(Barish Edli, #14 | Photo Courtesy of Shutterlax)

Chris Panos and the Queens Royals have had a busy summer on the recruiting trail with the newly elevated DI program landing four commitments in the 2023 class since the calendar flipped to July. The first of those commits came from defenseman Barish Edil, Jr.

“The first thing that stood out was the determination and fire of Coach Panos,” the Oklahoma-based defenseman told Lacrosse Bucket. “The moment I first spoke to him I could tell he really wanted to compete and is looking for the same out of his players. He has a sense of pride for the game and program that assured me I wanted to compete with this team and I felt that it would be a great fit.”

Edil goes to Hertiage Hall High School and plays for Capital City United in the spring in the Oklahoma Lacrosse Association. He plays club ball in the summer for Callum Crawford and Ryan Fournier’s Impulse Club.

With his grandparents hailing from Turkey, Edil holds Turkish citizenship. He was selected as the youngest member to represent the Turkish National team in Wrocław, Poland at the European Championships this past April.

“It was an amazing experience to meet and play with individuals from different countries that had a strong passion for the game.” Edil said of his experience .

Standing 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, Edil is a big defender who knows how to get physical but also showcases the skills to put the ball on the ground and cause turnovers with tactical checks as well as knowing how to get his stick in passing lanes. Edil describes his style of play as both intense and physical saying he is “Good on the 1 v 1 from the X. I also have the speed to make transitions quickly so when it is necessary I can do it.”

Heading into his senior season, Edil stated that he wants to focus on improving his stick work, foot speed, and getting in the weight room.

Being in a non-traditional hotbed like Oklahoma where the game is still very much growing, Edil said he wants to continue to help that progress through his volunteer work. “Giving kids the chance to try out the sport of lacrosse that has been such a huge part of my life. Hoping to elevate the kids and spread youth lacrosse in Oklahoma”