HOF Class of 2025: Joe Costello

(Photo by Dave Adams)

ATLANTA – Joe Costello enters the MCLA Hall of Fame as an outstanding player.

Costello, a native of Saint Paul, Minn., played for St. Thomas from 2008-11 and set the standard for Division II excellence. He played both midfield and attack while also taking faceoffs, earning First Team All-UMLC and UMLC Offensive Player of the Year in each of his four seasons. At the conclusion of his freshman and sophomore years, he was voted First Team All-America as a midfielder. His final two seasons produced First Team All-America accolades at attack.

In Costello’s sophomore campaign in 2009, he guided St. Thomas to its first MCLA National Championship and was named the MCLA Player of the Year. The Tommies went back-to-back in 2010, aided by Costello’s move to attack. St. Thomas made the semifinals his freshman year and the finals in 2011.

Costello played in 68 games, scoring 178 goals and dishing out 102 assists for 280 total points. He was also an accomplished faceoff man, winning 82 percent of his draws during his senior campaign despite primarily running at attack.

“From the moment Joe showed up at the first practice at St. Thomas, you could see his skill and athleticism, but even more, his drive and competitiveness was on another level,” said former St. Thomas coach Pete Moosbrugger.

“I'll never forget, we moved Joe to attack and [assistant coach] Jim Reilly was working on attacking from behind that day in practice. I had a meeting after and when I was walking to my car, I saw someone in the stadium with a net out, dodging. I walked over and it was Joe, repping out what he had learned that day in the dark.

“Joe wanted to be the best in every game, practice and rep. He demanded the best from himself and everyone around him. Joe had that rare ability where others were wearing down, he was amping up. Congrats, Joe, on making the MCLA Hall of Fame. You changed the game for the MCLA and St. Thomas through those years.”

Costello, who lives in Vietnam and is active in the Asia lacrosse scene, will be unable to attend the induction ceremony.

“Lacrosse has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the field,” said Costello. “My time at the University of St. Thomas was shaped by an incredible culture of excellence, forged through the dedication of great teammates and the guidance of coaches like Pete Mooseburger and Jim Reilly, who pushed us to be our best, both on and off the field. The foundation they built has led to St. Thomas’ continued success as one of the premier programs in the MCLA, and I’m proud to have been a part of that legacy.

“Playing at St. Thomas wasn’t just about winning — it was about being part of something bigger: a program built on hard work, resilience and camaraderie. I was fortunate to take the field alongside some of the best teammates I could ask for. Players like Derek Michalski, Jason King, Thomas Thone, Cooper Mazon and Tony Sadder; guys who made the game competitive, challenging and, most importantly, fun. The bonds we formed and the battles we fought together are memories I will always cherish.

“Being inducted into the MCLA Hall of Fame is an incredible honor, but what means even more to me is how lacrosse continues to shape my life. The game has given me so much, and I’ve made it a mission to give back — growing the sport across Asia through organizations in cities like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Yangon, Phnom Penh, Manila, Bali and Bangkok, and founding the Cambodia Lacrosse Federation through World Lacrosse to help introduce the game to new communities.

“Seeing lacrosse take root in places where it’s still young has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my journey, and I know this is just the beginning.

“Lacrosse is more than just a sport. It’s a way to build connections, create opportunities and leave a lasting impact. I’m incredibly grateful to the MCLA for this recognition, to my coaches and teammates at St. Thomas for shaping my path, and to the game itself for continuing to be a driving force in my life. I look forward to finding new ways to contribute and ensure that lacrosse continues to grow, thrive, and inspire future generations around the world.”

The induction for the MCLA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will take place on Friday, May 9, in Round Rock, Texas. The class will be honored on Saturday in between the title games at the 2025 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance.

Information about the championships can be found HERE.