New London, Conn. -- Dave Cornell has been named the head coach of the Connecticut College men's lacrosse program. Fran Shields, the Katherine Wenk Christoffers '45 Director of Athletics/Chair of Physical Education and Vice President of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) made the announcement Wednesday afternoon. Cornell arrives in New London after spending the previous two years as the lead defensive assistant coach at the University of Notre Dame.
Under the direction of Fighting Irish head coach Kevin Corrigan, Cornell assisted in all phases of a nationally ranked program that qualified for the 2006 NCAA Championship. While Cornell's most recent experience is at the Division 1 level, he carries deep ties to Division III intercollegiate lacrosse. Cornell was a two-time All-America selection at Gettysburg College, contributing to three Centennial Conference Championship teams with the Bullets. Gettysburg reached its pinnacle in 1995 with an appearance at the NCAA Final Four.
After graduating, Cornell returned to his alma mater, serving as offensive coordinator for three-seasons and defensive coordinator for one year. The Bullets made four consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the national championship game in 2001. In 2001, Cornell was named head coach of Muhlenburg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Cornell developed and resurrected program that was reinstated after a 21-year hiatus, setting a program record for victories in 2003 and 2004.
"We are excited to add a professional like Dave Cornell to our talented group of coaches," Shields stated. "He brings a wealth of college coaching experience to our program and has competed at the highest level of lacrosse as a player and a coach. Most importantly, Dave is committed to the student-athletes and their development in a challenging liberal arts environment."
Cornell earned his Bachelor of Arts in business management and entrepreneurship at Gettysburg. He holds a Master's Degree of Science from McDaniel College in Health and Exercise Science and Athletic Administration.
"My wife Amy and I are thrilled for this opportunity," Cornell asserted. "I can't express how excited and honored I feel to be a part of the Connecticut College community. Connecticut College is a wonderful school with a tremendous learning environment. Most importantly, we share the same belief that developing young people is our most important role. I am very grateful to both Coach Shields and Dean Hoffmann for this opportunity."
Cornell replaces another former Notre Dame assistant coach Dave Campbell, who led the Camels to post-season appearances in two of the past three seasons.
"Coach Shields and Coach Campbell have done a tremendous job in building this program to where it is today and it's my job to take it to the next level," Cornell asserted. "I believe we have a returning core group of young men who want to be great and a talented recruiting class coming in this fall. We need to continue that momentum. If we do, I see no reason why we can't compete for a NESCAC and NCAA title in the next few years. I am thrilled to be a head coach again and I'm anxious to get started."
Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:23 pm