In a statement released Tuesday, Virginia Athletics announced Kevin Cassese, an associate head coach for the 2024 through 2026 seasons, will become the next head coach for Virginia men’s lacrosse.
As offensive coordinator, Cassese assisted the Cavaliers as they reached Championship Weekend in 2024 and secured their 20th ACC Championship this spring, leading the ACC in points per game with 23.65. Cassese also helped develop Virginia stars Connor Shellenberger and Payton Cormier.
“I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to President Scott Beardsley and Director of Athletics Carla Williams for their trust in me,” Cassese said in the statement. “This is a dream come true.”
This marks the third head coaching role for Cassese. Before coming to Virginia, Cassese was the former head coach at Lehigh from 2008 to 2023. At Lehigh, Cassese achieved a 136-104 record, becoming the winningest coach in program history and leading the program to Patriot League titles in the regular season and tournament in 2012, 2013 and 2021.
Prior to that, Cassesse was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Duke, from 2005 to 2007, assuming the role of interim head coach for part of the summer of 2006. In 2005, he was an assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Stony Brook, where his offense led the NCAA with a 45.7 efficiency rate.
“Kevin Cassese is the ideal leader, person and coach to usher in the next era of Virginia men’s lacrosse,” Director of Athletics Carla Williams said in the statement. “He embodies the integrity and competitive excellence that have defined this championship program for many decades.”
Cassese had an accomplished playing career as a midfielder at Duke from 2000 to 2003, where he was named team captain twice and a Tewaaraton Award finalist in 2002 and 2003, as well as ACC Player of the Year in 2001. Following his collegiate career, Cassese was drafted by the Rochester Rattlers of the Major League Lacrosse in 2003, where he played for seven seasons and was named MVP in 2006. On the world stage he has represented the United States at the World Championships four times, winning gold in 2002 and 2010 and serving as an assistant coach in 2014. He was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2018.
After going 6-8 in 2025 and improving to 10-7 in 2026 — falling in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Georgetown to end the season — Cassese is expected to succeed two-time national champion and former head coach Lars Tiffany as well as return Virginia to dominance on the national stage. Cassese’s hire follows a May 18 announcement from Virginia Athletics that stated the program would begin a nationwide search for a new leader.
With the third-ranked incoming recruiting class in the nation and several significant players expected to return for the 2027 season, Cassese is tasked with maintaining a high bar for the program. No players from Virginia have entered the transfer portal yet.
“[Virginia] Men’s Lacrosse is a brotherhood built on a rich history, unbreakable bonds and a passionate and persistent commitment to a championship standard,” Cassese said. “I am humbled to lead this storied program and look forward to adding new chapters to its incredible legacy at Klöckner Stadium.”
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