by Nathan Olson
The National Lacrosse League is a tough league to play in.
Experienced NLL analyst Graeme Perrow found that the average career length is about 49 games or just over three seasons. Nearly half of the over 1,800 players in the league's history never make it past their first season.
It is not easy to make an impact, but when given the opportunity, you must step up to the challenge and perform.
That's precisely what Jackson Webster did.
Growing up in Georgetown, Ontario, Jackson played sports nearly as soon as he could walk.
"I've always had a stick in my hands since I can remember," Webster said, reflecting on his early lacrosse days. "My older brother, Mitchell, is eight years older than me, and we started playing at the same time."
Like most Canadians, Jackson also played hockey during the winter, where he found a love for playing goalie.
"I was competent enough, you know, stopping pucks when I could," Webster chuckled when asked if he used to be good at defending the net. "I always had an interest in it; I loved being between the pipes."
While Jackson enjoyed playing hockey and lacrosse, they come with a hefty price tag. When Jackson entered high school, his parents gave him an ultimatum: pick one sport, or he would have to pay for both himself.
"Okay… let's run with lacrosse," he confidently replied—and he never looked back.
Webster attended Everest Academy during his high school years, where he played alongside his future Desert Dogs teammate, Luke Pilcher, and was coached by Clem D'Orazio, who is now an assistant coach for the Albany FireWolves.
"Jackson was a very cognitive player even in high school," D'Orazio told us. "He wanted to understand how to do things and would ask questions to help him better understand how to apply in practices and games. As a teenager, he showed a ton of maturity, which is reflected in his journey to get to Vegas."
That same thoughtfulness guided him through his college search, leading him to a school that would shape his academic and athletic career.
"My visit to Canisius was planned, but it was mostly a stop on the road to visit another school," Webster joked. "I fell in love with the place right away, and when my family got back into the car, we knew it was the right choice."
Webster spent all four years of his undergraduate studies at Canisius, earning a degree in sports management. He is currently enrolled in the school's graduate program, aiming for a master's degree in sports administration.
"During his time at Canisius, he'd regularly check in with Everest staff and players, which displayed his loyalty to the program he came from. We're proud to have him as our Everest alumni who is still committed to making a change," D'Orazio said.
He played for the Golden Griffins Men's Lacrosse from 2021 to 2024, recording 44 points with 25 goals and 19 assists, averaging about a point per game. He earned a spot on the MAAC All-Academic Team in 2023 and 2024, and in his final season, he was named team captain.
"I really appreciated being captain," Webster said. "The players vote on the captaincy system at Canisius, so it wasn't just handed to me by the coaches. It meant a lot to hear that and feel the energy from everyone who wanted me to be captain. It made my job easier because everyone wanted to work for each other and me."
After college, Jackson set his sights on the professional lacrosse world. It was a long journey, but he got his chance when he was drafted in the third round, 30th overall, in the 2024 NLL Entry Draft by the Las Vegas Desert Dogs.
"The day of the draft, my family and Canisius teammates were there with me. About 40 of us piled into my little living room, watching the TV, just waiting for that phone to ring. When it finally did, and I heard Coach Shawn Williams inviting me to join the team, I knew I didn't want to do anything else but play for this team," Jackson shared.
Once drafted, the real work began. With no guaranteed spot on the roster, Webster had to prove himself during training camp.
"There was a lot to soak in during the first few weeks of training camp," Webster said. "It was spectacular but tough. I'm not necessarily the most skilled guy on the floor, but I'm a hard worker and will always improve my game. I always listened to what my teammates and coaches had to say."
Unlike many stories where players work their way to the top and make the lineup, Jackson's journey takes a different route.
"At the end of training camp, Willy [Coach Wiliams] asked if a roster spot would be okay with me. Of course, I said I would do whatever I could to stay on the team."
The NLL is a tough league to play in, and Jackson's number was called on January 4, giving him his chance to show what he could do. His parents and girlfriend were in attendance for his first game.
"I only found out I was playing that morning. Luckily, my parents and girlfriend weren't too far away, so they hopped in a car and made it just in time."
Jackson dramatically led the Desert Dogs to their first win of the 2024-25 season, recording an impressive three goals and three assists. His explosive performance secured the victory and marked the best debut by a rookie in franchise history.
It was a moment that felt like everything had come together for him—the months of hard work, the ups and downs of training camp, and the waiting all paid off.
With his family and girlfriend watching from the stands, the energy in the arena was electric, and Jackson's performance felt like a perfect script for his breakthrough into the professional league.
That night, he proved he belonged on the floor, marking the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career.
"Being able to sit down after the game in the locker room with the boys and be able to smile and enjoy the win was incredible," Jackson said. "Also, I got to share the experience with my family, and it will be a moment I will never forget."
Jackson Webster isn't just putting up points—he's changing the game every time he steps on the floor. With 11 goals and 13 assists in his last eight games, his presence has transformed the Desert Dogs' offense, pushing the team in the right direction. But for Jackson, success isn't just about the numbers—it's about growth.
"Lacrosse is a sport where you have to take in as much as you can," Jackson said about his future in the NLL. "I want to continue growing and developing, which I've been doing since I started playing. I want to contribute in any way I can, whether it's on the scoresheet or with the intangibles. If I see personal growth, and our team is in a playoff spot at the end of the year, then I consider it a successful season."
