NMHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Devon Dobson, Class of 2007, was a superbly talented athlete who committed his NMHS sports attentions solely and successfully to a role in building the Green Wave lacrosse program into a South-West Conference and state power.

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Devon’s ability as scorer, playmaker, faceoff artist and defender were integral in Green Wave boys’ lacrosse’s ascension to heights not achieved prior or since. He delivered a record-shattering 235 goals and 108 assists – an astounding 343 points - and displayed peerless faceoff skills while spearheading Green Wave boys’ lacrosse to the heights of the SWC and into the state’s upper echelon.

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His explosive scoring and playmaking was complemented by an ability to retrieve grounders and a remarkable knack for winning faceoffs. His 70 percent success rate translated to a major advantage in possession time for the Green Wave.

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For his efforts, Devon was selected three straight years as team MVP and all-SWC first team, and all-state first team as a junior and senior.

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The middle of three brothers who excelled for Green Wave boys’ lacrosse, Devon wasted no time making an impact.

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As a freshman, his performance was strong enough to merit all-SWC second-team laurels. His four goals helped propel the team to a regular season-closing 14-7 win over Notre Dame of Fairfield. The Green Wave posted an 11-5 record and participated in the SWC playoffs and state tournament.

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His sophomore campaign, resulting in an overall 10-7 team record and qualification again for the SWC playoffs and state tournament, was highlighted by his five-goal effort during an 18-10 win over Newtown and a six-goal, two- assist show in an 18-17 win over Notre Dame.

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The Green Wave stepped up its game during Devon’s final two seasons, challenging each year for SWC supremacy and elbowing its way amongst the elite of Connecticut’s best public-school programs.

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As a junior, he helped his team to a 10-match win skein and an overall 16-4 record. Devon scored five goals in a 10-8 win over Newtown; five goals, including the overtime winner, in a 16-15 win over New Fairfield; six goals in a 14-9 win over Danbury; and seven goals in a 13-12 win over Brookfield.

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The Green Wave earned victories in both the SWC playoffs and state tournament yet was unable to bring home a title.

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Devon’s senior year delivered even more team and individual success. The Green Wave carved out a 13-3 regular season and a memorable post-season run, with Devon showing the way.

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After registering SWC playoff quarterfinal and semifinal victories, the Green Wave outlasted Joel Barlow, 11-10, in overtime, with Devon contributing three goals and two assists, to claim the NMHS program’s only league championship.

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Devon and Co. proceeded to outplay Hamden, 16-4, and Amity, 16-15 in the state ‘L’ tournament before bowing out, 14-6, to Greenwich in the semifinals.

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At season’s end, Devon could look back on his 71 goals, 44 assists and stunning faceoff success as keys to the Green Wave’s memorable campaign.

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Devon twice served as a team captain while leading the Green Wave to a four-year, 56-22 record in competition against some of the best lacrosse programs in the region.

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A Division I lacrosse career was in the offing for Devon when he departed NMHS, but first he headed to Choate Rosemary Hall School in Wallingford for a prep season. The outcome was his team’s honor as MVP and New England recognition as “Midfielder of the Year.”

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Propelled by his Choate experience, Devon embarked on a four-year tenure with the nationally prominent Notre Dame University lacrosse side.

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 Injuries marred his first two seasons in South Bend, but Devon employed his defensive prowess and stick skills as a junior and senior to help the Fighting Irish rank first and second in the NCAA in fewest goals permitted.

 

The Green Wave grad capped his lacrosse career by leading Notre Dame to the NCAA’s 2012 Final Four, where Devon and Co. succumbed to his younger brother, Phil, and Loyola University of Maryland.