Coons named head men's lacrosse coach

MARS HILL, N.C. – Josh Coons has been named the new head men's lacrosse coach, announced by Director of Athletics Rick Baker.

Coons joins Mars Hill after spending the past two seasons as the assistant coach at Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. He served as offensive coordinator as well as recruiting coordinator, and also oversaw fundraising and alumni community relations, monitored academics of student-athletes, and managed logistics of team travel.

Prior to joining Maryville, Coons was the graduate assistant coach with the University of Indianapolis where he helped lead the team to an appearance in the national semifinal game in 2019.

"We are extremely excited that Coach Coons is taking the helm of our men's lacrosse program," said Baker. "Coach Coons had a very successful playing career at a high level of lacrosse. He has also worked under two very successful coaches at the University of Indianapolis and Maryville University. The experience he has gained both as a player and working with two winning programs will pay dividends as he becomes the leader for our men's lacrosse squad. He is a great addition to the Mars Hill Family."

Coons played at Division II powerhouse Lindenwood University from 2013-17, where he was named ECAC Rookie of the Week two separate times, an All-Conference Honorable Mention, an ECAC All-Tournament team selection, and was voted team captain by his peers. He was the first Lion to record 100 career points in program history and currently sits second in Lindenwood history with 133 points (87g, 46a).

He graduated from Lindenwood in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. He was named to the Dean's List from 2014-2016. He went on to obtain a masters of business administration from the University of Indianapolis in 2020.

"I'm humbled and excited about taking on the position of head coach at Mars Hill," Coons stated. "The opportunity to be a part of a storied program in one of the best conferences in the country is a dream opportunity for me. I have a lot of respect for Coach Turner and where he has brought the program in the last few seasons, and I'm looking forward to applying my experiences as well as working with Coach Stechmiller in continuing to build the program. I want to thank Rick Baker and everyone involved in my interview process, and look forward to getting to work."