Athlete Spotlight: Brandon Aviles

Brandon Aviles has suited up for Puerto Rico at two World Lacrosse championships: the 2022 Men’s U21 Championship and the 2023 Men’s Championship.

Aviles was a breakout star for Puerto Rico at 2022 in Limerick, totaling 19 points in eight games to rank third on his team in attacking contributions. Puerto Rico finished in eighth place in its debut at the event.

Along with a handful of his teammates from the U21 team including fellow attackers Joshua Balarcel and Christian Laureano, Aviles made the leap to the senior team for the men’s championship a year later in San Diego. Aviles helped fill out a balanced attack and contributed 11 points, including 10 goals for the fourth highest total on the team. Puerto Rico claimed a second consecutive top-ten finish in the event.

Below is a short Q and A between Aviles and World Lacrosse on his Puerto Rico international experience.

What has been your favorite moment suiting up for team Puerto Rico at a World Lacrosse championship?

My favorite moments, hands down, are seeing all our families going absolutely wild on the sidelines. They’re easily the loudest, most passionate, and proudest crew out there. It’s pure magic to witness and it captures the heart of Puerto Rican culture. The joy, rhythm, and this electric energy you just can’t explain, only feel.

What was the message of the Puerto Rico team in San Diego that you all rallied around?

‘Yo soy boricua, pa’ que tú lo sepas!’ The translation is ‘I’m Puerto Rican, just so you know.’ After every breakdown this is echoed out as a team and it’s really a reminder of our spirit and resilient culture. It is also a reminder that we are representing something bigger than ourselves: the island and people of Puerto Rico past, present, and future. 

What aspect of your team’s performance were you most proud of?

Grit is the name of the game. Grit walks in when talent checks out. Something I believe is embedded into all of our DNAs. The amount of heart and passion is undeniable any time we step on that field and that’s something you can’t teach, so seeing that is what makes me most proud. 

What is your favorite part of your own game?

Being a two handed player comfortable playing any position on field other than goalie. Within that, being able to have a creative, visionary, optimistic mindset before any game helps me. Not being afraid to play your game, have fun, and more importantly accept the fact you’re going to make mistakes, which allows yourself to be loose and play with intrepidity. In a world where everyone’s chasing significance, it’s easy to forget that the game and life aren’t always that deep. The joke, as always, begins in the mirror and that’s where true humility and freedom live. 

What are you looking forward to the most in the future for international lacrosse?

Broad scope, I think it’s great the game is growing as it’s given me opportunity and allowed me to have the greatest people in my corner. None of my parents knew what the game of lacrosse was because they simply didn’t have it growing up. The game continuing to grow is a beautiful thing and the people who have had the privilege to play and love it understand the beauty it can bring in life. I’m just excited to continue to be close to the island, my teammates, coaches, and all the incredible families. Of course we can’t forget making a bigger impact to the communities and organizations of Puerto Rico. 

Who would you like to shoutout for contributing to you success?

There are too many names to say and they all know who they are (coaches, teammates, mentors). I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my family. Their unwavering support has been my foundation. I truly would not be where I am today without their love, belief, and strength behind me every step of the way.  For Puerto Rico lacrosse: Miguel Lozada Jr.

I could write a whole book on him as he has done a tremendous amount of work for the organization, communities, and growth for the game. The program would not be where it is today without him – a rare soul with genuine heart and undeniable impact.