Mac O’Keefe

Mac O’Keefe was born on February 6, 1998, in Plainview, New York, and raised in Syosset, New York. His father, Brian O’Keefe, played collegiate and professional lacrosse, influencing Mac’s early engagement with the sport, particularly box lacrosse. Initially a goalie, O’Keefe transitioned to attack in eighth grade. During his time at Syosset High School, he contributed to Nassau County and Long Island Class A Championships in 2015. He earned honorable mention All-America honors in both 2014 and 2015 before committing to Penn State.

O’Keefe’s collegiate career at Penn State, spanning from 2017 to 2021, was marked by significant achievements. In his freshman year, he set a new Penn State single-season goal record with 51 goals, earning multiple Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week honors. He formed a strong offensive partnership with Grant Ament during his junior year, leading the NCAA with 78 goals and contributing to Penn State’s first NCAA Final Four appearance. In 2021, O’Keefe became the NCAA’s all-time leading goal scorer, surpassing the previous record held by Duke’s Justin Guterding. He concluded his college career with 221 goals and 269 points, earning a bachelor’s degree in communications and pursuing a second degree in labor and employment relations.

Professionally, O’Keefe was selected sixth overall by Chaos in the 2021 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) College Draft, and he won a PLL Championship in his rookie season. In the 2023 offseason, he signed a two-year contract with the Archers, reuniting with former Penn State teammate Grant Ament. He also plays for the San Diego Seals in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), having been drafted 15th overall in the 2020 NLL Draft. O’Keefe is recognized for his powerful and accurate shooting ability, often compared to a “stretch shooter” in basketball.