Duke lacrosse coach Danowski named 2018 U.S. Men’s national team coach

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke Blue Devils men’s lacrosse head coach John Danowski was selected as head coach of the 2018 U.S. Men’s National Team, as announced by U.S. Lacrosse on Monday.

A three-time NCAA championship winning coach, Danowski will lead Team USA’s pursuit of a record 10th gold medal at the 2018 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Championship in Manchester, England.

The U.S. men’s national team has amassed a 59-4 all-time record in international play, claiming gold at nine World Championships (1967, 1974, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010).

In his current position at Duke, Danowski has posted a 140-38 overall record in his nine years at Duke, while leading his teams to seven Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular-season titles, four conference tournament crowns, and NCAA championships in 2010, 2013 and 2014.

He is one of five active coaches to have won at least two NCAA titles and one of nine coaches all-time to win three national titles.

“I’m honored to be chosen as the head coach for the 2018 U.S. Men’s National Team,” Danowski said.

“There is no greater honor than to represent your country and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of those coaches who came before me. I look forward to working with the US Lacrosse staff to select a group of men with whom we can build a sustainable culture of excellence.”

Danowski’s coaching resume includes ACC Coach of the Year (2007, 2011, 2012), USILA Division I Coach of the Year (1993, 2010, 2013), USILA Howdy Meyers Man of the Year (2014) and Lacrosse Magazine Person of the Year (2007).

He is a member of the U.S. Lacrosse Long Island Chapter Hall of Fame (2000), and was recognized as a nominee for 2013 ESPY Coach of the Year.

Prior to coaching at Duke, Danowski spent 21 years as Hofstra’s head men’s lacrosse coach, amassing a record of 192-38 while leading the Pride to eight NCAA tournament appearances and four quarterfinal berths.

He began his head-coaching career with a three-year stint at Long Island University-CW Post from 1983-85.

Danowski received a master’s degree from LIU-C.W. Post (’78) and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University (’76).

“We are extremely excited to announce John Danowski as head coach of the 2018 U.S. Men’s National Team,” said Tony Leko, U.S. Lacrosse director of national teams.

“His superb resume speaks for itself, and his leadership, character and integrity are unquestionable. We look forward to the impression he will make on our U.S. National Team program in the years to come.”