UMass Dartmouth has appointed Dan Sharbaugh as the Head Men's Lacrosse Coach, marking a significant step in the program's return to varsity status after its reinstatement this spring. Sharbaugh, who starts on July 1, is tasked with building a competitive team for the Little East Conference for the 2026-27 academic year. He previously led the Illinois Institute of Technology鈥檚 lacrosse program, achieving a 43-50 record and earning NACC Coach of the Year honors in 2023.

By the Numbers
  • Sharbaugh led Illinois Institute of Technology to a 10-6 record in his third season.
  • In six years, he saw 36 players recognized as All-Conference selections.
Yes, But

Despite a strong track record, questions remain regarding how quickly Sharbaugh can build a competitive squad at UMass Dartmouth, given the challenges of a newly reinstated program and the level of competition in the Little East Conference.

State of Play
  • The men's lacrosse program at UMass Dartmouth was officially reinstated as a varsity program this spring.
  • Sharbaugh is expected to recruit both regionally and nationally to enhance team talent.
What's Next

As Sharbaugh begins his tenure, recruitment efforts will be crucial in shaping the roster ahead of the team's debut in the Little East Conference. Additionally, establishing a competitive culture will be a top priority for his coaching strategy.

Bottom Line

Dan Sharbaugh鈥檚 leadership comes with a proven coaching record, but his success at UMass Dartmouth will hinge on effective recruitment and swift team development to ensure a strong competitive presence in the Little East Conference.