Thayer senior to play for Mexico’s national U20 lacrosse team

Thayer Academy’s Christian Chiusolo ‘25 has been selected as a member of Team Mexico’s U20 lacrosse squad and will play in next year’s Heritage Cup set for Memorial Day Weekend at Regis College. 

This will actually be the second time Chiusolo, a defender who plays for Thayer’s varsity lacrosse team as well as the elite club program Laxachusetts, will compete for a Mexican national team; in 2024, the Marshfield native played for the men’s senior team at that year’s Heritage Cup, which was held in Philadelphia. 

“Representing Mexico is a tremendous honor,” said Chiusolo. “My mother was born in Mexico City and lived in Puebla before moving to the States as a kid. I’m honored to have the opportunity to compete alongside some of the best talent in the world and help grow the game that I’m so passionate about.” 

In addition to the Heritage Cup, Chiusolo and his teammates will travel to Jeju, South Korea, in August of 2025 for the men’s U20 world championships. If the young and talented defender continues to grow within Mexico’s national program, he could soon find himself competing for the opportunity to represent Mexico at the 2027 men’s world championships in Japan or the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 

“In my opinion, Christian is a high-character kid who is always with a smile on his face,” said Alejandro “Fonsi” Fonseca, who recently retired from Mexico’s national team and has stepped into the role of director of international competition for Asociación México Lacrosse. “He’s always willing to help his teammates and ready for whatever the task he’s asked to do on the field. As we enter a new era for our national teams, we’re convinced that kids like Christian are the kinds of players and human beings who can serve as role models for the team culture we’re creating.” 

Jake Padillo, head coach of the U20 national team, is equally impressed with the Thayer student-athlete. 

“Christian is a fundamentally sound defenseman who excels by combining his athleticism with high IQ instincts,” Padilla said. “He rarely misses a two slide because his body is in such a good position to hedge or go. When it’s time to defend, Christian is a strong marker. Powered by explosive feet, he can cover most guys and prevent them from good shooting or passing angels. 

Padilla added that Chiusolo rounds things out through his ground game. 

“Paired with fast feet and stick skills, Christian is a great defender because he’s a vacuum on ground balls,” Padilla said. “It’ll be exciting to watch his continued progression.” 

Chiusolo’s proud family includes his parents, Jessica and Jason Chiusolo P ‘25, ‘27, and sister Lyla ‘25.