Syracuse University Men's Lacrosse

Donahue is one of the most innovative and respected coaches in the game. A Syracuse University alum, Donahue has spent more than two decades on the Orange sideline as an aide to head coaches Roy Simmons Jr. and John Desko.       Donahues work with the Syracuse program and his service to lacrosse has not gone unnoticed. In 2001, he was the recipient of the Jay Gallagher Award as the nations top Division I assistant coach. Five years later, he was inducted into the Upstate New York chapter of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame for his achievements both as a coach and as a player.       Donahues focus is the teams goaltenders in addition to helping Desko coordinate the offense. He is also responsible for organizing Syracuse's transition game, overseeing the team's rides and clears, and coaching the faceoff specialists.       Under Donahues guidance, Syracuse has been one of the top clearing teams in the nation in recent years, including setting a school record with a .918 clearing percentage in 2013 (370-403). Since 2001, there have been 30 seasons where teams have cleared at 90-percent or better, four of those were Syracuse. The Orange clearned at .918 in 2011 (percentage points behind the 2013 mark) and .905 in 2015 before finishing at .902 in 2016.       Donahue has done some of his best work in the cage, helping turn 2011 Orange graduate John Galloway into one of the top goaltenders in college lacrosse history. Galloway left Syracuse as the NCAAs winningest netminder with 59 victories. In addition, he was a two-time winner of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award as the nations top goalie, a two-time USILA First Team All-American and two-time BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year.       Donahue has also mentored some of the top faceoff men in the game. It was his expert tutelage that helped Danny Brennan earn honorable mention All-America laurels at the position in 2008. Brennan led the nation with a .667 faceoff winning percentage that season. He won 214 draws to help the Orange win the national championship.       Brennan is one of Donahues more recent protégés. Hes also worked with Bill Dirrigl, Kirk Pratt, Bob Feisee, Chris Cercy and Jon Jerome. In addition, he tutored Jeremy Thompson and Gavin Jenkinson, who ranked first and second in the BIG EAST, respectively, in faceoff winning percentage in 2010. However, some of his best work has been saved for Orange standout Ben Williams, who is re-writing the Orange record books after just two seasons at SU. Williams is on pace to shatter the career faceoff wins record in 2017.       From 2008-12, Donahue assisted Lelan Rogers at the defensive end of the field and the unit never performed better. The Orange finished in the top five nationally in scoring defense for three straight years (2009-11). Donahue also previously directed the team's man-down unit, which led the nation in 2011 with an 81.7 percent success rate (49-60).        Offensively, much of Donahue's experience lies in formulating the plays that have helped create one of the most efficient attacks in the nation. As a team, Syracuse has shot better than 30 percent and ranked in the top 10 in the country in shooting percentage in 2014 and 2015.       Under Donahues guidance, a host of Orange midfielders have received All-America honors, including JoJo Marasco in 2013. Working within the framework of Donahues offense, Marasco set an SU midfield record for assists (42), was named the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year and was a first-team All-American. Most recently, Sergio Salcido and Nick Mariano were both Second Team All-Americans in 2016 under Donahue's watch.       Over the years, the SU midfield has produced some of the sports all-time greats and several of the nations top players, including Paul and Gary Gait, Charlie Lockwood, Dom Fin, Roy Colsey, Matt Caione, Josh Coffman and Sean Lindsay.       Prior to joining the Orange, Donahue spent seven years as a lacrosse coach at West Genesee High School, where he taught for several years in the science department.        A 2011 inductee into the West Genesee/Town of Camillus Hall of Fame, Donahue came to Syracuse University after a standout high school career at West Genesee. He received his bachelors degree in biology from SU in 1979 and was the first of three brothers to play for the Orange, earning All-America honors in 1977 (honorable mention), 1978 (second team) and 1979 (first team).       A high school and college teammate of Desko's, Donahue was a two-time Orange captain and Coach Roy Simmons Jr.s first first-team All-American. As a senior in 1979, Donahue was third on the team in scoring with 49 points, including a five-goal, three-assist masterpiece against Maryland in the programs first-ever NCAA Tournament game.       Kevin and his wife, Laurie, have two sons, Collin and Dylan, and one daughter, Riley. All three children have followed in their fathers footsteps. Collin played for Syracuse in 2011 and 2012. Dylan was a three-time All-American before graduating in 2016. Riley is entering her junior season on the Syracuse women's lacrosse team where she is coming off earning all-region honors in 2016 and is a team captain for 2017. Kevin Donahue Assistant Coach 4390 Kevin Donahue is one of the most innovative and respected coaches in the game. A Syracuse University alum, Donahue has spent more than two decades on the Orange sideline as an aide to head coaches Roy Simmons Jr. and John Desko.       Donahues work with the Syracuse program and his service to lacrosse has not gone unnoticed. In 2001, he was the recipient of the Jay Gallagher Award as the nations top Division I assistant coach. Five years later, he was inducted into the Upstate New York chapter of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame for his achievements both as a coach and as a player.       Donahues focus is the teams goaltenders in addition to helping Desko coordinate the offense. He is also responsible for organizing Syracuse's transition game, overseeing the team's rides and clears, and coaching the faceoff specialists.       Under Donahues guidance, Syracuse has been one of the top clearing teams in the nation in recent years, including setting a school record with a .918 clearing percentage in 2013 (370-403). Since 2001, there have been 30 seasons where teams have cleared at 90-percent or better, four of those were Syracuse. The Orange clearned at .918 in 2011 (percentage points behind the 2013 mark) and .905 in 2015 before finishing at .902 in 2016.       Donahue has done some of his best work in the cage, helping turn 2011 Orange graduate John Galloway into one of the top goaltenders in college lacrosse history. Galloway left Syracuse as the NCAAs winningest netminder with 59 victories. In addition, he was a two-time winner of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award as the nations top goalie, a two-time USILA First Team All-American and two-time BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year.       Donahue has also mentored some of the top faceoff men in the game. It was his expert tutelage that helped Danny Brennan earn honorable mention All-America laurels at the position in 2008. Brennan led the nation with a .667 faceoff winning percentage that season. He won 214 draws to help the Orange win the national championship.       Brennan is one of Donahues more recent protégés. Hes also worked with Bill Dirrigl, Kirk Pratt, Bob Feisee, Chris Cercy and Jon Jerome. In addition, he tutored Jeremy Thompson and Gavin Jenkinson, who ranked first and second in the BIG EAST, respectively, in faceoff winning percentage in 2010. However, some of his best work has been saved for Orange standout Ben Williams, who is re-writing the Orange record books after just two seasons at SU. Williams is on pace to shatter the career faceoff wins record in 2017.       From 2008-12, Donahue assisted Lelan Rogers at the defensive end of the field and the unit never performed better. The Orange finished in the top five nationally in scoring defense for three straight years (2009-11). Donahue also previously directed the team's man-down unit, which led the nation in 2011 with an 81.7 percent success rate (49-60).        Offensively, much of Donahue's experience lies in formulating the plays that have helped create one of the most efficient attacks in the nation. As a team, Syracuse has shot better than 30 percent and ranked in the top 10 in the country in shooting percentage in 2014 and 2015.       Under Donahues guidance, a host of Orange midfielders have received All-America honors, including JoJo Marasco in 2013. Working within the framework of Donahues offense, Marasco set an SU midfield record for assists (42), was named the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year and was a first-team All-American. Most recently, Sergio Salcido and Nick Mariano were both Second Team All-Americans in 2016 under Donahue's watch.       Over the years, the SU midfield has produced some of the sports all-time greats and several of the nations top players, including Paul and Gary Gait, Charlie Lockwood, Dom Fin, Roy Colsey, Matt Caione, Josh Coffman and Sean Lindsay.       Prior to joining the Orange, Donahue spent seven years as a lacrosse coach at West Genesee High School, where he taught for several years in the science department.        A 2011 inductee into the West Genesee/Town of Camillus Hall of Fame, Donahue came to Syracuse University after a standout high school career at West Genesee. He received his bachelors degree in biology from SU in 1979 and was the first of three brothers to play for the Orange, earning All-America honors in 1977 (honorable mention), 1978 (second team) and 1979 (first team).       A high school and college teammate of Desko's, Donahue was a two-time Orange captain and Coach Roy Simmons Jr.s first first-team All-American. As a senior in 1979, Donahue was third on the team in scoring with 49 points, including a five-goal, three-assist masterpiece against Maryland in the programs first-ever NCAA Tournament game.       Kevin and his wife, Laurie, have two sons, Collin and Dylan, and one daughter, Riley. All three children have followed in their fathers footsteps. Collin played for Syracuse in 2011 and 2012. Dylan was a three-time All-American before graduating in 2016. Riley is entering her junior season on the Syracuse women's lacrosse team where she is coming off earning all-region honors in 2016 and is a team captain for 2017.

Desko has blazed a trail of excellence that distinguishes him as one of the most respected coaches in the nation and the world. Throughout his tenure, hes maintained the winning tradition of Syracuse lacrosse. Since replacing Hall of Fame coach Roy Simmons Jr. in 1999, Desko has kept the Orange in the hunt for an NCAA title each year and he has brought home the national championship trophy five times (2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009) since the turn of the century.       In the process, Desko has established a successful leadership style recognized by many in the lacrosse world. His legacy of achievement led to his selection as the USILA Division I Coach of the Year in 2008, the BIG EAST Coach of the Year in 2011, the FieldTurf Division I Coach of the Year in 2013, and the ACC Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016. In addition, Desko served as the head coach of the U.S. Senior National Team at the 2006 International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) World Championship. They are just some of the many honors bestowed upon Desko during his sparkling career.       Throughout his tenure, Desko has coached some of the greatest players ever to don a lacrosse jersey and hes left an indelible mark on the game. SETTING THE STANDARD Desko holds a 223-71 career record and owns the best winning percentage (.758) of any active NCAA Division I coach. Overall, he is seventh on the Division I list for career winning percentage.   Deskos record in the postseason is just as impressive. He is 33-12 in the NCAA Tournament and holds the highest tournament winning percentage (.733)  of any coach in the history of college lacrosse. Deskos postseason dominance has resulted in five NCAA titles, which ranks third all-time behind Bill Tierney (7) and Roy Simmons Jr. (6).       Deskos achievements are the product of recruiting and developing some of the best lacrosse players in the world. Since he was named head coach, Syracuse has had 63 players earn a total of 114 All-America nods, including four-time honorees Mike Powell, Mike Springer and Mike Leveille. Two of his charges Powell in 2002 and 2004, and Leveille in 2008 went on to win the Tewaaraton Award as the nations best player.       Deskos leadership and longevity have been crucial to establishing the Syracuse dynasty. The Orange advanced to the NCAA semifinals 22 straight years between 1983 and 2004. The streak was as much a reflection upon Desko as anyone, as he was the one person directly associated with the team for all 22 seasons. During the first 16 years of the Final Four streak, he served as an assistant coach (Desko spent 19 seasons as a Syracuse assistant overall) and then he led the team to the Final Four in each of his first six years, winning national championships in 2000, 2002 and 2004.       In Deskos 37 seasons on the Syracuse coaching staff, the team has reached the NCAA title game a stunning 17 times, or just about once every other year.       In addition to his national success, Desko guided the Orange to its first Atlantic Coast Conference title in 2015, just Syracuses second year in the country's most dominant lacrosse league. He repeated the charge in 2016, when the team won back-to-back games in Kennesaw, Georgia to earn its second-straight ACC Championship. Prior to joining the ACC in 2014, Desko and the Orange went 20-4 in four seasons as a member of the BIG EAST Conference, capturing three regular-season championships (2010, 2011, 2013) and two BIG EAST Tournament titles (2012, 2013).        Syracuse has had 24 players earn a total of 37 all-conference nods since 2010, including two-time All-ACC selections Kevin Rice and Brandon Mullins. In addition, five players have captured major individual conference awards in that span, including Rice who was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2015.  Desko led the Orange to a 32-4 overall record and back-to-back national championships in 2008 and 2009. The Orange finished with identical 16-2 records both years, tying the school season standard of 16 wins, and becoming the first team since Princeton in the 1990s to repeat as NCAA champions.       In 2008, Desko engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds the sport has ever seen. After going 5-8 and missing the postseason in 2007, he led the Orange to its record 10th NCAA crown. In addition, the Orange tied the NCAA record for the best one-year win-loss improvement (+8.5). Deskos squad was second in the nation in scoring offense (13.61) and posted a 7.62 goals-against average, the best mark for a Syracuse outfit in nearly four decades. During the regular season, the Orange reeled off 10 straight wins and went undefeated at the Carrier Dome (9-0). Syracuse rolled to four consecutive wins in the postseason, including a 13-10 victory against Johns Hopkins in the title game. During its postseason run, Syracuse defeated three top-five opponents and bested second-seeded Virginia, 12-11, in double overtime in one of the most memorable semifinal games in tournament history. In addition to his fourth championship, Desko capped the year by winning the F. Morris Touchstone Award as the USILA Division I Coach of the Year to join Roy Simmons Jr. as the only two Orange mentors to earn the honor.       As an encore, Desko presided over a 2009 Orange team that ended the year on a nine-game winning streak and led the nation in scoring margin (+5.56) after finishing second nationally in scoring offense (12.94) and fourth in scoring defense (7.39). The Orange posted a 6.46 goals-against average in its four NCAA Tournament wins, and the 2008 and 2009 seasons marked the first time since 1969 and 1970 that Syracuse finished with goals-against averages of less than 8.0 in consecutive years.       The Orange tied the school record with 10 home victories, and after cruising to wins in its first three NCAA Tournament contests, defeated Cornell, 10-9, in overtime in one of the most thrilling championship games in lacrosse history. Deskos coaching success has led him to additional opportunities outside Syracuse, including his appointment as U.S. National Team coach for the 2006 ILF World Championship, where he led the squad to the silver medal. In addition, Desko spent three days in June of 2009 at the U.S. National Team tryouts as part of a committee commissioned by U.S. Lacrosse to evaluate players for the 2010 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championship.     On the college level, Desko served as a coach for the North squad in the annual North-South Senior All-Star Game at the University of Delaware in 2000.        Desko is also a leader in the sports administration. He served on the NCAA Lacrosse Committee, a group that oversees and regulates rules, championships and other issues pertinent to the sport from 1999-2003. He has also worked as a member of the NCAA Division I Regional Advisory Committee, a group that assists in the evaluation of teams throughout the season. THE HEIR APPARENT When Roy Simmons Jr. retired in 1998, Desko was the perfect choice to continue the Oranges championship legacy. He spent 19 seasons as Simmons assistant and helped him turn Syracuse into the lacrosse dynasty it is today.        Prior to becoming Simmons top lieutenant in 1980, Desko played for him from 1976-79. When Desko arrived on campus, he helped Syracuse achieve its first winning season (7-4) since 1971. As a sophomore in 1977, Desko and the Orange went 8-6 and the team scored a then school-record 238 goals. Syracuses fastest midfielder his first two years, Desko switched to defense as a junior and the Orange continued its winning ways. SU went 10-3 in 1978, and with Desko leading the way, held opponents to 104 goals, the lowest total at Syracuse in eight years.       With just two seasons of experience on defense, Desko earned All-America honors in 1979 and helped the Orange to a 10-5 record and the schools first NCAA playoff berth. He served as team captain as a junior and senior, and the Oranges record improved in each of his four years on the squad.       After his playing career ended, Desko joined Simmons staff and the program continued to blossom. The pair led the Orange to its first NCAA title in 1983, and by the time the decade was through Syracuse was synonymous with championship lacrosse.       In his 19 seasons as an assistant, the Orange compiled a record of 229-43 (.842), earned 18 NCAA Tournament invitations, reached the Final Four 16 consecutive times and won six national championships.        His assistant coaching duties included coordinating recruiting and serving as co-director of the popular Syracuse University Lacrosse Camp. He recruited some of the best lacrosse players to ever play the game, including two-time National Player of the Year and Outstanding Midfielder of the Year Gary Gait, two-time Outstanding Attackman of the Year Tim Nelson, four-time All-American Brad Kotz, three-time All-American Paul Gait, and the Powell brothers (Mike, Casey and Ryan)  the schools top three all-time leading scorers.   SYRACUSE THROUGH AND THROUGH Prior to attending Syracuse University, where he earned a bachelors degree in sociology, Desko was was a three-sport standout at nearby West Genesee High School in the mid-1970s, excelling in lacrosse, football and basketball.       During the course of his coaching career, Desko has been recognized by several local organizations for his lacrosse achievements. In the fall of 1997, Desko was inducted into the Upstate New York chapter of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame for his service to the game. Hes also received two more local sports honors. In 2008, he was inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Drumlins Country Club. Three years later, he was inducted into the Camillus/West Genesee Sports Hall of Fame.       Lacrosse is very much a family affair at Syracuse. Deskos two younger brothers, Dave and Jeff, were All-American lacrosse players for the Orange, and Johns son, Tim, completed his Syracuse lacrosse playing career in 2012. Currently, Deskos nephew, Jeff, is a member of the squad.       John and his wife, Cindy, reside in Syracuse. They have four children Tim, Ryan, Nicole and Casey.   John Desko Head Coach 4390 As the head mens lacrosse coach at Syracuse University, John Desko has blazed a trail of excellence that distinguishes him as one of the most respected coaches in the nation and the world. Throughout his tenure, hes maintained the winning tradition of Syracuse lacrosse. Since replacing Hall of Fame coach Roy Simmons Jr. in 1999, Desko has kept the Orange in the hunt for an NCAA title each year and he has brought home the national championship trophy five times (2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009) since the turn of the century.       In the process, Desko has established a successful leadership style recognized by many in the lacrosse world. His legacy of achievement led to his selection as the USILA Division I Coach of the Year in 2008, the BIG EAST Coach of the Year in 2011, the FieldTurf Division I Coach of the Year in 2013, and the ACC Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2016. In addition, Desko served as the head coach of the U.S. Senior National Team at the 2006 International Lacrosse Federation (ILF) World Championship. They are just some of the many honors bestowed upon Desko during his sparkling career.       Throughout his tenure, Desko has coached some of the greatest players ever to don a lacrosse jersey and hes left an indelible mark on the game. SETTING THE STANDARD Desko holds a 223-71 career record and owns the best winning percentage (.758) of any active NCAA Division I coach. Overall, he is seventh on the Division I list for career winning percentage.   Deskos record in the postseason is just as impressive. He is 33-12 in the NCAA Tournament and holds the highest tournament winning percentage (.733)  of any coach in the history of college lacrosse. Deskos postseason dominance has resulted in five NCAA titles, which ranks third all-time behind Bill Tierney (7) and Roy Simmons Jr. (6).       Deskos achievements are the product of recruiting and developing some of the best lacrosse players in the world. Since he was named head coach, Syracuse has had 63 players earn a total of 114 All-America nods, including four-time honorees Mike Powell, Mike Springer and Mike Leveille. Two of his charges Powell in 2002 and 2004, and Leveille in 2008 went on to win the Tewaaraton Award as the nations best player.       Deskos leadership and longevity have been crucial to establishing the Syracuse dynasty. The Orange advanced to the NCAA semifinals 22 straight years between 1983 and 2004. The streak was as much a reflection upon Desko as anyone, as he was the one person directly associated with the team for all 22 seasons. During the first 16 years of the Final Four streak, he served as an assistant coach (Desko spent 19 seasons as a Syracuse assistant overall) and then he led the team to the Final Four in each of his first six years, winning national championships in 2000, 2002 and 2004.       In Deskos 37 seasons on the Syracuse coaching staff, the team has reached the NCAA title game a stunning 17 times, or just about once every other year.       In addition to his national success, Desko guided the Orange to its first Atlantic Coast Conference title in 2015, just Syracuses second year in the country's most dominant lacrosse league. He repeated the charge in 2016, when the team won back-to-back games in Kennesaw, Georgia to earn its second-straight ACC Championship. Prior to joining the ACC in 2014, Desko and the Orange went 20-4 in four seasons as a member of the BIG EAST Conference, capturing three regular-season championships (2010, 2011, 2013) and two BIG EAST Tournament titles (2012, 2013).        Syracuse has had 24 players earn a total of 37 all-conference nods since 2010, including two-time All-ACC selections Kevin Rice and Brandon Mullins. In addition, five players have captured major individual conference awards in that span, including Rice who was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2015.  Desko led the Orange to a 32-4 overall record and back-to-back national championships in 2008 and 2009. The Orange finished with identical 16-2 records both years, tying the school season standard of 16 wins, and becoming the first team since Princeton in the 1990s to repeat as NCAA champions.       In 2008, Desko engineered one of the most impressive turnarounds the sport has ever seen. After going 5-8 and missing the postseason in 2007, he led the Orange to its record 10th NCAA crown. In addition, the Orange tied the NCAA record for the best one-year win-loss improvement (+8.5). Deskos squad was second in the nation in scoring offense (13.61) and posted a 7.62 goals-against average, the best mark for a Syracuse outfit in nearly four decades. During the regular season, the Orange reeled off 10 straight wins and went undefeated at the Carrier Dome (9-0). Syracuse rolled to four consecutive wins in the postseason, including a 13-10 victory against Johns Hopkins in the title game. During its postseason run, Syracuse defeated three top-five opponents and bested second-seeded Virginia, 12-11, in double overtime in one of the most memorable semifinal games in tournament history. In addition to his fourth championship, Desko capped the year by winning the F. Morris Touchstone Award as the USILA Division I Coach of the Year to join Roy Simmons Jr. as the only two Orange mentors to earn the honor.       As an encore, Desko presided over a 2009 Orange team that ended the year on a nine-game winning streak and led the nation in scoring margin (+5.56) after finishing second nationally in scoring offense (12.94) and fourth in scoring defense (7.39). The Orange posted a 6.46 goals-against average in its four NCAA Tournament wins, and the 2008 and 2009 seasons marked the first time since 1969 and 1970 that Syracuse finished with goals-against averages of less than 8.0 in consecutive years.       The Orange tied the school record with 10 home victories, and after cruising to wins in its first three NCAA Tournament contests, defeated Cornell, 10-9, in overtime in one of the most thrilling championship games in lacrosse history. Deskos coaching success has led him to additional opportunities outside Syracuse, including his appointment as U.S. National Team coach for the 2006 ILF World Championship, where he led the squad to the silver medal. In addition, Desko spent three days in June of 2009 at the U.S. National Team tryouts as part of a committee commissioned by U.S. Lacrosse to evaluate players for the 2010 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championship.     On the college level, Desko served as a coach for the North squad in the annual North-South Senior All-Star Game at the University of Delaware in 2000.        Desko is also a leader in the sports administration. He served on the NCAA Lacrosse Committee, a group that oversees and regulates rules, championships and other issues pertinent to the sport from 1999-2003. He has also worked as a member of the NCAA Division I Regional Advisory Committee, a group that assists in the evaluation of teams throughout the season. THE HEIR APPARENT When Roy Simmons Jr. retired in 1998, Desko was the perfect choice to continue the Oranges championship legacy. He spent 19 seasons as Simmons assistant and helped him turn Syracuse into the lacrosse dynasty it is today.        Prior to becoming Simmons top lieutenant in 1980, Desko played for him from 1976-79. When Desko arrived on campus, he helped Syracuse achieve its first winning season (7-4) since 1971. As a sophomore in 1977, Desko and the Orange went 8-6 and the team scored a then school-record 238 goals. Syracuses fastest midfielder his first two years, Desko switched to defense as a junior and the Orange continued its winning ways. SU went 10-3 in 1978, and with Desko leading the way, held opponents to 104 goals, the lowest total at Syracuse in eight years.       With just two seasons of experience on defense, Desko earned All-America honors in 1979 and helped the Orange to a 10-5 record and the schools first NCAA playoff berth. He served as team captain as a junior and senior, and the Oranges record improved in each of his four years on the squad.       After his playing career ended, Desko joined Simmons staff and the program continued to blossom. The pair led the Orange to its first NCAA title in 1983, and by the time the decade was through Syracuse was synonymous with championship lacrosse.       In his 19 seasons as an assistant, the Orange compiled a record of 229-43 (.842), earned 18 NCAA Tournament invitations, reached the Final Four 16 consecutive times and won six national championships.        His assistant coaching duties included coordinating recruiting and serving as co-director of the popular Syracuse University Lacrosse Camp. He recruited some of the best lacrosse players to ever play the game, including two-time National Player of the Year and Outstanding Midfielder of the Year Gary Gait, two-time Outstanding Attackman of the Year Tim Nelson, four-time All-American Brad Kotz, three-time All-American Paul Gait, and the Powell brothers (Mike, Casey and Ryan)  the schools top three all-time leading scorers.   SYRACUSE THROUGH AND THROUGH Prior to attending Syracuse University, where he earned a bachelors degree in sociology, Desko was was a three-sport standout at nearby West Genesee High School in the mid-1970s, excelling in lacrosse, football and basketball.       During the course of his coaching career, Desko has been recognized by several local organizations for his lacrosse achievements. In the fall of 1997, Desko was inducted into the Upstate New York chapter of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame for his service to the game. Hes also received two more local sports honors. In 2008, he was inducted into the Greater Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Drumlins Country Club. Three years later, he was inducted into the Camillus/West Genesee Sports Hall of Fame.       Lacrosse is very much a family affair at Syracuse. Deskos two younger brothers, Dave and Jeff, were All-American lacrosse players for the Orange, and Johns son, Tim, completed his Syracuse lacrosse playing career in 2012. Currently, Deskos nephew, Jeff, is a member of the squad.       John and his wife, Cindy, reside in Syracuse. They have four children Tim, Ryan, Nicole and Casey.  

Rogers was named an assistant coach and the Oranges defensive coordinator following the 2007 season. Since his appointment, he has transformed Syracuse into one of the top defensive teams in the nation.       In addition to his work with the defense, Rogers is also the Oranges recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, Syracuses recruiting classes have consistently been ranked among the nations best. In 2014, the Orange welcomed the No. 2 overall class to campus. It featured seven Inside Lacrosse Power 100 players, including No. 1 overall prospect Jordan Evans.       Rogers has presided over the most successful defensive era in program history during the last seven years. In that time, Syracuse has won two national championships (2008 and 2009) and his units have ranked in the top five nationally in scoring defense three times (2009-11). In 2010, SU allowed 7.4 goals per game, marking the first time since the NCAA began tracking the national leaders in 1996 that Syracuse led the country in scoring defense. The Orange bettered that mark in 2011, giving up 6.9 goals per contest, which was third-best nationally.       Under Rogers, Syracuse has also consistently ranked among the national leaders in caused turnovers since they became an official NCAA statistic in 2010. The Orange was second (10.67 per game) in that category in 2010, fifth (9.82 per game) in 2011 and eighth (8.59 per game) in 2012.       His units overall success has led to individual recognition for a host of Orange defenders. Rogers has coached 11 defensive All-Americans at Syracuse, including two-time USILA First Team selections Joel White, John Lade and John Galloway and three-time All-American selection Brandon Mullins. All three of those players were voted the best at their positions in either 2010 or 2011. In 2010, White became the first long stick to the win the Lt. Donald C. MacLaughlin Jr. Award as the nations top midfielder. He was also a Tewaaraton Award finalist as national player of the year as a junior and senior.       Galloway became the first player in SU history to win the USILAs Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award as the countrys top goaltender in 2010. He repeated as the Kelly Award winner the following year and joined White as a Tewaaraton finalist.       Lade took home the 2011 William C. Schmeisser Award as the nations most outstanding defenseman, the fourth player in school history to be so honored.       Other defensemen to receive All-America accolades during Rogers tenure are: Brandon Mullins (2014, 2015, 2016), Sean Young (2015), Peter Macartney (2015), Matt Harris (2014), Brian Megill (2012, 2013), Matt Tierney (2010), Sid Smith (2008, 2009) and Kyle Guadagnolo (2008).       A 1987 graduate of Syracuse, Rogers returned to his alma mater in 2005, following a five-year stint as head mens lacrosse coach at Cortland, to serve as the director of lacrosse operations. He was also the head coach of Major League Lacrosses (MLL) Chicago Machine during the summer of 2007.       Rogers compiled a record of 76-17 (.817) during his five seasons at Cortland. He guided the Red Dragons to five NCAA Division III Tournament berths and four SUNYAC titles. In 2003, Rogers was named SUNYAC Coach of the Year after Cortland finished 17-3 and just missed advancing to the national championship game, losing in double overtime to three-time defending champion Middlebury in the semifinals.       Rogers also previously coached at Ohio Wesleyan from 1991-99, where he led the lacrosse team to seven NCAA Division III playoff appearances and a 109-33 record. He guided the Battling Bishops to the NCAA Division III championship game in 1993 and five additional national semifinal appearances. His teams won six North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) titles and he was named NCAC Coach of the Year four times.        Among the standouts Rogers mentored at the Division III level were Cortlands Justin Mendelson, the 2002 USILA Defenseman of the Year, and 1998 USILA Player of the Year Darren McGurn of Ohio Wesleyan.       In addition to his lacrosse duties, Rogers was an assistant facility director and physical education teacher at Ohio Wesleyan. He served as an assistant football coach from 1990-94, and he was the owner and director of the Ohio Wesleyan Midwest All-Star Lacrosse Camp for nine years and the Ohio Wesleyan Best of the West 150 Lacrosse Camp for four years.       A native of Fulton, N.Y., Rogers earned a bachelors degree in speech communication in 1987 and a masters degree in higher education administration/athletic administration from Syracuse in 1990. He was a member of SUs NCAA semifinal team in 1987 and worked as a graduate assistant for SUs national championship squads from 1988-90.       A captain for the SU wrestling team, Rogers was an NCAA qualifier and New York State Collegiate champion. He was also a two-time Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) finalist.       Before enrolling at Syracuse, Rogers attended St. Lawrence University where he played lacrosse, football and served as captain of the wrestling team. He was the Division III national wrestling champion at 190 pounds in 1985 and the national runner-up at 177 pounds in 1983.       Rogers resides in Syracuse. He has a daughter, Paige, and son, Casey. Paige is a member of the Orange womens lacrosse team. Lelan Rogers Assistant Coach 4708 A veteran head coach at the Division III and professional levels, Lelan Rogers was named an assistant coach and the Oranges defensive coordinator following the 2007 season. Since his appointment, he has transformed Syracuse into one of the top defensive teams in the nation.       In addition to his work with the defense, Rogers is also the Oranges recruiting coordinator. During his tenure, Syracuses recruiting classes have consistently been ranked among the nations best. In 2014, the Orange welcomed the No. 2 overall class to campus. It featured seven Inside Lacrosse Power 100 players, including No. 1 overall prospect Jordan Evans.       Rogers has presided over the most successful defensive era in program history during the last seven years. In that time, Syracuse has won two national championships (2008 and 2009) and his units have ranked in the top five nationally in scoring defense three times (2009-11). In 2010, SU allowed 7.4 goals per game, marking the first time since the NCAA began tracking the national leaders in 1996 that Syracuse led the country in scoring defense. The Orange bettered that mark in 2011, giving up 6.9 goals per contest, which was third-best nationally.       Under Rogers, Syracuse has also consistently ranked among the national leaders in caused turnovers since they became an official NCAA statistic in 2010. The Orange was second (10.67 per game) in that category in 2010, fifth (9.82 per game) in 2011 and eighth (8.59 per game) in 2012.       His units overall success has led to individual recognition for a host of Orange defenders. Rogers has coached 11 defensive All-Americans at Syracuse, including two-time USILA First Team selections Joel White, John Lade and John Galloway and three-time All-American selection Brandon Mullins. All three of those players were voted the best at their positions in either 2010 or 2011. In 2010, White became the first long stick to the win the Lt. Donald C. MacLaughlin Jr. Award as the nations top midfielder. He was also a Tewaaraton Award finalist as national player of the year as a junior and senior.       Galloway became the first player in SU history to win the USILAs Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award as the countrys top goaltender in 2010. He repeated as the Kelly Award winner the following year and joined White as a Tewaaraton finalist.       Lade took home the 2011 William C. Schmeisser Award as the nations most outstanding defenseman, the fourth player in school history to be so honored.       Other defensemen to receive All-America accolades during Rogers tenure are: Brandon Mullins (2014, 2015, 2016), Sean Young (2015), Peter Macartney (2015), Matt Harris (2014), Brian Megill (2012, 2013), Matt Tierney (2010), Sid Smith (2008, 2009) and Kyle Guadagnolo (2008).       A 1987 graduate of Syracuse, Rogers returned to his alma mater in 2005, following a five-year stint as head mens lacrosse coach at Cortland, to serve as the director of lacrosse operations. He was also the head coach of Major League Lacrosses (MLL) Chicago Machine during the summer of 2007.       Rogers compiled a record of 76-17 (.817) during his five seasons at Cortland. He guided the Red Dragons to five NCAA Division III Tournament berths and four SUNYAC titles. In 2003, Rogers was named SUNYAC Coach of the Year after Cortland finished 17-3 and just missed advancing to the national championship game, losing in double overtime to three-time defending champion Middlebury in the semifinals.       Rogers also previously coached at Ohio Wesleyan from 1991-99, where he led the lacrosse team to seven NCAA Division III playoff appearances and a 109-33 record. He guided the Battling Bishops to the NCAA Division III championship game in 1993 and five additional national semifinal appearances. His teams won six North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) titles and he was named NCAC Coach of the Year four times.        Among the standouts Rogers mentored at the Division III level were Cortlands Justin Mendelson, the 2002 USILA Defenseman of the Year, and 1998 USILA Player of the Year Darren McGurn of Ohio Wesleyan.       In addition to his lacrosse duties, Rogers was an assistant facility director and physical education teacher at Ohio Wesleyan. He served as an assistant football coach from 1990-94, and he was the owner and director of the Ohio Wesleyan Midwest All-Star Lacrosse Camp for nine years and the Ohio Wesleyan Best of the West 150 Lacrosse Camp for four years.       A native of Fulton, N.Y., Rogers earned a bachelors degree in speech communication in 1987 and a masters degree in higher education administration/athletic administration from Syracuse in 1990. He was a member of SUs NCAA semifinal team in 1987 and worked as a graduate assistant for SUs national championship squads from 1988-90.       A captain for the SU wrestling team, Rogers was an NCAA qualifier and New York State Collegiate champion. He was also a two-time Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association (EIWA) finalist.       Before enrolling at Syracuse, Rogers attended St. Lawrence University where he played lacrosse, football and served as captain of the wrestling team. He was the Division III national wrestling champion at 190 pounds in 1985 and the national runner-up at 177 pounds in 1983.       Rogers resides in Syracuse. He has a daughter, Paige, and son, Casey. Paige is a member of the Orange womens lacrosse team.

Simmons III is in his 27th season as a member of the Syracuse coaching staff. During his career, Simmons has handled various coaching responsibilities and now serves as the teams director of operations.       Simmons manages administrative duties involving compliance, player development, scheduling and academics. Prior to his current position, he was the teams offensive coordinator in 2008 and 2009, engineering a high-powered attack that helped the squad win consecutive NCAA titles.       Simmons assumed the role of offensive coordinator after 2007 and crafted the nations second-highest scoring offense (13.6 goals per game) in 2008. As an encore, the 2009 Orange ranked second nationally again in scoring offense (12.94 goals per game) and second in points per game (20.39). Syracuse brought home the NCAA championship trophy both years. For Simmons, they were his seventh and eighth championships as a member of the Orange coaching staff.       The Orange scored at least 10 goals in 16 of its 18 games in 2008, including two 20-goal performances. The squad put up 245 goals and boasted seven 20-goal scorers, the most for an SU squad since 1985. In 2009, the teams offensive surge continued as SU tallied 233 goals, including 16 more 10-goal games and a 22-goal showing in its season-opening win against Providence.        In addition to the teams success, Simmons instruction helped produce some of the finest individual performances in program history. In 2008, he mentored Mike Leveille, who scored 83 points, including 49 goals, on his way to earning first-team All-America honors and the Tewaaraton Award as national player of the year. Simmons also helped develop first-team All-American and 2008 USILA Midfielder of the Year Steven Brooks, and his offensive schemes paved the way for attackman Kenny Nims and midfielders Dan Hardy and Matt Abbott to earn 2008 All-America recognition.       The following season, Nims, Abbott and Hardy repeated as All-Americans with Nims and Abbott receiving first-team honors. Nims finished the year second nationally in points per game (4.11) and fourth in assists per contest (2.33).        Another player that benefitted from Simmons guidance in 2009 was Stephen Keogh. Keogh had a breakout year, scoring 49 goals on his way to an honorable mention All-America nod.       Prior to working with the Orange offense, Simmons was the architect of the teams formidable defense for nine years. He was instrumental in devising defensive schemes that shut down the opposing teams offensive attack and forced them into making mistakes. As defensive coordinator, he created the backbone of three national championship teams (2000, 2002, 2004) and aided in the development of some of the nations top defenders,including 2000 Schmeisser Award winner Marshall Abrams and 2002 Schmeisser Award recipient John Glatzel. Simmons coached 10 defensive All-Americans from 1999-07, including Abrams, Glatzel, Josh Ruhle, Joe Ceglia, Rob Mulligan, Billy St. George, Solomon Bliss, Scott Ditzell, Jay Pfeifer and Steve Panarelli.        In 2001, Syracuse finished eighth in the nation in scoring defense, giving up 8.0 goals per game. At the time, it was the lowest goals-against average for an Orange defense since 1988.       SU lacrosse is in Simmies blood. He returned to the program for his third stint as an assistant coach when John Desko took the head coaching reins in 1999. Previously, Simmons coached under his father, Roy Simmons Jr., from 1982-86 and 1989-92.       Simmons rejoined the Syracuse staff after working in the Baldwinsville Central School District, where he served as a high school coach and secondary school guidance counselor for three years. Simmons also worked in the Jamesville-DeWitt School District as a coach and counselor.       Prior to his work at the high school level, Simmons was the head lacrosse coach and a residence hall director at Keuka College from 1986-88 and helped found the schools lacrosse program.        A 1985 Syracuse University graduate with a bachelors degree in physical education, Simmons received his masters degree in counselor education from SU in 1992. As a player, he lettered in lacrosse under his father from 1978-81 and played in two NCAA Tournaments.        Simmons came to SU from Fayetteville-Manlius High School where he was an all-county attackman and served as lacrosse team captain as a junior and senior.        He and his wife, Eileen, live in Fayetteville. They have two sons, Roy IV and Ryan. Ryan Simmons continued the family legacy in 2014 by joining the Orange as a midfielder. Roy Simmons IV attended Hartwick where he played lacrosse. Roy Simmons III Director of Operations 4620 Roy Simmons III is in his 27th season as a member of the Syracuse coaching staff. During his career, Simmons has handled various coaching responsibilities and now serves as the teams director of operations.       Simmons manages administrative duties involving compliance, player development, scheduling and academics. Prior to his current position, he was the teams offensive coordinator in 2008 and 2009, engineering a high-powered attack that helped the squad win consecutive NCAA titles.       Simmons assumed the role of offensive coordinator after 2007 and crafted the nations second-highest scoring offense (13.6 goals per game) in 2008. As an encore, the 2009 Orange ranked second nationally again in scoring offense (12.94 goals per game) and second in points per game (20.39). Syracuse brought home the NCAA championship trophy both years. For Simmons, they were his seventh and eighth championships as a member of the Orange coaching staff.       The Orange scored at least 10 goals in 16 of its 18 games in 2008, including two 20-goal performances. The squad put up 245 goals and boasted seven 20-goal scorers, the most for an SU squad since 1985. In 2009, the teams offensive surge continued as SU tallied 233 goals, including 16 more 10-goal games and a 22-goal showing in its season-opening win against Providence.        In addition to the teams success, Simmons instruction helped produce some of the finest individual performances in program history. In 2008, he mentored Mike Leveille, who scored 83 points, including 49 goals, on his way to earning first-team All-America honors and the Tewaaraton Award as national player of the year. Simmons also helped develop first-team All-American and 2008 USILA Midfielder of the Year Steven Brooks, and his offensive schemes paved the way for attackman Kenny Nims and midfielders Dan Hardy and Matt Abbott to earn 2008 All-America recognition.       The following season, Nims, Abbott and Hardy repeated as All-Americans with Nims and Abbott receiving first-team honors. Nims finished the year second nationally in points per game (4.11) and fourth in assists per contest (2.33).        Another player that benefitted from Simmons guidance in 2009 was Stephen Keogh. Keogh had a breakout year, scoring 49 goals on his way to an honorable mention All-America nod.       Prior to working with the Orange offense, Simmons was the architect of the teams formidable defense for nine years. He was instrumental in devising defensive schemes that shut down the opposing teams offensive attack and forced them into making mistakes. As defensive coordinator, he created the backbone of three national championship teams (2000, 2002, 2004) and aided in the development of some of the nations top defenders,including 2000 Schmeisser Award winner Marshall Abrams and 2002 Schmeisser Award recipient John Glatzel. Simmons coached 10 defensive All-Americans from 1999-07, including Abrams, Glatzel, Josh Ruhle, Joe Ceglia, Rob Mulligan, Billy St. George, Solomon Bliss, Scott Ditzell, Jay Pfeifer and Steve Panarelli.        In 2001, Syracuse finished eighth in the nation in scoring defense, giving up 8.0 goals per game. At the time, it was the lowest goals-against average for an Orange defense since 1988.       SU lacrosse is in Simmies blood. He returned to the program for his third stint as an assistant coach when John Desko took the head coaching reins in 1999. Previously, Simmons coached under his father, Roy Simmons Jr., from 1982-86 and 1989-92.       Simmons rejoined the Syracuse staff after working in the Baldwinsville Central School District, where he served as a high school coach and secondary school guidance counselor for three years. Simmons also worked in the Jamesville-DeWitt School District as a coach and counselor.       Prior to his work at the high school level, Simmons was the head lacrosse coach and a residence hall director at Keuka College from 1986-88 and helped found the schools lacrosse program.        A 1985 Syracuse University graduate with a bachelors degree in physical education, Simmons received his masters degree in counselor education from SU in 1992. As a player, he lettered in lacrosse under his father from 1978-81 and played in two NCAA Tournaments.        Simmons came to SU from Fayetteville-Manlius High School where he was an all-county attackman and served as lacrosse team captain as a junior and senior.        He and his wife, Eileen, live in Fayetteville. They have two sons, Roy IV and Ryan. Ryan Simmons continued the family legacy in 2014 by joining the Orange as a midfielder. Roy Simmons IV attended Hartwick where he played lacrosse.