BRONXVILLE, N.Y. – Kyle Anderson of the Harvard men's lacrosse team has been named the winner of the 2021 Yeardley Reynolds Love Unsung Hero Award, presented by the One Love Foundation.
 
Anderson becomes the first Crimson student-athlete to win the award, which is now in its 11th year. The Downingtown, Pa. native was previously named one of five finalists, as the award recognizes the accomplishments of men's and women's collegiate lacrosse players from Divisions I, II and III who demonstrate dedication, integrity, humility, hard work, community service, leadership, kindness and sportsmanship - all qualities Yeardley Love exemplified throughout her life. The award honors the actions of student-athletes who help their teams achieve success in ways that may not be measured in goals, saves or groundballs, placing value on kindness and generosity.
 
"I am extremely humbled to have my name associated with the One Love Foundation," stated Anderson. "Yards for Yeardley has been a great fundraising and competitive activity for our team during the past two years and we are all inspired by the work of the One Love Foundation to educate and promote healthy relationships."

Anderson, the first three-time captain in the history of the program, has been a top-three scorer for the Crimson throughout his career. Off the field, he has overcome and persevered through numerous injuries, including multiple ACL tears. Additionally, Anderson took a leave of absence during his time in Cambridge to battle a serious illness. Anderson still returned as a starter and top-scorer when he competed again for the Crimson. Graduating this May with a degree in government, Anderson has secured a job in medical device/joint sales, using his own experiences to help others.
 
"Kyle personifies everything that our program values: commitment, dedication, grit, selflessness and giving of yourself for the good of every community that you have membership in, whether it is campus, Cambridge, Boston, Malvern Prep and beyond," stated Gerry Byrne, The Frisbie Family Head Coach for Harvard Men's Lacrosse.

Off the field, Anderson has been a leader for the program in community service initiatives. He has been consistently devoted to serving Harlem Lacrosse of Boston and Team Impact, as well as volunteering at the McKay School, for the past four years. Showing endless dedication to these initiatives, Anderson exemplifies the qualities recognized in the Unsung Hero Award.
 
"Kyle's selection for One Love's YRL Unsung Hero Award is a proud moment for Harvard College and Harvard Lacrosse," added Byrne. We are thrilled that Kyle's leadership, community service efforts and persistence in overcoming many physical hardships have been recognized and will be forever be linked with Yeardley's legacy and the tremendous work that the One Love Organization is doing to help students and athletes develop healthy relationships."
 
The award recognizes student-athletes who make a significant contribution to their team, while also bringing joy to teammates. Recipients exhibit leadership as a positive role model involved in community service, and are awarded a sum of money from the One Love Foundation to be given to their favorite charity.
 
"My donation money associated with the Unsung Hero Award will be going to a local charity in my area called Bringing Hope Home," added Anderson. "Their mission is simple: provide financial and emotional support to families with a parent battling cancer."
 
The One Love Foundation educates young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships, empowering them to identify and avoid abuse and learn how to love better. To learn more about the award, check out the One Love Foundation.