PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After a thorough nationwide search, La Roche University Director of Athletics, Jim Tinkey, announced the hiring of Jimmy McCann as the new Head Men's Lacrosse Coach.
McCann is no stranger to La Roche, as the Redhawks were a previous stop during his decade of coaching.
"We are thrilled to welcome Jimmy McCann to the LaRoche University athletics family as our new head men's lacrosse coach." said Tinkey "His proven leadership, competitive drive, and commitment to student-athlete development make him an ideal fit for our program. We're excited for the future of Redhawks lacrosse under his guidance."
McCann comes back to La Roche after spending three seasons as an assistant at Washington & Jefferson College. There, McCann was in charge of the defense and goalies.
Under his tutelage, McCann coached nine all-conference players and the program's first Academic All-American.
The Presidents also jumped from 191st to 39th in team defense, 241st to 22nd in saves per game and the sixth highest save percentage in all of NCAA DIII.
"I'm honored and excited to return to La Roche as the head coach of the Men's Lacrosse program," said McCann. "I would like to thank the entire athletic department and administration for their passion and support during a thorough hiring process."
Prior to Washington & Jefferson, McCann got his collegiate coaching start right here at La Roche as an assistant, where he also was in charge of the defense and goalies, helping lead the team to a 4-4 record over a pair of seasons shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This program has an established tradition, and I look forward to building on the current foundation while creating a culture of resilience, effort, and discipline," said McCann. "My goal is to help our student-athletes grow not just as competitors, but as people, preparing them for success on and off the field. I can't wait to get started and represent the Redhawks."
McCann spent four years prior to starting his collegiate coaching career at Westminster High School in Westminster, Md., where as an assistant he led the goalies for a team that captured the 2018 and 2019 Maryland 3A State Championship, with both of the goalies during his time there earning NCAA Division I scholarships.
During those years, Westminster compiled a 37-1 record and annually produced All-County, All-State, All-Metro, and All-American selections.
McCann, during his time at Westminster High School, also coached for Gonzo Lacrosse, a high school club team that is driven to help uncommitted players earn NCAA lacrosse opportunities.
As a player, McCann played for Mercyhurst University where he was a four-year member of the team and helped the team to become 2003 and 2004 NCAA Division II semifinalists.
A native of Long Island, N.Y., McCann earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Mercyhurst.