Santa Maria Heading to Worlds

COLUMBUS, Ga. – Columbus State junior goaltender Jonathan Santa Maria has been selected to play for the Chilean national team at the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championships this summer.

The championships will be played in Netanya, Israel, and will take place from July 11-22.

The Loganville, Ga., product played his prep lacrosse at Archer High School in Atlanta, and has seen extensive action in his first two season with Columbus State.

Santa Maria will be one of three goaltenders for Chile, the birthplace of his grandfather.

"It is a great honor being selected to play for and represent my grandfather's home country," Santa Maria said. "Being able to play in the FIL World Lacrosse Championships this upcoming summer will be a great opportunity for me to help represent the nation of Chile while also competing against some of the most athletic and talented lacrosse players from around the world."

Last year, Santa Maria was a key player in Columbus State’s best season in the MCLA, ending with the Cougars' first-ever SELC conference playoff appearance and first-ever conference playoff victory.

“We wish Jonathan and the Chilean national team the best of luck at the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championship,” said Columbus State coach Brian Heather. “For Jonathan, this is another bookmark in a long story of hard work and dedication to the game of lacrosse and the art of goaltending.”

If you'd like to help Santa Maria with his journey to Israel, visit his GoFundMe page.