Mansour Returns as Niagara University Lacrosse Coach

[Sonny]

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Niagara University Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin announced Tuesday that former Purple Eagle lacrosse coach Mike Mansour will again be at the helm of the program.

"I am thrilled to bring Mike back to lead the lacrosse program," McLaughlin said. "He worked hard to build this program in his previous tenure and I know he will work equally as hard to coach and teach our student-athletes this time. I know that our lacrosse program and our student-athletes are in good hands under Mike’s leadership."

Mansour, who has been on the Niagara sidelines since the inception of the program 12 years ago, returns to Monteagle Ridge as the head coach after spending the last six seasons as an assistant coach.

"I am very excited to have the opportunity to be head coach of the Niagara lacrosse team once more. For me, this is a chance to help redefine lacrosse at Niagara and at the same time guide this program to be more competitive in the MAAC again," Mansour said. "I have invested a great deal of time and energy in Niagara lacrosse and intend on putting my full effort into this year. I look forward to any challenges that may arise, as well as a having a productive and successful year."

As head coach of the Purple Eagles from 1996 to 2001, Mansour guided the Purple Eagles to a second-place finish in the first ever Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament in 1999 and to a six-year record of 28-53.

Mansour recruited and mentored Mary Cutia and Sandra Gallegos, the program’s all-time goals, assists and points leaders. He also had a hand in helping Kara Grooms become the MAAC’s four-time Goaltender of the Year from 1998 to 2001, and Megan McNerney being honored as the 2000 MAAC Rookie of the Year.

A 1992 graduate of Fredonia State College, Mansour earned his bachelor’s degree in education, while competing for four year’s on the men’s club lacrosse team. From 1993-96, Mansour competed on Niagara’s men’s club lacrosse team, while earning his master’s degree in foundations of education. He completed a second master’s degree in studying school counseling at Niagara in 2005.