Men’s Lacrosse
Piedmont men’s lacrosse is coming off their best record in program history, finishing 12-6 in 2023. Their final game last season saw the Lions fall to Southern Virginia University in the USA South conference semifinals 10-11 in overtime.
“We’re excited just to get out there and compete against another team,” said senior midfielder and captain Connor Rogers. “We’re tired of beating the crap out of each other on the practice field and getting to go against another in-state school, hopefully we’re going to beat Oglethorpe and play Berry the next day and beat them.”
The coaching staff for men’s lacrosse has welcomed Mark Destro as an assistant to head coach Tim Dunton’s staff. Destro has six years of coaching experience, all at the NCAA Division III level. Destro started his career as an assistant coach at Sewanee, before moving to the University of Mount Union, and most recently spending time as an assistant for Oglethorpe University.
Rogers said, “[Destro] works with the goalies. He doesn’t talk much, but when he does, everyone listens and he knows what he’s talking about. I think it’s what we need coming from a new guy.”
Men’s lacrosse were ranked second in the USA South preseason poll, voted on by each head coach in the conference. They sit only behind Pfeiffer College, who the Lions defeated last season 15-13 in a thriller.
“We got a lot of guys, seniors and upperclassmen, returning that we didn’t expect, including myself. We got a lot of young freshmen, and with the upperclassmen, we got a ton of leadership that Dunton knows and sees, and that we all know as well.”
Piedmont men’s lacrosse will open up their season Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in Mount Berry, Georgia, against Oglethorpe University in the Peach Cup Games tournament.
Women’s Lacrosse
Piedmont women’s lacrosse enter their 2024 season seeking their first conference championship in program history after posting a 12-7 record last season, their best since 2015. Their final 2023 matchup saw them fall to rival Southern Virginia University in the semifinals of the USA South conference tournament.
“I think our team is a lot more confident this year, and we have a lot more talent,” said junior midfielder Ava Trankina. “We want the ring this year. I think our heads are in the right place.”
The Lions have new faces in new roles in their coaching staff. Piedmont University Athletics announced the elevation of former assistant coach Brooke Thacker to head coach, and the hiring of assistant coach Emilee Heffner.
Trankina said, “I believe the coaches have been doing a great job. I feel like there’s a lot more discipline this season and I feel like our coaches are really trying to help our mentality going into this season, which I feel like that wasn’t there as much last year. They really want to push us to get that ring.”
Piedmont women’s lacrosse were ranked second in the USA South preseason poll. They were ranked ahead of rivals Southern Virginia and Methodist University, and behind Meredith College.
“I was pretty surprised that we were second, but I think that shows a lot that other teams and coaches believe in us. It’s not just our team, it’s others.”
Piedmont women’s lacrosse will also face Oglethorpe University in their opening game at home on Feb. 14, at 5 p.m.
Keep up to date with men’s and women’s lacrosse teams’ seasons at piedmontlions.com.
