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!”
KYLE SMITH
HEAD LACROSSE COACH
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
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
RICHARD F. GARBER
HEAD COACH
SCOTT HILLER '90
ATTACK
DICK HOSS '62
FOOTBALL,
LACROSSE (MIDFIELD)
RUSS KIDD '56
FOOTBALL, ICE HOCKEY,
LACROSSE
SAL LOCASCIO '89
GOALIE
JIM MCALEAVEY '91
ATTACK
MARK MILLON '94
ATTACK
MILT MORIN '66
FOOTBALL, LACROSSE,
WRESTLING
NORM SMITH '79
MIDFIELD
TIM SOUDAN '91
MIDFIELD
JEFF SPOONER '77
ATTACK
BROOKS SWEET '80
ATTACK
JIM WELLER '82
ATTACK
Connect with Us
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