Belmont Hill senior Dylan Casillo ’26 first picked up a lacrosse stick at just five years old. Now, having completed his Belmont Hill lacrosse career, he won two ISL championships and was a team captain his Senior year. His game is defined by his speed, vision, and craftiness. Dylan entered Belmont Hill in the Third Form, and there was no doubt about whether it was the right fit for him, stating that it seemed to be “a place where brotherhood and culture resonate with each and every student.” Along with lacrosse, Dylan also played soccer growing up, as he lived in England for multiple years. Once he arrived at Belmont Hill, he became a football player and has been a member of the varsity team since his tenth-grade year.
Growing up, lacrosse played a meaningful role in Dylan’s life, allowing him to spend time with his father, who was his youth coach for the longest time. He stated, “Lacrosse had been engraved in my dad’s side of the family, so I had a stick in my hand as soon as I could have.” This love for the game has stuck with Dylan and strengthened his work ethic over the years. Along with his time playing town lacrosse for the Newton program, Dylan also played club lacrosse for the highly-touted 3d New England 2026 Squad. His club team consistently competed at the highest level, helping develop Dylan’s game against top national talent.
Immediately upon arriving at Belmont Hill, Dylan found success on the lacrosse field. Making the varsity team his freshman year, he stated, “It was a feeling I will never forget. As a fourteen-year-old kid, I was very overwhelmed, but also extremely excited to be a part of the team.” During Dylan’s freshman year, the team finished with a remarkable record of fifteen wins and one loss, sadly falling short to Tabor in the playoffs. However, despite this setback, Dylan noted that his time on the team, learning from older, more experienced players, was not only enjoyable but also extremely valuable. Specifically, Will Stewart ’24 was an important mentor for Dylan. Dylan described Will as consistently being available for him when necessary, along with constantly being an “all-around great teammate.”
During Dylan’s sophomore year, the team won the ISL Championship, finishing an outstanding undefeated season in conference, culminating with a 19-6 dismantling of Middlesex in the finals. In his sophomore year, Dylan racked up 44 points, including 17 goals and 27 assists. However, despite all of the success on the field, Dylan still emphasized the importance of the memories made when spending time with his teammates off the field, such as locker-room conversations.
Leading into his junior year, as the collegiate recruitment window opened in September, Dylan was quick to announce his commitment to the University of Virginia. Dylan wanted to find a school that would help him thrive on and off the field, and he felt UVA offered that. He also said that the Cavaliers’ coaching staff, with its “sense of welcoming,” played a large role in his recruitment.
Dylan’s junior year built on all of his prior success. Dylan was able to step into the attackman role, switching from his prior role as a midfielder, demonstrating his versatility and ability to contribute wherever he was needed for the team’s success. The team finished the season with an ISL championship, defeating Tabor in the finals in an overtime thriller. Dylan finished the year with an extremely impressive 101 points, consisting of 37 goals and 64 assists.
Heading into his senior year, Dylan was ranked 2nd among Massachusetts players by Boston Lax Network. When describing his game, Boston Lax Network stated, “ He’s a fast break machine once he grabs a ground ball, and if you give him time and room, he’ll pick a corner. His vision as a passer is elite, and he can get crafty around the crease.” As a captain, he is trying to draw on his past knowledge and experience to be the best example for his teammates. He believes that “playing for Belmont Hill Lacrosse is a privilege, and displaying and getting that message across is something I take pride in.” The Panel congratulates Dylan on his Belmont Hill career and wishes him the best of luck in Charlottesville and beyond.
