PROVO, UT. - After serving as an assistant for 8 years, Matt Schneck has been officially named the head lacrosse coach at Brigham Young University, as announced today by Director of Extramural Sports, Lee Gibbons.

Schneck, who began coaching at BYU in 2001, has been tapped as the replacement for long time BYU Coach Jason Lamb. While at BYU, Schneck helped lead the Cougars to an impressive 139-47 record through his 8 years as an assistant. Most recently, Schneck has filled the role of Defensive Coordinator, helping to lead one of the most effective defenses in the league the past 3 seasons, including the 2007 National Championship team.

A graduate of Brigham Young University, Schneck, a native from Connecticut, was a defensive starter on the 1997 BYU Lacrosse National Championship team. Schneck was also a member of the BYU Football Team and recipient of 3 Conference Scholar-Athlete Awards, 3 Conference Championships and annual post-season bowl appearances under the leadership of legendary coach Lavell Edwards. Schneck later attended George Washington University to complete his graduate work and currently owns and operates a successful web application and marketing company that was recently featured as one of American's fastest growing companies in INC Magazine.

"It's not often that someone gets to learn from and be mentored by one of the best strategic coaches in the country, said Schneck. I am extremely fortunate to have seen Coach Lamb in action, to have helped him prepare the team for 8 consecutive National Tournament appearances and to win a National Championship both as a player and a coach. I look forward to applying those lessons and experiences as BYU Lacrosse enters a new era. Jason's dedication to the sport, this program and the players will be greatly missed."

Players reactions to the announcement have been very positive.

From Elliott Grow, Senior Captain and two-time All-American Midfielder

"Obviously we are going to miss Coach Lamb. What he did for the program cannot be overstated" said Senior Captain Elliot Grow. "But going forward, the choice was clear very early on that Coach Schneck was the right person to not only maintain the proud tradition of BYU Lacrosse, but to help us advance the program. Coach Schneck not only has the ability to connect with the players better than anyone I know, but he also has the drive to win the National Championship every year."

From Britt Cone, Senior Captain and two-time All-American Defense

"I was sad to see Coach Lamb go. It was fun to play under the same Coach as my older brothers, and I'm glad we all were able to work with Coach Lamb." said Senior Captain Britt Cone. "With Coach Schneck stepping in I am very excited to see what adjustments he can make with the program to bring some positive change to the program. He has the ability to make some changes that will increase our chances of becoming National Champions this year, and that is what everyone is focused on."

In addition to Schneck, BYU Lacrosse has also named two assistant coaches to work under Schneck. Jordan Harris (Defense) and Josh Austin (Offense) have been named as 1st and 2nd Assistants respectively. Domineau Wiley will return as Team Manager and a graduate assistant/volunteer coach as well as a BYU Lacrosse Committee consisting of 6 specialists focusing on media, recruiting, fund-raising, alumni, academics and service will be named before the commencement of Fall Practice.

"I am excited to work with both Coach Harris and Coach Austin," said Schneck. I have seen their success both on and off the field, they could literally be head coaches at numerous programs around the country and it is that experience and example that I want to bring to this team. Because Coach Jason Lamb's experience cannot be replaced with one person, we will need to do it as a team. Much of the success that I have experienced in my life has come from indentifying and building successful teams and that is what we have done with this coaching staff. Working together, great things are possible for this team both on and off the field."

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2009-06-25