Steve Luciano - NCHS Class of 1987, CT Lacrosse Hall of Fame Class of 2024

Steve's lacrosse odyssey began at New Canaan High School, where, under the tutelage of CT Lacrosse Hall of Fame coach Howard Benedict, he emerged as a force to be reckoned with. A rare four-year varsity player for the Rams, Steve played an instrumental role in securing state championships for New Canaan in 1985, 1986, and 1987. The 1987 team, boasting an FICAC championship, stands as a testament to Steve's leadership and prowess, solidifying its place in New Canaan's storied lacrosse history.

That 1987 team, which he captained, is considered one of the best teams in New Canaan’s history. Recognized as a first-team All-FCIAC and first-team All-State player in both 1986 and 1987, Steve's talents transcended the local arena. His exceptional performance earned him a spot on the high school All-America roster, culminating in an appearance at the CT North-South Senior All-Star game in 1987. Post high school, Steve embarked on a remarkable journey at Rutgers University, where he played four years of varsity lacrosse from 1988 to 1991 under the esteemed National Lacrosse Hall of Fame coach, Tom Hayes. Steve's impact was immediate, guiding Rutgers to NCAA Division I National Tournament appearances in 1990 and, as captain, in 1991. His leadership and on-field prowess were instrumental in noteworthy victories against formidable opponents, etching his name in Rutgers lacrosse history. A four-year starter, Steve's accolades at Rutgers include being named Honorable Mention All-America in 1990 and 1991. His exceptional playmaking skills earned him the William Miller Trophy as the MVP of the 1991 team and the Alfred Sasser Trophy for leading Rutgers in assists across the 1989, 1990, and 1991 seasons. To this day, Stevemis ranked 7th in all-time career points (196) and 4th all-time in assists (111) in Rutgers record book.

Beyond his collegiate career, Steve continued to contribute to the lacrosse community, participating in the Shearson Bulls/New Amsterdam Lacrosse Club and competing in summer tournaments such as the Vail Lacrosse Shootout and the New England Invitational. Steve's commitment extended to coaching, where he imparted his knowledge at Tom Hayes's summer lacrosse camps at Rutgers and assisted Howard Benedict in coaching youth camps and the New Canaan High School varsity team. In recent years, he dedicated his time to coaching youth lacrosse in Wilton and served on the Wilton Lacrosse Board.

Today, Steve resides in Wilton, CT, surrounded by his loving family—wife Alison, son Andrew (22), daughter Caroline (20), and step-children Charlie (20) and William Fischer (18). All four children have followed in their father's footsteps, excelling in multiple sports at Wilton High School, showcasing the enduring legacy of a family deeply rooted in athletic achievement.