Men's lacrosse at Dartmouth has undergone significant coaching changes, with Head Coach Sean Kirwan announcing the departure of Defensive Coordinator Matt Whitcher and the promotion of Assistant Coach Ajax Zappitello to the coordinator position. Whitcher, who spent three successful seasons with the program, expressed gratitude for his time at Dartmouth and his relationships formed along the way. Zappitello, a former decorated athlete from Maryland, is expected to continue advancing the team's goals and ambitions, as Kirwan praised his ability to connect with players and elevate their performance.

By the Numbers
  • Matt Whitcher served as defensive coordinator for three seasons.
  • Ajax Zappitello recorded 92 ground balls and 75 caused turnovers, ranking fifth in Maryland's program history.
Yes, But

There are mixed feelings surrounding Whitcher's departure, as his commitment and contributions have been highly valued, but the transition to a new defensive coordinator may lead to both challenges and opportunities for the program's future.

State of Play
  • The Dartmouth men's lacrosse program is actively transitioning with a significant coaching reshuffle.
  • Zappitello’s promotion is aimed at fostering continued growth and success for the team as they pursue championships.
What's Next

The team will focus on integrating Zappitello's coaching strategies in preparation for the upcoming season, aiming to harness the potential of the current roster and achieve their competitive ambitions.

Bottom Line

As Dartmouth men’s lacrosse turns a new chapter with Ajax Zappitello leading the defense, the emphasis will be on building a stronger, cohesive team capable of competing for championships in the future while also honoring the legacy left by Matt Whitcher.