Meet Aidan Diaz-Matos: #1 2025 FOSO Headed to Notre Dame
Notre Dame lacrosse has reached the pinnacle of excellence in the lacrosse world. Coming off back-to-back national championships, Notre Dame is a very popular destination for some of the top D1 lacrosse prospects.
One of the most intriguing commits in the Class of 2025 is Aidan Diaz-Matos. Diaz-Matos is ranked by Inside Lacrosse as the #1 faceoff guy among all high school seniors.
The faceoff position (also known as FOSO: faceoff stay on) is essential to a team's success. Faceoffs happen at the start of quarters and after every goal.
Similar to a hockey faceoff, it is an equal chance for either team to gain possession of the ball as play starts. A dominant FOSO can be a game-changer for teams as they can control possession throughout the game. The FOSO position has been modernized over the last few years, especially after rule changes at the professional level in the PLL. As a result, FOSOs have become more of an offensive threat rather than just guys who take the faceoff and then immediately run off the field to sub.
Diaz-Matos has embraced this evolution.
“When you get to college, you have to be versatile,” says Diaz-Matos. “You have to be able to do be more than just one thing. I’ve been working on not just running off the field, pushing offense, making transition plays, and making sure my teammates are involved.”
The FOSO position is led by greats such as Trevor Baptiste, Paul Cantabene, and Greg Gurenlian, who has trained Diaz-Matos.
Diaz-Matos acknowledges the significant impact of Gurenlian has had on his development.
“He’s been a mentor of mine since day one,” Diaz-Matos explains. “He’s taught me everything I know. I learn new things daily. Every time I train with him, it’s something new. I still have much more to learn from him. I am super blessed to have him in my life. He’s the man. I thank him for everything.”
Diaz-Matos’ commitment to Notre Dame came quickly and decisively.
“I met with the coaching staff, saw the lacrosse program, and met the players,” Diaz-Matos shares. “I saw how good the team culture was, how strong the alumni network was and the campus. I got to Notre Dame on Sept. 4 and committed on Sept. 4.
“It was one of those things where I got there and just committed immediately.”
Diaz-Matos’ trip to South Bend came immediately after the Irish coaches visited with his family and him at his home in New York.
“My parents and I had a great conversation with them,” Diaz-Matos recalls. “It felt comfortable around them. It was a good conversation. The next morning, I flew out. We had a 6:30 flight to go to South Bend.
“When I got there, I saw the campus and met with the players, some of the coaches, the athletic trainers and some of the teachers. It was just a great process. Notre Dame was the perfect fit for me and I’m truly happy.”
Playing Division 1 lacrosse is a dream for many young athletes and Diaz-Matos is eager about what lays ahead.
“The friendships, the team culture, Notre Dame was unreal,” Diaz-Matos says. “When I walked into the locker room, I felt everybody was like a family there. It’s a brotherhood. Just being able to compete with those guys at the top level has been through my mind since I was a child.”
For younger lacrosse players aspiring to reach the collegiate level, Diaz-Matos has some advice.
“Enjoy it,” he says. “Just have fun. If you’re not having fun, you won’t have fun when you get to the D1 level. At a young age, just enjoy playing with your friends. Don’t worry about the college coaches. Go out there and have fun with your friends. You have plenty of time to worry about that when you get to high school, but for you younger guys, just enjoy the process. Just have fun.”
As Diaz-Matos prepares to join Notre Dame lacrosse in a couple of years, he is enthusiastic about contributing to the team alongside a few of his club teammates.
Diaz-Matos will be joined in the Irish’s 2025 recruiting class by Christopher Iuliano, Cam Kelley and Miguel Iglesias, who also play with PrimeTime 2025.
“I’m just trying to hopefully be the best player I can by the time I get there,” Diaz-Matos says. “I’ve hung out with many of the team guys before and I’m really close to the 2025 recruiting class. It’s a great group of guys, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Notre Dame is poised to benefit greatly from Diaz-Matos's future presence, and the lacrosse community eagerly anticipates his impact both on and off the field.
If you’re not a member of ISD, check out our Fall Camp Special!
Under Armour Kelly Green Notre Dame Fighting Irish Playoff Performance Quarter-Zip
