Salisbury University has hired Justin Axel as its new head men's lacrosse coach, the school announced on Tuesday.
Axel, a Salisbury alum, has served as an assistant coach for the Sea Gulls during two different stints. He will be taking over as head coach after longtime head coach Jim Berkman announced his retirement in June.
Salisbury University Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Monica Polizzi praised Axel's hiring, saying, "This is a special moment for Salisbury men's lacrosse, and Justin is the right person to lead the program forward." She highlighted Axel's understanding of what makes Sea Gull lacrosse different, as well as his championship experience, proven leadership, and commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field.
Axel has a strong background in lacrosse, having served as an assistant coach at Salisbury from 2002 to 2007, during which the Sea Gulls won four national championships. He then 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.
As head coach at Eastern Connecticut State, Axel laid the groundwork for his future success, building on the skills he developed as an assistant coach. His return to Salisbury in 2014 as recruiting director and assistant coach marked a new chapter in his career, as the Sea Gulls went on to win three more national titles since 2014.
Axel's most recent stint as assistant coach was marked by success, as he was named the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III Assistant Coach of the Year in 2023. With his experience and leadership, he is poised to continue the standard of excellence that has made Salisbury one of the premier programs in collegiate lacrosse.
As Axel takes the reins as head coach, he will look to build on the legacy of his predecessor, Jim Berkman, who led the team to 13 national titles during his tenure. Axel expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "It is a true honor to build upon the incredible legacy of Coach Jim Berkman and Salisbury Men's Lacrosse." He is now tasked with leading the team to continued success, as he looks to make his mark as the new head coach.
Source: Yahoo Sports