MONTEVALLO - The Buffalo Bandits selected Thomas Vaesen with the 14th pick in the first round of the 2021 NLL Draft, the organization announced Saturday.

"It's something I've been working for my whole life.  To hear my name get called Saturday was something truly amazing," remarked Vaesen.  "Coming to Montevallo and being able to make an impact has been everything I have asked for and more.  Coach Lange has been by my side since day one, and I have been fortunate to be on a team with such a great group of guys."

For the past three seasons Vaesen has led the team in goals and recorded 226 points (174+52) in 50 career games for the Falcons.  Last season Vaesen led the Peach Belt Conference with 48 goals and 68 points, and was named Peach Belt Player of the Year. The junior attacker from Victoria, British Columbia, notched a 12-goal performance against Chowan which set the PBC record, and tied for the most in a single game in NCAA Division II. He was also ranked 10th in the NCAA in goals per game. During the 2021 season Vaesen had four or more goals five times with two or more assists five times.

"I think he's meant a lot to our program," remarked head coach Jason Lange.  "He is a great teammate who works hard behind the scenes, and does things that no one realizes.  Thomas has an incredible lacrosse IQ and eye for the game, plus he makes everyone around him better.  Not only is this great for Thomas and our program, it is also a reflection of excellence for the University of Montevallo and the Peach Belt Conference."

During his time at UM, Vaesen has collected accolades such as three time 2021 PBC Player of the Year, 2021 USILA All-Region, 2021 All-PBC, GEICO Academic All-GLVC, was named Montevallo Player of the Week on several occasions, two time USILA Team of the Week, five time GLVC Offensive Player of the Week, 2019 Second Team All-GLVC, 2018 Second Team All-GLVC, and Nanaimo News Male Athlete of the Year.