John Paul Named Varsity Lacrosse Coach

Not surprising, but now officially official:

John Paul Named U-M Varsity Lacrosse Coach

ANN ARBOR – University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon announced Friday (June 3) that long-time club coach John Paul has been named head coach of the newly elevated varsity men’s lacrosse program. Paul assumes his duties immediately and will begin assembling a staff and recruiting players for the upcoming 2011-12 season.

“John Paul has been an integral part of our lacrosse program over the years,” said Brandon. “He has built the club program to a championship level and will help us make the transition to varsity status. We look forward to his leadership and guidance of our program.”

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to lead Michigan into Division I lacrosse,” said Paul. “I want to thank Dave Brandon for believing in me, but most importantly for his commitment to this great sport. I can’t wait to get started.”

Paul has led the men’s team the past 14 years, compiling a 122-44 overall record. His squad has won 78 of its last 80 games since the outset of the 2008 season. U-M has been ranked No. 1 in the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) polls the better part of the past four years.

He has led the Wolverines to three of the past four MCLA national championships (2008, ’09, ’10). Michigan reached the MCLA semifinals this season before having its bid for a fourth straight national title halted in a 7-6 loss to Arizona State. Paul’s teams have reached the MCLA quarterfinals during 12 of his 14 seasons, with five semifinal appearances.

He has guided the program to 11 Central Collegiate Lacrosse Association (CCLA) championships in the past 13 seasons. His teams have won 31 straight conference games and posted an astounding 108-3 (.970) mark in league games. Paul’s teams have been undefeated in CCLA action 11 times and boast a 102-2 all-time record in the CCLA.

During his tenure, Paul’s players have earned MCLA All-America honors 70 times and have been selected All-CCLA a total of 141 times. He’s had 38 players earn MCLA Scholar-Athlete honors.

A three-year captain on the U-M club team, Paul was drafted by the Detroit Turbos of the Major Indoor Lacrosse League in 1989. He also played post-college club lacrosse for the Motor City Lacrosse Club until 1996.

Paul earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Michigan in 1994. He and his wife, Lisa, reside in Ann Arbor.