Tate Boyce, a four year starter at Providence College, is one of the latest players to join the Premier Lacrosse League. While at Providence, Boyce won Big East Defensive Player of the Week multiple times, Big East Goalkeeper of the Year in 2019 and was the first player in Providence College history to earn a spot on the All Big East Team all four years. Last summer, he suited up for the Boston Cannons in the MLL, but this year, he’ll take his talents to the PLL as a member of the Waterdogs LC.
Pro Lacrosse Talk linked up with the second-year pro to discuss his move to the PLL and his thoughts heading into the 2020 season.
Pro Lacrosse Talk: How did your move to the PLL come about?
Tate Boyce: Coach Copelan reached out to me about the potential of joining the Waterdogs on Monday night after the PLL entry draft. He had learned that I was still available to join the PLL. During the next couple of days we spoke on the phone a few times and both felt it could be a perfect fit for myself and the Waterdogs, so we made it official.
Pro Lacrosse Talk: What excites you the most about playing in the PLL?
Tate Boyce: What excites me most about playing in the PLL is the opportunity to play against the best players in the world on an unbelievable platform. The pace, rules and talent within the league are all things I can’t wait to play with and against.
Pro Lacrosse Talk: How do you think your rookie season with the Boston Cannons prepared you for the PLL?
Tate Boyce: Last summer with the Cannons was an unbelievable experience for me. I was able to come in and soak up as much of what goes into being a successful professional goalie. The opportunity to be coached by Sean Quirk was an unforgettable experience and his insights and coaching have made me feel really confident heading into the PLL.
Pro Lacrosse Talk: Is there a particular teammate or coach with the Waterdogs that you’re excited to play for or with?
Tate Boyce: I’m really pumped about getting back with my former Cannons teammate Ryland Rees. I’m excited to see what he does in year two after an awesome rookie year. I also can’t wait to play behind Brodie Merrill and Chris Sabia. Brodie is a legend and master of defense, I’ll be picking up on everything he has. I’m also pumped to be on the same side as guys like Drew Snider, Ryan Drenner and Kieran McArdle.
Pro Lacrosse Talk: What venue are you most looking forward to playing in?
Tate Boyce: I’ve definitely got Boston, Atlanta and Raleigh circled on my calendar as I have youth, high school and college ties to each of those locations.
Pro Lacrosse Talk: Finally, what player in the PLL are you not looking forward to getting shot on or going against?
Tate Boyce: I don’t know if there’s anyone I’m not looking forward to getting one from, but I’m really glad I won’t have to try and save shots from Ryland Rees in a game.
Tate Boyce joins a Waterdogs goalie group that includes Charlie Cipriano and Reed Junkin and will have a chance to battle for time at PLL training camp in May.
