I wanted to end my career at McGill.”

Looking towards the future, Sharples already has opportunities. With the National Lacrosse League planning to expand the current professional scene in Canada—including a team in this city to follow the now-defunct Montreal Express—Sharples was chosen to participate in a tryout for Quebec lacrosse athletes for a chance to play in a Toronto Rock professional game in December. Although he was unsuccessful in his first bid, the tryout served as a learning experience for future endeavours should he wish to pursue them. However, the future may be far more similar to the present.

“The good thing about our league, is that there is no [eligibility] limit—so I’ve already told coach I’ll be back in some form,” Sharples said. “As long as you’re a full-time student at McGill [you’re eligible]. I’m hoping to do a dual MBA/JD program, with another four years of lacrosse.”

Looking back, Murdoch had glowing reviews of Sharples and the legacy he leaves with the program.

“I am always happy to witness young men like Jishan mature over four years on campus. He took full advantage of McGill’s academic offerings—four-year honor roll status, while enjoying himself socially in Montreal. He has always been self-motivated to achieve great things, on and off of the lacrosse field, [and] he made his own success through hard work and determination,” Murdoch said.

“Jishan is destined for continued success in whatever career path he chooses beyond McGill,” Murdoch continued. “As head coach, I have formed especially close friendships with our captains over the years, and I can say from the bottom of my heart that I will miss Jishan enormously.”

It’s safe to say Sharples made the right playing decision.

“[It’s been] the best four years of my life,” Sharples said. “An absolute roller coaster, with definitely more highs than lows, but it started the right way and ended the right way.”