Conference Rivals Turned Teammates Chase Olympic Dreams

Two former SLC rivals are now playing together for The Philippines with the chance to qualify for the 2028 Olympics on the line. Cruise Costin and Phoenix Roads are competing in the Asia Pacific Sixes Lacrosse Championship in Sunshine Coast, Australia this week for The Philippines.   

Costin is from Corona, California and attended Arizona State from 2020 to 2023 where he was a captain and 1st All-Conference SSDM.

Rodas grew up in Simi Valley, California, and was an SSDM at Grand Canyon University from 2021 to 2024. He has two brothers, Donovan and Griffin, who also played at GCU and have competed for The Philippines in other competitions.  

“Being able to represent the Philippines at the Olympics would be something I’d be incredibly proud of. For me, it would be bigger than just lacrosse. I’d be representing my family, my heritage, and everyone who has supported me throughout my journey. I’d also hope that I could inspire other Filipinos to get involved in lacrosse and sports in general. Lacrosse has given me so many opportunities, and if someone could see me representing the Philippines and think, “I want to do that someday,” that would mean a lot to me.” said Costin. 

“It would mean the world to be able to represent the Philippines at that level. Knowing that I am representing my name, my family, and my entire ancestry, gives a little bit of extra fire to qualifying to the next round in Colorado.” said Rodas. 

In order to keep their Olympic hopes alive, the team needs to finish Top 5 in the tournament this week. If they are able to achieve that, they will play at the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championship in Colorado Springs, where the Top 6 make the Olympics. 

The Philippines are having their best year of lacrosse in history. Back in January, the team stunned Japan in double overtime in the Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in New Zealand. They went on to beat the host country before losing to Australia in the Championship. It was their first medal ever in the tournament and Rodas and Costin were both a part of that team. They will play in Group C against China and Korea for the Sixes tournament. 

“I feel really good about the group we have. We have a lot of talented players, but I think what makes this team special is how much we’ve been able to come together and play for each other. We’re not just playing for ourselves—we’re playing for the Philippines, our families, and everyone who has supported this program. If we stay together, compete for each other, and give everything we have every game, I think we’ll put ourselves in the best position possible.” said Costin. 

“I feel great about our chances. I love my team and I believe that each guy is meant to be here. What helps us qualify, is trusting the system, trusting one another, and to believe in the 12 guys that made the same sacrifices to be here.” said Rodas. 

They are part of a small group of MCLA guys in the tournament. In the Pan-American Sixes Tournament last weekend, Ian Carvajal (Liberty) and Tyler Yarnall (Florida) both came up huge in Brazil’s fifth place game to send them to Colorado. Costin and Rodas are hoping to have the same impact this week. 

“Coming from the MCLA and playing at Arizona State, I never really imagined that I’d have an opportunity to potentially compete in the Olympics. There are a lot of people who put in the same amount of work and passion into this sport without necessarily having the traditional NCAA pathway, so being able to go from playing MCLA lacrosse at ASU to potentially representing the Philippines at the Olympics would mean a lot to me.” said Costin. 

“Being an MCLA guy playing in the Olympics would be an unreal experience. When I was playing at GCU, I never thought I’d have a shot at the Olympics. MCLA doesn’t always get the same spotlight as NCAA, so a lot of us had to build our own path, stay hungry, and keep believing in ourselves when no one was watching.” said Rodas.