Matt Brown, the Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at the University of Denver, will be inducted into the Western Lacrosse Hall of Fame this weekend in Dallas. A Canadian native, Brown was instrumental in securing three Minto Cup National Championships with the Burnaby Lakers before a standout collegiate career at DU where he netted 113 goals. Following college, he was drafted fifth overall in the 2005 NLL Draft and played professionally in both the NLL and MLL. Transitioning into coaching, Brown has become a key figure in the sport, leading the Pioneers to multiple Championship Weekend appearances. His impact extends to the Canada Lacrosse national team and promoting youth box lacrosse in the U.S.

By the Numbers
  • Brown scored 113 goals and accumulated 137 points during his college career at DU.
  • He was drafted fifth overall in the 2005 NLL Draft.
  • Under his coaching, the Pioneers made their first Championship Weekend appearance in seven years in 2024.
Yes, But

While Brown has made significant contributions to lacrosse, both as a player and a coach, some question whether his coaching strategies will be effective against historically stronger programs in collegiate lacrosse.

State of Play
  • Brown's influence is evident as his coaching has transformed DU into a national contender.
  • He has successfully integrated box lacrosse principles at the youth level across the U.S.
What's Next

As Brown joins the Hall of Fame, he is expected to leverage this recognition to further inspire and promote lacrosse, potentially leading to more national championship bids for DU in the coming years.

Bottom Line

Matt Brown's induction into the Western Lacrosse Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring legacy in the sport, highlighting his transition from player to coach and his significant contributions to the growth of lacrosse at all levels.