Francisco Rosas ’26 Represents Mexico, and the Valiants, in International Lacrosse

For much of the bus ride to the Gogcheonpo Training Center in Seogwipo, South Korea, Francisco Rosas ’26 sat with headphones on, letting music from his native Mexico fill his ears. In just minutes, he would step onto the field representing both the Mexican National Team and 91¸£Àû.

Already dressed in uniform and ready to play, his phone buzzed constantly with messages from friends and teammates back home in Purchase. 

“I was getting an insane amount of texts from everyone back home—sending prayers, thoughts, props and stuff,” he recalled. 

While he tried to stay focused on his first-round match against the Chinese National Team in the 2025 World Lacrosse Men's U20 Tournament—the premier international junior men’s lacrosse competition held on Jeju Island—Francisco also felt the weight of the moment. He was about to compete on the world stage carrying two identities: representing his heritage with Mexico while proudly wearing the Valiant name. 

Finding a Home at Manhattanville 

Francisco arrived at 91¸£Àû in the fall of 2022 from Stratford, Connecticut, determined to pursue a degree in Sport Studies and continue playing lacrosse. 

His decision to enroll followed a campus visit during high school. After meeting the men’s lacrosse coaches and touring Kennedy Gymnasium, he explored the academic side of campus as well—walking through Reid Castle and sitting in on classes. 

The experience left an immediate impression. 

“I liked that it was a tight community,” he said. “You could get more focus from your professors.” 

When his first year began, Francisco found a sense of belonging among his teammates. They lived together, trained together, and often gathered in Benziger Cafeteria after early morning practices. 

“We practice at about six in the morning for two hours,” he said. “Then usually the whole team goes to breakfast together for ‘sweaty caf,’ because we’re still sweating from practice.” 

Over time, Francisco developed into one of the Valiants’ most dependable defensive players. Across his Manhattanville career, he has started in 33 of the 51 games he has appeared in and helped anchor the team’s defense during a period of steady growth for the program. 

But lacrosse had not always been his sport. 

Lacrosse Valiant Francisco Rosas '26 on the field.

Discovering Lacrosse—and a New Opportunity 

Growing up in Mexico, Francisco played soccer and baseball competitively and also explored basketball, tennis, swimming, and taekwondo. It wasn’t until he moved to the United States as a teenager that he was introduced to lacrosse. 

By his sophomore year at Manhattanville, he had begun to make a name for himself on the field. Around that time, teammates told him about Mexico’s national lacrosse program for collegiate players.

The team was preparing to compete in the Heritage Cup, an international tournament that spring. 

Curious about the opportunity, Francisco emailed the organizers and soon found himself wearing a Mexico jersey over his Manhattanville gear and competing in the four-day tournament in Philadelphia. 

The Heritage Cup brought together more than 60 teams across five divisions, with players representing universities and national heritage from around the world. 

“It’s just kind of how everyone got to know one another,” Francisco said. “You’d hear things like, ‘Oh, you go there? That’s so cool. I go to Manhattanville.’” 

During the tournament, he learned about an even larger opportunity: tryouts for the Mexican U20 National Team. 

Determined to earn a spot, Francisco signed up for tryouts in Dallas later that fall. 

“I saw some very flashy helmets. Big schools. Division I schools,” he said. “I was like, it’s going to be a dogfight.” 

The Phone Call 

Weeks passed after the tryout with no word. 

To take his mind off the uncertainty, Francisco invited several teammates to his dorm for a movie night. The room was filled with snacks, laughter, and the low glow of the television when his phone rang. 

The name on the screen read “Coach Padilla.” The room fell silent. The movie paused. Francisco answered the call and placed it on speaker. 

“Everyone was just sitting there,” he said. “And as soon as Coach Padilla started talking, I knew the guys would explode if they heard it, so I put the phone on mute.” 

Moments later, the news was official: he had been selected for the Mexican National Team. 

The room erupted. Teammates piled on top of him, shouting and celebrating as they realized what had just happened. 

Preparing for the World Stage 

In the months that followed, Francisco met regularly with his national teammates over Zoom. The group included players from colleges across the United States, united by their shared Mexican heritage and their love of lacrosse.

“The Zoom meetings weren’t just a lacrosse experience,” he said. “We got to learn a lot about ourselves and each other.” 

That summer, the team gathered in person for the first time at a week-long training camp hosted at Valparaiso University in Indiana. Despite meeting face-to-face for the first time, the players quickly felt like longtime teammates. They practiced twice a day, completed strength sessions, and scrimmaged throughout the week. During the camp, Francisco received another unexpected honor. 

“I was announced team captain,” he said. “That was an incredible moment.” 

As captain, he would not only lead his teammates but also carry the Mexican flag when the team entered the field. 

Game Day in South Korea 

Francisco Rosas ’26 travels with Mexico’s U20 national lacrosse team outside the tournament venue in South Korea during the World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship.

When the tournament opened on August 15, 2025, Francisco stepped off the team bus outside the stadium with adrenaline racing through him. Moments later, he led his teammates down the stadium steps and onto the field. 

Half a world away from Kennedy Gymnasium—the home field where he had spent years developing as a player—Francisco now stood representing Mexico in international competition. 

“My heart was beating super-fast even though I looked calm on the outside,” he said. 

As both teams lined up for introductions and their national anthems, Francisco stood tall with the Mexican flag in his hands. When the anthem began, he sang with pride. 

From Mexico to Manhattanville to South Korea, the journey had led to this moment. 

Now it was time to play. 

International teams line the field with national flags during the World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship, where Francisco Rosas ’26 represents 91¸£Àû and Mexico.

Defying Expectations 

In the days leading up to the opening match, an article from Inside Lacrosse predicted Mexico would struggle against the more experienced Chinese roster, which featured several players from top U.S. collegiate programs. Mexico’s players took notice. 

“A lot of the guys used that post as the background on their phones as motivation,” Francisco said. 

When the game began, China lined up with a faceoff specialist from the University of Vermont who had recorded 93 faceoff wins that season. Francisco and his teammates studied film and scouting reports to prepare. 

“I had a friend look up everything about him—his tendencies,” Francisco said. “Then we worked with our faceoff guy and went over film.” 

As the whistle blew, Francisco stood ready in the defensive backfield. The ball struck the ground. Sticks clamped down. Then it popped free—straight into Mexico’s possession. Seconds later, Mexico surged downfield with the first possession of the tournament. 

“Having a good faceoff gives you a huge advantage,” Francisco said. “Right then we knew they were beatable.” 

They were right. Mexico defeated China 12–4. 

Mexico’s U20 national lacrosse team on the field together during international competition at the World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship.

A Moment Bigger Than the Game 

For Francisco, the victory represented far more than a single game. It was the culmination of years of work—growing up in Mexico, discovering lacrosse in the United States, and developing as a player at Manhattanville. After the celebrations ended, he reflected on the people who helped him reach that moment. 

“I’m a Division III athlete, and I get to play in a tournament on the other side of the world,” he said. “It’s not just me representing myself—it’s the 30 other guys on the team at Manhattanville and everyone watching back home in Mexico.” 

Hours earlier, as he stepped onto the field in South Korea carrying the Mexican flag, those two worlds came together in a single moment—one that began years earlier on a campus in Purchase, New York. 

For Francisco Rosas, the journey from Manhattanville to the world stage had come full circle. 

About 91¸£Àû

91¸£Àû (formerly Manhattanville College) is a private liberal arts institution dedicated to academic excellence, purposeful education, and social responsibility. “U.S. News and World Report” ranks Manhattanville among the Top Performers of Social Mobility in Regional Universities North. The university has been recognized among the best colleges in The Princeton Review for close to 20 years. Located 30 miles from New York City on a 100-acre suburban campus in the heart of Westchester County, Manhattanville enables easy access to entertainment offerings, educational resources, and business opportunities for its diverse student body. The university serves more than 1,400 undergraduate students and nearly 1,000 graduate students from more than 44 countries and 33 states. Founded in 1841, the university offers more than 75 undergraduate and graduate areas of study in the arts and sciences, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and creative writing, as well as continuing and executive education programs. Graduate students can choose from over 70 graduate and certificate programs. Extracurricular offerings include more than 45 clubs and activities and 23 NCAA Division III teams.  

We are proud to highlight the admirable achievements of Edelawit F. Yishak, a Valiant pioneer in leveraging technology for social good. Her dedication to making a difference through her skills as a software engineer is truly inspiring. Hailing from Ethiopia, her journey is a testament to the incredible impact one person can make in the world. We are grateful for her contributions and look forward to seeing what she accomplishes next.

As an international student, Edelawit immersed herself in various roles, serving as a beacon of support and guidance for her peers. As a student Ambassador, tour guide, and resident Advisor, she showcased her leadership skills and cultivated a vibrant campus community. Her involvement in the international club further underscored her dedication to fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Edelawit carried out her student ambassador role as a quiet and determined envoy, working "off-duty" in Brownson Hall.  She always seemed to have her antenna up. She brought her classmates and various students to my office for assistance, advice, encouragement, and answers to their concerns.  I truly believed she was studying political science, aiming for a negotiator or diplomatic career position after her undergraduate study at Manhattanville.  Dearborn/Detroit will be so lucky to have her. - Maureen Kindilien, Assistant Dean for Student Success, 91¸£Àû

On Saturday, May 11, Edelawit was presented with the 2024 President's Prize by 91¸£Àû's President Fran Sánchez. 

It is with great pleasure that I present the 2024 President's Prize. This year, we recognize an exceptional international student whose academic achievements and dedication to computer science and innovation have set a new standard of excellence. She was, in fact, one of the first students to welcome me to campus back in May of 2023.  A member of Women Who Code and the National Society of Black Engineers, Edelawit Fikru Yishak has distinguished herself not only through her studies and active participation in our honors program but also displayed a true commitment to the values of the University through her service as a Student Ambassador in Admissions, the Clark Scholars program and her position in Residence Life.  She spearheaded and implemented thoughtful projects such as a messaging network for the Women’s Mentoring Network and a Uniguide Bot to assist international students with applying to college and visa processes.  Please join me in applauding her remarkable accomplishments at Manhattanville and we wish her well in her new position as a Software Engineer for Ford Motor Company.  Congratulations, Edelawit! - Dr. Frank Sánchez

Edelawit's innovative projects truly exemplify her dedication to making a difference. Collaborating with a fellow student, she developed an app for the Women's Mentoring Network of Westchester, revolutionizing how they connect with and support their clients. Edelawit's app has streamlined operations and enhanced the organization's impact by enabling real-time updates on new opportunities.

Her senior project is a further testament to her technical prowess and vision for the future. Leveraging large-language-model AI, Edelawit created an app to simplify the application process for prospective international students, offering them a comprehensive resource for accessing university information. Under the guidance of Professor Jonathan Munson, Ph.D., her project showcased her innovation and her commitment to empowering others through technology.

Edelawit's journey continues to inspire. With a position secured as a software engineer at Ford Motor Company, she is poised to drive innovation and shape the future of mobility. Her story serves as a reminder of the transformative potential of technology when coupled with passion, ingenuity, and a steadfast commitment to social good.

Join us in celebrating Edelawit's remarkable journey, exploring the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact.

Learn More About 91¸£Àû's International Student Experience

About Manhattanville

We Are Valiant

Since 1841, 91¸£Àû has provided a transformative educational experience.  As a private liberal arts institution, Manhattanville roots its education in a rich history of academic excellence and innovative programs. With more than 55 undergraduate programs, 70 graduate programs, and a doctoral program, we empower every student to cultivate their intellectual curiosity, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and strive for a more just world.

By the Numbers

125+ Undergraduate and graduate programs

24 Division III sports teams

11:1 Student-faculty ratio

Our History and Legacy

Since its origins as a Catholic boarding school to its present day as a non-denominational, co-ed private university, 91¸£Àû has evolved to meet the needs of students who seek a more just world. A haven for independent thinking and socially conscious values, our interdisciplinary education is rooted in the liberal arts and experiential learning. 

Founded in 1841 in New York City as a boarding school and parochial school for women, 91¸£Àû has consistently strived to expand higher education to all sectors of society. Under the visionary leadership of President Grace Dammann, R.S.C.J., 91¸£Àû voted to admit African-American students in 1938 and we have continuously worked to create a more inclusive student body. Today, over a third of our students identify as first-generation, and even more consider themselves BIPOC. We are also a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, a reflection of our increasingly diverse community. 

We have also grown in other ways. When 91¸£Àû officially took over the former estate of diplomat Whitelaw Reid in Westchester in 1952, we cemented our role in the educational development of the region. The U.S. News and World Report named us as the #1 private college for social mobility in New York. Students volunteer over 30,000 hours of community service through the Clark Center for Social Justice. The School of Education offers the highest number of programs and additional support through the Changing Suburbs Institute’s network of Professional Development Schools. Nursing candidates complete clinic hours in local organizations, providing patient-centered care to the area. 

We are proof of how academic excellence, a commitment to social justice, and a global outlook can transform students and, by extension, society. 

Explore Mville History 

Location

91¸£Àû benefits from both the peaceful beauty of Westchester County and the vibrant, non-stop energy of New York City. The 100-acre campus provides a safe and comfortable environment where every student’s intellectual life can blossom with the unparalleled professional opportunities of a world-class city, only 30 miles away. 

Reid Castle, a 19th-century architectural gem, anchors the campus and houses the Welcome Center, Admissions, Financial Aid, and several event spaces. Designed by famed Central Park architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, the picturesque green quad hosts our academic buildings and centers, the university library, four performance facilities, and fifteen new or renovated science and nursing labs.

The campus also boasts two historic chapels. The architect Maya Lin restored one, Lady Chapel, to include a glass roof, located near the new Ohnell Environmental Center, a non-invasive structure that reflects 91¸£Àû’s commitment to sustainability. Our newest building, the Richard A. Berman Student Center, received a LEED gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In addition to our four residence halls and dining hall, students enjoy amenities like a campus market and store and comprehensive athletic facilities, including a fitness center, tennis courts, an ice rink, a baseball and softball field, and an indoor turf facility. 

We are a short car, train, or bus ride from New York and the city’s main airports. We are also easily accessible by car from anywhere in the TriState area and can also be reached via the Metro North Railroad from NYC Grand Central Terminal or Westchester’s Bee-Line bus. 

Visit Campus            

On October 18, 2023, International Student-Athlete Keto Karkashadze, a sophomore undergraduate majoring in Legal Studies from Tbilisi, Georgia, made history by winning #1 Doubles and #4 Singles in the Women's Tennis Conference Finals. Keto's incredible performance led her team to a semifinal victory over Farmingdale, cementing her status as a dominant force in collegiate tennis.

Keto's win is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and skill on the court. Her ability to perform at such a high level under pressure is a true mark of a champion. But her success is not just a result of her individual talent. It's also a reflection of her team's support and encouragement.

Keto's remarkable journey began long before the Women's Tennis Conference Finals. Her journey has not been without challenges, but she has overcome them with determination and resilience.

As a sophomore, Keto is just getting started. She has a bright future ahead of her, and her win in the Women's Tennis Conference Finals is just the beginning. With her talent, work ethic, and team support, there's no limit to what she can achieve.

Another impressive International Student-Athlete who made waves in the Women's Tennis Conference Finals is Suzi Doyle. A freshman undergraduate majoring in Economics from Devon, England, Suzi won #2 Doubles and #2 Singles in the tournament, leading her team to a semifinal victory over Farmingdale on October 18, 2023.

I’ve really enjoyed being part of a team since coming to Manhattanville, and feel very lucky to have shared this win with such an amazing group of girls. The women’s tennis group helped me adjust to being so far from home especially with help from my other international teammate Keto and our international coaches. 
- Suzi Doyle

Suzi's win in both #2 Doubles and #2 Singles is a remarkable achievement for a freshman player, and a testament to her talent and hard work. Her performance under pressure in the semifinal match against Farmingdale was particularly impressive, as she helped secure her team's victory and advance them to the next round.

Suzi's win is also a reflection of the support and encouragement she received from her team. Collegiate tennis is a team sport, and the success of individual players is often dependent on the support and collaboration of their teammates. Suzi's win in the Women's Tennis Conference Finals is a testament to the strength of her team and their dedication to each other.

As a freshman, Suzi has shown incredible promise and potential in her tennis career. Her win in the Women's Tennis Conference Finals is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future in collegiate tennis.

Learn more about Manhattanville International Student program

Manhattanville's global perspective is enriched by the diversity of cultures on our campus. 

Students from across the globe come to Manhattanville to get a first-rate liberal arts education within easy reach of New York City. Here, they can expect a welcoming community filled with programs and activities to support the particular needs of international students. 

The International Student Services team is committed to fostering a community of inclusive excellence in alignment with Manhattanville’s mission to educate students to be ethical and socially responsible leaders for the global community.

Services  

We educate students about the rights and responsibilities of their F-1 or J-1 student status and procedures in compliance with federal and institutional mandates. Areas of focus include orientation, cross-cultural awareness, health insurance, community & residence life, employment authorization, and international travel with collaboration with our colleagues. The Office of International Student Services also coordinates Manhattanville’s Direct Exchange, Cooperative, and Independent Study Abroad opportunities for all students, both domestic and international.  

Mission   

The Office of International Student Services at Manhattanville College places service to international students and exchange visitors first among its priorities, recognizing these persons as our main constituency. As a primary information resource for international students, we seek ways to effectively communicate and inform students of their rights, responsibilities, and procedures in accordance with institutional and federal mandates.

Olim Toiriyon '20 is another success story from Manhattanville's International Student program. A recent grad, Olim successfully landed a job as Manager, Account Management at Mastercard.

His Major: Economics and Finance

His Country of Origin: Taijkistan

Manhattanville College's supportive environment and emphasis on diversity equipped me with the global perspective needed to succeed as a Manager in Account Management at Mastercard. The cultural competence nurtured at the college seamlessly translated into effective collaboration and adaptability in the multinational corporate setting.

- Olim Toiriyon

Learn more about Manhattanville International Student program

Manhattanville's global perspective is enriched by the diversity of cultures on our campus. 

Students from across the globe come to Manhattanville to get a first-rate liberal arts education within easy reach of New York City. Here, they can expect a welcoming community filled with programs and activities to support the particular needs of international students. 

The International Student Services team is committed to fostering a community of inclusive excellence in alignment with Manhattanville’s mission to educate students to be ethical and socially responsible leaders for the global community.

Services  

We educate students about the rights and responsibilities of their F-1 or J-1 student status and procedures in compliance with federal and institutional mandates. Areas of focus include orientation, cross-cultural awareness, health insurance, community & residence life, employment authorization, and international travel with collaboration with our colleagues. The Office of International Student Services also coordinates Manhattanville’s Direct Exchange, Cooperative, and Independent Study Abroad opportunities for all students, both domestic and international.  

Mission   

The Office of International Student Services at Manhattanville College places service to international students and exchange visitors first among its priorities, recognizing these persons as our main constituency. As a primary information resource for international students, we seek ways to effectively communicate and inform students of their rights, responsibilities, and procedures in accordance with institutional and federal mandates.

Mijgona Toiriyon '23 is one of many success stories to come out of Manhattanville's International Student program. A recent grad, Mijgona has successfully landed a job as Product Control Analyst at SMBC.

Her Major: Mathematics and Business Management

Her Country of Origin: Taijkistan

Manhattanville College provided me with the solid foundations in finance that paved the way for my role as a Finance Product Control Analyst at SMBC. The comprehensive education and supportive environment were instrumental in shaping my expertise.

- Mijgona Toiriyon

Learn more about Manhattanville International Student program

Manhattanville's global perspective is enriched by the diversity of cultures on our campus. 

Students from across the globe come to Manhattanville to get a first-rate liberal arts education within easy reach of New York City. Here, they can expect a welcoming community filled with programs and activities to support the particular needs of international students. 

The International Student Services team is committed to fostering a community of inclusive excellence in alignment with Manhattanville’s mission to educate students to be ethical and socially responsible leaders for the global community.

Services  

We educate students about the rights and responsibilities of their F-1 or J-1 student status and procedures in compliance with federal and institutional mandates. Areas of focus include orientation, cross-cultural awareness, health insurance, community & residence life, employment authorization, and international travel with collaboration with our colleagues. The Office of International Student Services also coordinates Manhattanville’s Direct Exchange, Cooperative, and Independent Study Abroad opportunities for all students, both domestic and international.  

Mission   

The Office of International Student Services at Manhattanville College places service to international students and exchange visitors first among its priorities, recognizing these persons as our main constituency. As a primary information resource for international students, we seek ways to effectively communicate and inform students of their rights, responsibilities, and procedures in accordance with institutional and federal mandates.