Roslyn boys lacrosse's Josh Berger is Newsday's Athlete of the Week
Roslyn boys lacrosse player Josh Berger dodging to score vs. Long Beach on April 25, 2026. Credit: Josh Berger
It doesn't matter if the sun is out or if it's pouring rain, Josh Berger can still put the ball in the back of the cage.
Berger scored eight goals to lead the Roslyn boys lacrosse team to a 15-11 win over host Long Beach in a Nassau crossover game Saturday afternoon in the rain.
"It was insane, it was big hit after big hit, and it made the game more fun in my opinion," Berger said. "It was fun to battle it out, I think it was great to get the win, I wouldn't have drawn it up any other way."
However, Berger's celebration didn't end there.
The senior attackman found out he had broken the school record for career goals, surpassing his cousin Alex Gatto, making it even better.
"I've always looked up to him. I can definitely say he's one of my biggest role models," Berger said. "I was shocked to get the record. I couldn't have done without my friends, family, and coaches always pushing me."
For his efforts, Berger is Newsday's Athlete of the Week.
"Everybody knows Josh Berger," coach Jesse Sorensen said. "It's really been a joy working with somebody of that caliber."
Berger is currently second in Nassau and third in Long Island in goals with 50.
"He's only getting better," Sorensen said. "He's definitely had an elevated role. He's always willing to listen, and that's a sign of a great player."
He added, "We've been meeting with a couple of (the players) once a week, and it has really helped us stay grounded and get everyone on the same page. (Berger) has been so bought into what we're doing and only elevates the team."
In addition to his performance on the field, Berger holds a 4.0 GPA and is committed to playing lacrosse at Yale.
"The team camaraderie and culture over there is exactly what I'm looking for," Berger said about Yale. "It's a type of place where you can have confidence coming in as a freshman and be yourself."
Berger and his friends started an organization called "Lacrosse my heart," dedicated to making it accessible to individuals of all abilities, and they raise funds and raise awareness to support inclusive initiatives within the sport, according to their website, https://lacrossemyheartworldwide.org/
"It's definitely opened my eyes to see how impactful sports could be on people and how it could bring joy to them," Berger said. "The game has given me so much, and I'm forever grateful to give back."
Even though winning a county title would be nice, Berger says his main focus is getting the Bulldogs (8-4) to their first semifinal appearance at Hofstra.
"We've never had a stronger year so far than this year," Berger said. "We've got to do it one step at a time. We remind ourselves almost every practice of where our goal is and where we want to be."
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
