Even in this age of early recruiting, Noah Connally is setting the standard.

Although he is still shy of three months old, Noah has already been guaranteed a spot in Biola men’s lacrosse team’s class of 2037. The program is already working on a custom jersey, helmet and stick to mark the occasion.

That was a nice distraction for Sean Connally, Noah’s father, who is also the founder of the Biola lacrosse program, which competes in SLC-II. But it’s certainly the last thing from the minds of both father and son at this point.

For all his future promise as a lacrosse player, Noah was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital defect that leaves babies with an underdeveloped left ventricle. It’s a condition that puts extreme pressure on a heart and typically requires multiple surgeries. Even though he is barely into his 11th week of life, Noah has already undergone the Norwood procedure – an invasive and complicated surgery that is difficult to comprehend.

He’ll have another three open heart surgeries before he hits three years old.

As a way to raise the spirits of his family and bring good energy to Noah’s recovery, the Biola men’s lacrosse team will be wearing shirts prior to and following the Eagles fall ball scrimmage with Occidental on Biola’s campus this Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m.

"The Biola men's lacrosse team is proud to support our team's founder, Sean Connally, and the entire Connally family as their son, Noah, continues his brave fight with congenital heart disease,” said Eagle coach Aaron Klett, who added that Sean was able to come to the recent alumni game to see old friends.

“Without Sean, the Biola lacrosse team would not exist,” added Klatt. “To support his family can only convey a small amount of how grateful we are for his passion and vision in starting this team. Our prayers are with Noah, and the entire Connally family, as he begins his transition from the hospital to home, and begins his life as a brave fighter."

To follow Noah’s recovery, visit his website “My Heart Beats for Noah” and his Facebook page.

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