Niskayuna attacker John Mooney takes a shot during the Section II Class B finals against Bethlehem on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Shaker High School in Colonie, NY.
Jim Franco/Times Union
Niskayuna attacker John Mooney scores a goal on Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goalie Ethan Swift on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Niskayuna, NY.
Jim Franco/Times Union
Niskayuna attacker John Mooney scores a goal on Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goalie Ethan Swift on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Niskayuna, NY.
Jim Franco/Times Union
Niskayuna attacker John Mooney looks for an opening during the Section II Class B finals against Bethlehem on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Shaker High School in Colonie, NY.
Jim Franco/Times Union
John Mooney began competing in lacrosse when he was in kindergarten and was immediately hooked, having initially been inspired by seeing his dad play. He’s also long desired to become a pilot, and by the time he began playing varsity lacrosse at Niskayuna, Mooney knew he wanted to find an avenue to combine those two passions.
Soon after beginning his junior year, Mooney did just that when he made the choice to play his college lacrosse at Air Force.
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“A lot of my family are first responders. Flying was something I have always wanted to do, so it gave me the best opportunity to do that,” Mooney said. “I can play the sport I love in the process.”
Graduates of the Air Force Academy normally are required to serve at least five years of active military duty upon graduation. Because Mooney is seeking to become a pilot, that commitment is 10 years.
“I was thinking of other places, but the goal after college was to enlist at some point. Now, I don’t have to. It all comes in one,” Mooney said.
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“I am really proud of him,” Niskayuna coach Mike Vorgang said. “To understand what that commitment is, to visit the school and to see what it actually is like, and then to actually do it is something I am really proud of him for. I couldn’t be more proud of somebody that wants to play our sport at the highest level and also represent our country. This is a great opportunity for John, for sure, and it is not easy to attend a military academy.”
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Niskayuna attacker John Mooney winds up a shot against Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Niskayuna, NY.
Jim Franco/Times Union
Mooney’s current commitment is to once again help lead Niskayuna to the state playoffs. In 2025, Niskayuna captured the Section 2 Class A championship with a 14-3 triumph over Shaker. The team then dropped a 16-7 decision against West Genesee in the state playoffs to finish up at 16-3 overall.
“That hurt pretty bad. It is definitely the main driver for our success this year,” Mooney said.
This season, Niskayuna is competing at the Class B level and owns a 2-0 overall record after posting a 19-1 win against Columbia Thursday in its Suburban Council opener. Mooney, a senior attack, paced the offense with six goals and three assists.
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“We have a great group of guys. A lot of seniors, so it’s the last chance for a lot of us,” Mooney said. “I grew up on Long Island, so I would love to (get out of Section 2 again) and play against the guys I grew up playing with and against. No one can say no to trying to win a state championship.”
As a junior, Mooney tallied 72 goals and 28 assists to earn Times Union first team all-star honors. He was also named to the Class A all-state third team. He is looking for even better results from himself and the team this season.
“I had some big shoes to fill with players from the past, but I would like to say that I am handling that well,” Mooney said.
“He is a senior now. It is time for our seniors to step up,” Vorgang said. “It is time for our younger guys to take care of our seniors, but the season is dedicated to the seniors and John is a huge part of it.”
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Vorgang heaped healthy praise upon Mooney for his tireless work ethic and overall desire to excel in everything he does. The veteran coach knows how important Mooney’s play is on the field, but he added that the way the senior goes about his daily tasks sets a tremendous example for the rest of his teammates.
“He is one of the best leaders we have,” Vorgang said. “He was at every single thing we did during the offseason. The most important was the weight room and he is there every single time. The biggest thing I respect about John is his relentlessness. Whether he is playing, in the weight room or training, it is 100%. Not all the guys are like that.
“He doesn’t change the way he plays for anything or anyone. I truly respect that. He plays unbelievably hard in everything, and with everything he does, he does it full speed.”
During the victory against Columbia, Mooney scored two of the team’s first three goals in the second quarter to help Niskayuna establish a 10-0 advantage. Mooney’s second goal came on a low, whistling shot taken from well below his waist.
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Niskayuna attacker John Mooney takes a shot against Shenendehowa on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Clifton Park, NY.
Jim Franco/Times Union
“His efficiency has improved over time, which is expected,” Vorgang said. “He is a really good shooter. When his hands get free and he puts it on cage, it is really tough for the goalie to stop it or track it. He is a huge piece of the puzzle for us.”
Vorgang wanted to see Mooney improve the quickness of his decision-making this season, and the veteran coach believes the senior has made positive strides in that area.
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“At the next level, those windows (to make plays) are a little smaller,” Vorgang said. “I want him to pay attention to the details. The guys that make decisions the quickest are the guys that are going to play. For me as a high school coach, the best gift that I can give to them is the tools to go into college and be ready to play.”