Tommy Burke ’19 Signs with NLL’s Las Vegas Desert Dogs

Former Millbrook lacrosse standout Tommy Burke ’19 began his professional box lacrosse career on Tuesday, signing with the Las Vegas Desert Dogs of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).

"I'm pumped to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a pro athlete," Burke said. "Grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey from Millbrook to Vermont to Ohio State and Edge Lacrosse. Hope I can serve as an example to younger kids to pursue their dreams and not let limits define them!"

One of the many Mustangs who go on to compete in college and the pros, Burke played for Millbrook’s boys varsity lacrosse team in the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 seasons. He graduated a semester early to join the University of Vermont lacrosse squad in time for the 2020 season, which was cut short due to COVID-19.

At Vermont, Burke built an impressive resume. He made the America East All-Conference First Team in each of his three full seasons, and he was named New England Lacrosse Player of the Year in 2021. He also rewrote the school record books, including setting the single-season faceoff percentage (.698) and career ground balls (348) marks.

With an extra year of NCAA eligibility from the 2020 COVID season, Burke transferred to Ohio State University to play as a graduate student in 2024.

Burke joins a Desert Dogs squad that’s currently second to last in the NLL standings at 2–6. He’ll look to help his new team turn its season around in the final 10 games of the 2024–2025 season.

The Desert Dogs’ next matchup is set for February 14 at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific Time) against the Vancouver Warriors at home in Nevada. The action will be broadcast nationally on ESPN+ and YouTube TV, and game recaps are available on the Desert Dogs' YouTube channel.

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