WEST POINT, N.Y. -- Two weeks after helping Duke to its first-ever NCAA Championship game appearance, former Blue Devil associate head coach Joe Alberici has been named to succeed Jack Emmer as the Black Knights' head lacrosse coach, Army director of athletics Kevin Anderson announced today.
A former assistant to Emmer, who retired this May as college lacrosse's all-time coaching victories leader, Alberici spent two seasons on the staff at West Point (1995-96) before moving on to Durham, where he enjoyed a nine-year stint under Blue Devils head coach Mike Pressler. Alberici becomes the 10th head coach in Army lacrosse history.
Alberici's arrival at Duke coincided with the Blue Devils' rise to national prominence, which culminated in their magical run to this year's Division I title contest, a game in which they fell 9-8 to top-ranked Johns Hopkins. Ranked second in the nation behind the Blue Jays for much of the spring, Duke forged a remarkable 17-3 ledger and established an NCAA record for victories in a single season. Two of Duke's losses were one-goal defeats at the hands of Johns Hopkins, including a 11-10 double-overtime loss at JHU's Homewood Field in early April.
"In my mind, Joe Alberici is one of the finest young assistant coaches in the game. He was clearly an integral component of Duke's success over much of the past decade," Anderson said. "Following every discussion I've had with Joe throughout this process, I've come away impressed with his intense commitment to, dedication toward and passion for the game of lacrosse.
"But more importantly, Joe has demonstrated an unyielding commitment to the student-athlete, a trait that meshes well with the mission of the Academy," Anderson added. "He has proven himself to be a tireless recruiter who is proficient at finding young men who have succeeded both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field. Joe has also developed strong bonds with his players and has strived to develop them both personally and athletically."
"We had a tall order as we tried to find a replacement for Jack Emmer, who created a lasting legacy for our lacrosse program during his 22 years at the Academy," said Superintendent Lt. General William J. Lennox Jr. "But I am confident that Joe Alberici is up to the task. He has a bright future in coaching and his credentials speak for themselves. His familiarity with the Academy will certainly aid in his transition, and I look forward to watching him lead our lacrosse program to many, many future successes."
Alberici's most recent duties at Duke included recruiting coordinator, assisting with the daily administration of the program, serving as the Blue Devils' defensive coordinator and coaching the team's goalkeepers. After serving as offensive coordinator and working with Duke's man-up offense during his first eight years, he assumed the roles of defensive coordinator and coach of the man-down defense this past season. He was promoted to associate head coach in 1999.
During Alberici's nine years at Duke, the Blue Devils forged a sparkling 96-47 (.671) record; made seven appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a run of six straight postseason trips between 1997 and 2002; and captured a pair of Atlantic Coast Conference titles (2001 and 2002). The Blue Devils reached the Final Four for the first time in 1997, Alberici's initial year in Durham, before embarking on their remarkable postseason run this May.
Under Alberici's watchful eye this spring, Duke ranked second in the nation in scoring defense, surrendering just 6.91 goals per game. Additionally, Blue Devil senior goalie Aaron Fenton was second in the country in both goals against average (6.75) and save percentage (.629).
"It is truly an honor and a humbling experience to become the next head coach at West Point," Alberici said. "It has always been a career goal of mine to coach at an outstanding Division I institution, and I cannot think of a more exceptional place in the country than the U.S. Military Academy. Considering the history and tradition behind the program, I consider it a challenge to help Army lacrosse reach new levels."
Alberici spent the 1995 and 1996 seasons at West Point, and helped the Black Knights to a 10-5 showing and an NCAA appearance in 1996. Army won its final five games that season, including victories over Hofstra, Navy and Rutgers, to earn the Academy's 13th postseason berth.
A 1991 graduate of Alfred University, Alberici was a two-time lacrosse All-American (1990, 1991) and also garnered Academic All-America accolades as a senior. A four-year starter at attack, the Auburn, N.Y., native set six school scoring records and led the Saxons to winning seasons in 1989, 1990 and 1991. A three-time team captain as well, Alberici led the nation (all divisions) in assists as a junior, garnering 78 helpers in 17 contests.
Following graduation, Alberici remained at his alma mater for two years in the role of graduate assistant coach, earning his master's degree in education in 1993. He accepted his first head coaching assignment soon thereafter when he was named to the top post at SUNY Oneonta.
In 1994, the Dragons forged an 8-6 record and established a single-season school record for victories, earning Alberici Empire Lacrosse League "Coach of the Year" laurels. It was on the heels of that spectacular season that Alberici made the move to West Point.
In his new role as Army's head coach, Alberici will be assuming control of a program that remains intertwined throughout the history of collegiate lacrosse. In 86 seasons, the Black Knights have amassed 676 victories, trailing only Johns Hopkins and Syracuse in all-time wins at the Division I level.
Army has produced eight national champions while 11 men associated with the program (eight players and three coaches) have been enshrined in the National Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame.
Alberici and his wife, Petra, will reside at West Point with their son, Maximus, born Oct. 13, 2003.
Posted: Wed Jun 15, 2005 8:03 am