Romeoville, Ill. - An integral member of the Lewis men's lacrosse program, former standout attacker Baden Boyenko (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada/St. Joseph HS / Genesee Community College) has sadly passed away. 
 
"Our Lewis community is devastated by the loss of our former captain, Baden Boyenko (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada/St. Joseph HS / Genesee Community College)" said head men's lacrosse coach Joe Perruzzi. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

A member of the program from 2022-24, Boyenko tallied 84 goals, 57 assists and 141 total points across three seasons. A former captain of the program, the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, native helped lead the Flyers to an appearance in the 2023 GLVC Championship contest before helping lead the program to it's first championship the next year with an 11-10 win over Maryville in the final. A week later against Maryville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Boyenko tallied the Flyers 11th and final goal which helped secure the programs first tournament win.

On and off the field, teammates described him as a leader and the type of person who "could always put a smile on your face." A selfless leader, Boyenko helped elevate the men's lacrosse program to where it is at today and represented what it means to Fly As One.

"I feel very fortunate to have been able to coach Baden" said Peruzzi. "He was an incredibly kind person who could connect and build relationships with everyone around him. He was the ultimate teammate and made a lasting impact on our community here at Lewis as well as our lacrosse program. He was an amazing leader that pushed our program to new heights. He will be greatly missed and his legacy will live on with us at Lewis, forever."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Boyenko family during this challenging time. The 2026 men's lacrosse season will be dedicated to Boyenko as well.