NORTHFIELD, Vt. - After 17 seasons of dedicated leadership and historic success, Neal Anderson has announced he will step down as the head coach of the Norwich University men's lacrosse program.  Anderson, who guided the Cadets to three Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Championships and over 150 victories, will transition into a new academic role within the university.

"It is with much appreciation and gratitude that I reflect on the past 17 years," Anderson said.  "I have learned so much more from the players, coaches, alums, staff, and my peers than any could have learned from me.  Norwich University is unique in its culture, mission, and location, where we are continually challenged to pursue excellence.  I am thankful to all the student-athletes and their families who helped to build Norwich Lacrosse.  We have created a professional and honorable program that sets the example for others.  Norwich Forever!"

Since his appointment in 2009 as the seventh head coach in program history, Anderson has become synonymous with Norwich men's lacrosse.  Over nearly two decades, he amassed a 156-119 overall record, including a 90-50 mark in GNAC play.  Under his stewardship, Norwich achieved nine winning seasons, qualified for 13 consecutive GNAC postseason tournaments, and emerged as a perennial conference contender, establishing a culture of both competitive and academic integrity.

Under Anderson's guidance, the Cadets captured GNAC titles in 2013, 2019, and 2022.  His 2022 squad posted a program-best 19-2 record, going undefeated in conference play and earning the team's first-ever NCAA Tournament win, a 20-12 triumph over Maine Maritime Academy.  The win marked a milestone in program history, taking place in front of the home crowd at Sabine Field in the first NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament game hosted by Norwich.  The Cadets would go on to battle eventual national semifinalist Tufts University in the second round, a capstone moment in a record-setting season.

"Neal Anderson has been a cornerstone of the Norwich Athletic Department for 17 years," said Ed Hockenbury, Director of Athletics.  "He led the men's lacrosse program to unprecedented levels of success on the field, highlighted by one of the greatest wins in Norwich Athletics' history in a home NCAA Tournament game in 2022.  He recruited quality young men and helped develop in them lifelong Norwich values, including integrity, grit, selflessness, and a strong work ethic.  Neal always maintained as a guiding principle of his program the priority of academics, and his support helped many of his players graduate and go on to success beyond Norwich.  He was also instrumental in numerous ways behind the scenes in our department, as an Assistant Athletic Director, facility scheduler, and a valuable source of support and information to his colleagues.  Neal embodied a special combination of coach, educator, leader, and friend, and we will miss his presence on our team.  But we are excited for him as he steps into a new role on campus, and we are fortunate to continue benefiting from his presence here at Norwich."

A three-time GNAC Coach of the Year (2012, 2013, 2016), Anderson's impact extended far beyond wins and championships.  He coached and mentored some of the top players in program history, including Parker Campbell '22, the all-time leader in points (214), Payden Masaracchia '22, the all-time goals leader (158); Thomas Muraski '24, who holds the career records for ground balls (536) and face-offs won (906); and Mason McMahon '24, who posted a program-record 132 caused turnovers.  Since the program joined the GNAC in 2011, Anderson coached 46 individuals who earned GNAC All-Conference First, Second, or Third Team recognition, and 24 players who were selected to the GNAC All-Tournament Team.

Three Cadets were named GNAC Tournament Most Valuable Player under Anderson's watch: Mark Paradiso in 2013, Nick Kandra in 2019, and Callum Jones in 2022.  He also developed four conference major award winners, including Josh Jenkins, who was named GNAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2018, and three GNAC Defensive Player of the Year honorees: Paradiso in 2013, Zach Adler in 2018, and Mason McMahon in 2024.

Academically, the program thrived under his leadership.  Over 115 Cadets earned GNAC All-Academic Team honors during his tenure, showcasing Anderson's commitment to academic rigor and the holistic development of student-athletes.  His teams consistently balanced success in the classroom with their accomplishments on the field, aligning with the Norwich ideal of developing citizen-soldiers of character.

Anderson's teams were also regularly recognized on the national stage for their statistical prowess.  His 2015 team led all of NCAA Division III in face-off winning percentage at .729, while also finishing top ten nationally in scoring defense (6.33 goals per game).  In 2012, Norwich ranked first in man-down defense (.895) and ninth in scoring defense (6.06).  That same year, Anderson received the prestigious Ace Adams Award, presented by the officials of New England to the collegiate program that best exemplifies sportsmanship among its players, coaches, and fans.

Anderson's 156 wins place him atop the program's leaders, having achieved his 100th career victory in the Cadets' regular season finale at Saint Joseph's College of Maine on Apr. 23, 2019, a week before claiming the program's second GNAC Championship at Lasell University.  He claimed his 150th victory during the 2024 campaign, in a win at New England College on Apr. 17.

Prior to Norwich, Anderson served as the head coach at Curry College and began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater, Merrimack College.  A standout collegiate player at both the University of New Hampshire and Merrimack, Anderson scored 110 points across two seasons with the Warriors and was named both a USILA All-American and Academic All-American following his senior year.  He went on to play professionally in Major League Lacrosse for seven seasons with the Boston Cannons and Denver Outlaws.

In addition to coaching, Anderson has served Norwich in various capacities within the athletic department, including as Assistant Athletic Director.  His next chapter will see him transition into a new academic role, where he will continue to contribute to the university community.

Anderson leaves behind a program built on character, competitiveness, and consistency.  His players and teams consistently demonstrated a commitment to the core values of Norwich University, both on the field and in the classroom.  His legacy will remain woven into the history of Norwich men's lacrosse and the broader athletic department.

A national search for Anderson's successor will begin immediately.