Riverdale, NY - The College of Mount Saint Vincent's athletic department has appointed
James Fitzgerald the newest head coach of the men's lacrosse program, athletic director
Phil Stern announced on Monday. Fitzgerald spent the last three seasons as the team's assistant coach.
"We are thrilled to bring Fitz back as our full time men's lacrosse coach. He has worn many hats at CMSV and his passion for our campus is infectious," said Stern of the hire. "Fitz is a tireless recruiter and will always put the health and safety of our student-athletes first while giving them a first rate experience both on and off the field."
While serving as an assistant under Ryan Mello, Fitzgerald served as the primary coach for defense while also leading the charge in recruiting efforts.
"I'm excited to get back to a place that was like a second home to me," said Fitzgerald. "CMSV opened so many doors for me and now I get to open doors for the future generation of Dolphins"
Fitzgerald has a longstanding tie to the lacrosse program that goes beyond coaching. The Putnam Valley, New York native was recruited to the college out of high school by Dan Mulholland and suited up for the Dolphins in all four of his playing years. The defenseman was extremely successful throughout his playing days, as he started all 54 career games he played in while accumulating 111 caused turnovers, 167 ground balls, 26 goals and 18 assists. Fitzgerald currently ranks first in program history in caused turnovers, seventh in ground balls and was the second player in program history to be named to the Skyline Conference's first team after his senior season.
After his playing days, Fitzgerald returned to CMSV as a graduate student, serving primarily in the Sports Information department. He was promoted to Sports Information Officer in the summer of 2019. He will also work as an admissions counselor along with his coaching duties.
Fitzgerald will take over a men's lacrosse team that is starting to turn the corner. Despite a record of 0-5 against conference-only competition a year ago, the growth both on and off the field makes Fitzgerald feel the program's future is bright.
"We have started to build a strong core of guys and are headed in the right direction as a program," Fitzgerald stated. "I'm excited to step in and continue to take the program to new heights."
