Stevenson men’s lacrosse junior Gavin Gossen chatted with PressBox about growing to love the game in Southern California, developing his scoring touch and more. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound attackman scored 49 goals and dished out 39 assists for the Mustangs in 2025. Gossen is a native of Newport Beach, Calif., and graduate of Corona del Mar High School.
PressBox: How did you first become interested in lacrosse?
Gavin Gossen: It all started in third grade. Me and my buddy [Rowan] figured it out because we had a local feeder program into the high school we were going into. We kind of just showed up for a little practice day. It was awesome. I loved it, so I just kept playing from there.
PB: Who was the biggest influence on your game growing up?
GG: I loved Matt Kavanaugh back in the day when he was playing at Notre Dame. He was kind of a smaller guy but really tough. I just thought that’s who I wanted to be.
PB: What are some of your favorite memories from playing lacrosse in Southern California?
GG: I would just say growing up and playing with some of my best friends all throughout elementary school, middle school, through high school, just growing that bond with us, learning from all of them and going out and playing with each other through high school and seeing what they do now in college. We’ve created a lot of memories with that, for sure.
PB: How does lacrosse differ between Southern California and Maryland?
GG: In Southern California, there’s a lot of really good competition. A lot of good players come out of here. I would say it’s a little more fast-paced on the East Coast, for sure. Over here, we kind of take it a little slower on offense. We don’t have a shot clock over here, [either]. I would say it’s just a little slower.
PB: Why did you choose to go to Stevenson?
GG: I love the program and I love the school. I really thought that the culture at Stevenson was really great. I thought [head coach Paul Cantabene] is a great coach, so I wanted to play for him and join the team.
PB: Why do you think you were able to contribute right away as a freshman?
GG: I came in at the right time. The attack spot was kind of vacant, and I saw my opportunity to go out there and prove that I could be a main contributor. I got a lot of help from the upperclassmen, too, with learning — especially my freshman year from Jack Scaliti and Grant Zick, those great leaders. They gave me the confidence that I needed to go out there and play my best game.
PB: Why do you think you have such a knack for scoring? Is there a coach along the way who helped you develop your scoring touch?
GG: My high school coach G.W. Mix always helped me out with my scoring and all that — coming up the hash and from all the different spots around the field. Whenever I get my hands free, I like to shoot. I have the confidence, too, to put the ball where I want it to go. I feel like it’s been working out really well.
PB: What kind of experience was it last year to play in what is now known as the Callum Robinson Mustang Classic?
GG: It was a really big deal and it was really cool that we named it after him. We just wanted to go out there and play for him. That’s what our main goal was and will be for the coming years, just to go out there and play for him.
PB: What’s your favorite thing about Owings Mills?
GG: The golf out there is pretty cool. I like golfing out there. [Westminster National Golf Course is] always a go-to with my roommates and my teammates. It’s about 20 minutes, 25 minutes [away]. My golfing buddies, I would say it’s my roommates Thomas Tyler, Dom Eckels, Carter Grear when he’s healthy — he’s always fun to play with — Alex Wilson, Max Racich, a couple of the sophomores like Cam Deming and Gio Daddario. We have a pretty big group.
PB: Who’s the best golfer?
GG: I’ve got to say me, I hate to say it. Max is up there, too. So is Alex.
PB: What player did you look up to when you first got to Stevenson?
GG: Jack Scaliti and Grant Zick were the two that I really looked up to because they just worked so hard and they were great mentors to me.
PB: What advice do you have for younger players who are going through the recruiting process and getting Division III looks?
GG: Just take it slow. I was a late recruit for Stevenson. You can always wait for the look that you really want. It’ll always come calling. Just take the process slow and enjoy it.
PB: What are your goals for after lacrosse?
GG: After lacrosse, I would say find a job that I could … coach on the side, too. I want to be able to share my knowledge with the younger generation. I’m majoring in business administration with a minor in finance.
Photo Credit: Craig Chase Photography
Issue 297: February / March 2026
Originally published Feb. 18, 2026