Schwartz: Lizards' Rabil Helping Children With Learning Differences

By Peter Schwartz
» More Columns

Today, Paul Rabil is arguably the best lacrosse player in the world.

The New York Lizards' star midfielder has played on two Major League Lacrosse championship teams and won an indoor title in the National Lacrosse League after a brilliant collegiate career at Johns Hopkins, where he won a pair of national championships.

The two-time MLL Most Valuable Player also represents the United States during international competition and has become a success in the business world, including instructional camps, apparel and investments. According to Bloomberg Business, he is the first lacrosse player to draw a seven-figure payday through endorsements.

But as a child growing up in Baltimore, Rabil battled through learning differences, specifically a condition known as "auditory processing disorder" that could have altered his path to success in life and on the field.

"I struggled in the classroom," said Rabil, who turns 31 on Dec. 14. "But I found a lot of inspiration, and my know-how in terms of work ethic and confidence on the athletic fields, particularly in lacrosse ... helps cross over into the classroom with the work ethic that I took from the field and that desire to achieve at a high level."

With a desire to help kids who are going through the same battle he endured as a child and still experiences today, Rabil started a foundation in 2009 that assists children with learning differences such as APD and dyslexia by funding scholarships and building lacrosse programs at schools.

"My experiences as a kid was what kind of helped me structure this cause specifically in building the foundation," Rabil said. "I'm hoping to provide those same opportunities to kids that are going through the same challenges that I did."

Rabil's foundation has raised over $400,000 in scholarships and collected over $50,000 in lacrosse equipment. On Dec. 7, the Paul Rabil Foundation will hold its first New York City fundraiser at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan. From 6 to 9 p.m., those who attend the fundraiser will be treated to food and drinks, a silent auction and the opportunity to take pictures with Rabil, as well as other Lizards players and guests.

"It's really important to me that we could make this happen," Rabil said. "It's a combination of a big celebration with the lacrosse community and those that may not be in our community but have been affected by learning differences through their lives or their kids' lives."

Rabil was acquired by the Lizards from the Boston Cannons in a blockbuster trade prior to the 2015 season, a campaign that culminated with the Lizards winning the Steinfeld Cup as MLL champions. In 2016, Rabil and the Lizards had another successful season reaching the semifinals.

After a combined 72 goals and 124 points over the last two seasons, Rabil decided he really loves New York and signed a two-year contract extension with the Lizards on Sept. 23.

"I'm very excited," said Rabil, who also has seven goals and 15 points in three playoff games with the Lizards. "I think it was something that we were looking forward to exploring after these first two years. I really grew as a player and a leader with this organization, so I'm hoping to continue to grow, perform and lead and hopefully bring home a couple of more titles."

As it turns out, there's another reason for Rabil to be excited about re-upping with the Lizards.

Last week, the Lizards put together a powerful 1-2 punch with the acquisition of midfielder Joe Walters from the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Walters recorded 50 points this past season and now joins Rabil on a team that has to be considered one of the favorites to win it all in 2017.

"Absolutely," Rabil said. "That's our goal, and that's what we're planning on accomplishing."

But before the Lizards look to regain the MLL title, Rabil has some important business to take care of next week, and that is to raise money for his foundation and help more children who are experiencing learning differences. The foundation's objective is to build opportunities for kids through the avenue of sports.

"We raise money for scholarships for kids and those families that may struggle to afford the opportunity to send their kids to a school that will specialize in specialized education," Rabil said. "And now we're looking to support public schools as well."

Opposing teams always have to be concerned when they see No. 99 lurking on the field, as Rabil is always a threat to score or set up one of his teammates for a goal. But when you look at his overall body of work in the lacrosse world and with his foundation, Rabil is simply not your typical athlete.

He's a winner on and off the field.

For information on tickets to the Paul Rabil Foundation NYC Fundraiser, visit http://www.paulrabilfoundation.org/new-york-city-fundraiser.php.

Don't forget to follow Pete on Twitter at @pschwartzcbsfan. You can also follow @PaulRabil and his foundation @PRFund.