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Justin Axel has been hired as Salisbury University's new head men's lacrosse coach, the school announced on Tuesday.
Axel, a Salisbury alum who has served as an assistant coach for the Sea Gulls during two different stints, will be taking over as head coach after longtime head coach Jim Berkman announced his retirement in June.
"This is a special moment for Salisbury men's lacrosse, and Justin is the right person to lead the program forward," Salisbury University Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Monica Polizzi said in a statement. "He understands what makes Sea Gull lacrosse different because he has helped build its championship tradition for more than a decade. Justin brings championship experience, proven leadership and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field. We are confident he will continue the standard of excellence that has made SU one of the premier programs in collegiate lacrosse."
Under Berkman's leadership, Salisbury's men's lacrosse team became one of the premier programs in Division III, winning 13 national titles. Now, Axel will look to continue that success as the new head coach.
"It is a true honor to build upon the incredible legacy of Coach Jim Berkman and Salisbury Men's Lacrosse," Axel said about his hiring. "I am extremely excited about the future of this program and the opportunities that lie ahead. I want to thank President Lepre and Athletic Director Monica Polizzi for this incredible opportunity. Coach Berkman has been an instrumental figure in my life, and I cannot thank him enough for his support, guidance, and friendship over the last 25 years. I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my wife, Meaghan, and my daughter, Sloan—coaching is a family endeavor, and their love and understanding mean everything. I am truly honored to lead this program forward."
Axel first served as an assistant coach for Salisbury from 2002 to 2007, during which the Sea Gulls won four national championships. Axel went on to become the head coach at Eastern Connecticut State in 2007, where his teams recorded an 81-42 record and won four Little East Conference titles during his tenure.
Axel returned to Salisbury in 2014, becoming the recruiting director and assistant coach for the Sea Gulls. Salisbury has won three more national titles since 2014. During their most recent national championship season in 2023, Axel was named the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III Assistant Coach of the Year.
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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Salisbury University announces Justin Axel as new Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
Continue reading...
Axel, a Salisbury alum who has served as an assistant coach for the Sea Gulls during two different stints, will be taking over as head coach after longtime head coach Jim Berkman announced his retirement in June.
"This is a special moment for Salisbury men's lacrosse, and Justin is the right person to lead the program forward," Salisbury University Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Monica Polizzi said in a statement. "He understands what makes Sea Gull lacrosse different because he has helped build its championship tradition for more than a decade. Justin brings championship experience, proven leadership and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field. We are confident he will continue the standard of excellence that has made SU one of the premier programs in collegiate lacrosse."
Under Berkman's leadership, Salisbury's men's lacrosse team became one of the premier programs in Division III, winning 13 national titles. Now, Axel will look to continue that success as the new head coach.
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"It is a true honor to build upon the incredible legacy of Coach Jim Berkman and Salisbury Men's Lacrosse," Axel said about his hiring. "I am extremely excited about the future of this program and the opportunities that lie ahead. I want to thank President Lepre and Athletic Director Monica Polizzi for this incredible opportunity. Coach Berkman has been an instrumental figure in my life, and I cannot thank him enough for his support, guidance, and friendship over the last 25 years. I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my wife, Meaghan, and my daughter, Sloan—coaching is a family endeavor, and their love and understanding mean everything. I am truly honored to lead this program forward."
Axel first served as an assistant coach for Salisbury from 2002 to 2007, during which the Sea Gulls won four national championships. Axel went on to become the head coach at Eastern Connecticut State in 2007, where his teams recorded an 81-42 record and won four Little East Conference titles during his tenure.
Axel returned to Salisbury in 2014, becoming the recruiting director and assistant coach for the Sea Gulls. Salisbury has won three more national titles since 2014. During their most recent national championship season in 2023, Axel was named the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III Assistant Coach of the Year.
More: White Marlin Open Live Updates: 277 boats for sure-to-be wild Day 3
More: White Marlin Open highlights: Huge bigeye tuna thrills as Day 2 at end
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Salisbury University announces Justin Axel as new Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
Continue reading...
