University of Mount Saint Vincent Athletics

The University of Mount Saint Vincent's athletic department appointed James Fitzgerald as the newest head coach of the men's lacrosse program in the fall of 2021, and he will be entering 2025-26 for his fifth season. Before taking over as the lead, Fitzgerald served as the team's assistant coach from 2019 through 2021. He is also the University's Senior Associate Director for Admissions while also working as a recruiting liason in the athletic's department. 

Fitzgerald has seen continuous growth throughout his head coaching career. The team has combined to go 17-41 over his span, but the program captured 11 of those wins over the last two seasons. They also won a program-high two conference games in both 2024 and 2025.

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 UMSV as a graduate student, serving primarily in the Sports Information department. He was promoted to Sports Information Officer in the summer of 2019. He also works as an admissions counselor along with his coaching duties.