All Roads Lead Back Home
Ben Kane
With family by their sides, Matt and Cam Acchione patiently waited for the results of a YouTube livestream to decide their fates in the National Lacrosse League
draft.
For as long as they remember, the brothers have been attached at the hip. However, when the pros came calling, the former Delaware men’s lacrosse standouts branched off for the first time in their young lives.
First was Matt, who was taken 16th in the first round by the Saskatchewan Rush.
“It was pretty surreal, a dream come true. I’ve played lacrosse my whole life for that moment so it was pretty special.”
Then, it was Cam’s moment to shine. He was chosen in the third round (39
th overall) by the San Diego Seals.
“It was definitely a little bit different for me,” said Cam. “Matt was obviously on the YouTube stream and got to see his name there, for me it was just a little bit longer. I figured it would be that way, as I didn’t really get to play in the Presidents Cup. Everything happens for a reason though, and when I heard it was San Diego it was even cooler.”
It’s been a dream of the brothers since they were kids to play lacrosse professionally and it was something that they always knew could be a possibility for them both.
“I always had this in mind,” Matt said “I always wanted to play professionally. Now that it’s here I’m super thankful.”
Growing up, Cam and Matt's relationship grew stronger both on and off the field. From hockey to lacrosse and just about every other endeavor, the brothers have been inseparable for as long as they can remember.
“We’re brothers, but best friends to be a little soft there,” Cam said. “People kind of make fun of us because we are that close, we do everything together. We’ve been through a lot together.”
When it was time to make a decision on college, every program knew the same thing: the brothers were a package deal.
“Our junior year when we were being recruited, he [Cam] was hurt,” Matt said. “We had to go off the word of other coaches.”
“They always knew it was a package deal,” Cam said. “All these schools, even if they hadn’t seen me play, knew.”
When it came time to make a decision, Delaware was the easy choice for both the brothers and their family. After four successful years with the Blue Hens with hardware to prove it, Cam and Matt enter a new change, only this time it’s without each other by their side.
“I’m traveling every weekend now, and this is the longest we’ve ever spent apart,” Matt said. “It’s been a change. It’s hard, but we’re growing up so I think it’s time to do so.” “Going through my first training camp I was super nervous. I’m always used to going through different tryouts with a buddy.”
With the Rush and Seals set to face off on February 1, the reunion between the brothers edges closer. Although Cam likely won’t see the field due to injury, it’s going to be a memory the brothers won’t forget.
“We’re both very competitive and give 100% effort. It would be a crazy surreal feeling,” Matt said”
“Supporting him, but cheering for San Diego all the way,” Cam said.
“Hopefully the Rush come out on top,” Matt said.