From Warrior to Redwood: DV Alum Josh Balcarcel Makes Pro Lacrosse History — and Delivers in Debut
By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | June 5, 2025 | Photo courtesy Goredfoxes.com
From the turf at Warrior Stadium to the national spotlight of the Premier Lacrosse League, Joshua Balcarcel’s journey just hit a new gear. The 2020 Delaware Valley graduate and former Marist Red Fox made District 2 history last weekend—becoming the first-ever NEPA product to suit up in a PLL game—and wasted no time showing he belonged.
In his professional debut with the California Redwoods, Balcarcel made headlines and turned heads with an electrifying performance that included a highlight-reel caused turnover, lockdown defensive shifts, and the kind of hustle plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet—but earn instant respect in pro lacrosse circles.
As the PLL’s official site noted, "Balcarcel made a name for himself in his Redwoods debut." He stepped onto the field not just as a rookie, but as a tone-setter.
Wearing 34, Playing for More
What made the moment even more meaningful was the number on his back: #34, the legendary jersey at Marist College worn in honor of Eddie Coombs, a former Red Fox tragically lost in 2011. The number is awarded each year to the Marist player who best exemplifies Coombs’ passion, energy, and heart.
Balcarcel wore it proudly in college. Now he’s bringing that same spirit into the pros, continuing to honor Eddie’s legacy on the sport’s biggest stage.
Hometown Roots, Pro-Level Drive
Before the lights of Albany and the national spotlight, Balcarcel was a relentless two-sport athlete at Delaware Valley High School. Whether patrolling the secondary on the football field or dominating midfield in lacrosse, his high motor, physicality, and leadership were undeniable. His success at DV set the stage for a standout career at Marist, where he appeared in 40 games, tallied 36 goals, and became a dependable force for the Red Foxes.
He became only the second player from NEPA ever invited to a PLL training camp (joining Wyoming Area alum Justin Joseph), and the first to earn a roster spot and see game action—a defining milestone for both himself and District 2 lacrosse.
Bigger Than One Game
Balcarcel’s PLL debut wasn’t just a personal breakthrough. It was a message to every small-town athlete grinding away in the offseason: You can make it. From Pike County to prime time, Josh proved that players from places like Delaware Valley can hang with the nation’s best—and thrive.
The Redwoods may have added a rookie to the depth chart, but what they gained was a fearless competitor who’s been playing with heart long before he ever put on the green.
As the PLL season continues, one thing is clear: Josh Balcarcel isn’t just in the league—he’s already making an impact. And back home in NEPA, that’s something the entire community can stand up and cheer for.
