Events

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    The University of Massachusetts Lacrosse program is incredibly grateful to the Laxbackers for your continued commitment and support over the years. Your dedication has played a vital role in shaping the success of our program and sustaining the high standard that defines UMass Lacrosse. The energy and pride you bring to YOUR program, and the way you consistently show up for our student-athletes, make a meaningful difference every single day.


    We are especially proud of the strong foundation built by Coach Garber, Ted Garber, and Greg Cannella, whose leadership and commitment helped shape this program into what it is today. As I step into this role, I am honored to carry that legacy forward and continue building something that generations of former players, families, and supporters care so deeply about.


    The pride and connection across UMass Lacrosse is truly special, and we are grateful to represent you every day. The funds raised will help us continue to compete at the highest level and give our student-athletes every opportunity to succeed, both on and off the field.

    We here at UMass Lacrosse are incredibly thankful for your continued support in helping us sustain excellence and strive for even greater success in the years ahead.

    Thank you again for your tremendous support!”

    Photo of kyle smith, head lacrosse coach at the university of massachusetts

    KYLE SMITH

    HEAD LACROSSE COACH
    UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

    Photo of kyle smith, head lacrosse coach at the university of massachusetts

    KYLE SMITH

    HEAD LACROSSE COACH
    UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS

    About Us


    Impact

    During the NCAA Championship run in 2006, alums Norm Smith '79 and Kelley Carr '88 started conversations on how they can focus all the passion and support for Gorilla Lacrosse. Within six months the “Laxbackers” raised half a million dollars for a brand new 5,000 seat grandstands and press box and have been providing and facilitating a first-class experience since. Capital projects have included the current field turf (Richard F. Garber Field), the Norm Smith '79 Videoboard as well as the more recent expansion and renovation to the locker room. The impact is felt in all aspects of the program from travel, meals, equipment, and apparel. The generosity has enhanced the day-to-day experience as well as one that stabilizes the program's future endeavors.

    Mission

    To continue to take pride in the tradition of Coach Garber's legacy and provide the current student-athletes with a first-class experience both on and off the field. The funds raised will help us continue to play and compete at the highest level and give us the best chance to remain a consistently top-tier program in the nation!

    Postseason History


    20

    NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES

    1976, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2018

    23

    NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

    1963, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2012

    2

    USILA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES

    1972, 1973

    4

    ECAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

    2001, 2002, 2005, 2009

    2

    dividing line

    CAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

    2012, 2018

    All-Time Head Coaches


    HEAD COACH
    YEARS (TOTAL)
    RECORD
    PCT
    POSTSEASON NOTES
    AL GOODYEAR 1954 (1) 2-3 .400
    RICHARD F. GARBER 1955-1990 (36) 300-141-3 .679 9 NCAA TOURNAMENTS
    TED GARBER 1991-1994 (4) 37-17 .685 2 NCAA TOURNAMENTS
    GREG CANNELLA 1995-2025. (31) 256-181 .586 9 NCAA TOURNAMENTS
    KYLE SMITH 2026
    OVERALL 73RD SEASON 595-342-3 .635 20 NCAA TOURNAMENTS

    HEAD COACH

    YEARS (TOTAL)

    RECORD

    PCT.

    POSTSEASON NOTES

    AL GOODYEAR

    1954 (1)

    2-3

    .400

    RICHARD F. GARBER

    1955-1990 (36)

    300-141-3

    .635

    20 NCAA TOURNAMENTS

    TED GARBER

    1991-1994 (4)

    37-17

    .685

    2 NCAA TOURNAMENTS

    GREG CANNELLA

    1995-PR. (29TH)

    233-161

    .589

    9 NCAA TOURNAMENTS

    KYLE SMITH

    2026

    OVERALL

    73RD SEASON

    595-342-3

    .635

    20 NCAA TOURNAMENTS

    UMass Lacrosse Alumni Committee


    Anthony Biscardi '12

    John Gonzalez '90

    Kevin Porzelt '16

    Greg Cannella '87

    Bob Goodhue '70

    Joe Reale '09

    Kelley Carr '88

    Rich Guyre '05

    Doc Schneider '09

    Marc Feinberg '91

    Brett Jenks '89

    Kyle Smith '13

    Keith Gabrielli '01

    Rusty Paparo '87

    Brian Tobin

    Men's Lacrosse in the UMass Hall of Fame


    Title
    RICHARD F. GARBER

    HEAD COACH

    Title
    SCOTT HILLER '90

    ATTACK

    Title
    DICK HOSS '62

    FOOTBALL,
    LACROSSE (MIDFIELD)

    Title
    RUSS KIDD '56

    FOOTBALL, ICE HOCKEY,
    LACROSSE

    Title
    SAL LOCASCIO '89

    GOALIE

    Title
    JIM MCALEAVEY '91

    ATTACK

    Title
    MARK MILLON '94

    ATTACK

    Title
    MILT MORIN '66

    FOOTBALL, LACROSSE,
    WRESTLING

    Title
    NORM SMITH '79

    MIDFIELD

    Title
    TIM SOUDAN '91

    MIDFIELD

    Title
    JEFF SPOONER '77

    ATTACK

    Title
    BROOKS SWEET '80

    ATTACK

    Title
    JIM WELLER '82

    ATTACK

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