Hobart and William Smith Colleges announced Friday that Greg Raymond, the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Princeton University, has been hired as head coach of the Hobart lacrosse team.
"After a comprehensive national search, it was clear that Coach Raymond possesses a passion for the game, an ability to connect with and motivate student-athletes, and an understanding and respect for the tradition of Hobart lacrosse," says Hobart and William Smith President Mark D. Gearan. "Just as importantly, he clearly comprehends the importance of academics in the lives of our student-athletes, an understanding that will enable him to have great success with the program."
In four years at Princeton, Raymond's defense has ranked first or second in the Ivy League three times and twice led the conference in man-down defense. Princeton won the Ivy League and earned a spot in the NCAA tournament in 2010 and 2012. The Tigers achieved their highest national statistical ranking in 2012, climbing to No. 6 in scoring defense, allowing just 7.25 goals per game, and No. 2 in man-down defense, killing off 85 percent of the opposition's man-up opportunities.
"It became apparent through the interview process that in addition to having the tools necessary to teach the game, he is also able to clearly articulate the value of a Hobart education to the highest caliber of student-athlete," says Vice President for Student Affairs Robb Flowers. "He is a great communicator who will build lasting relationships with our students and passionate fan base."
Raymond will be the 19th man to lead the Hobart lacrosse program when the Statesmen step on the field in 2014.
"From his foundation at Corning East High School to leading his college team to a Division I title and from working under some of the very best in college coaching to coordinating one of Division I's top defenses, Greg Raymond is the perfect fit for Hobart College and our lacrosse program," says Hobart Director of Athletics Mike Hanna '68. "Along with the Hobart lacrosse student-athletes and Hobart coaches who assisted in the interviewing process, I'm extremely excited about the energy, discipline, teamwork and recruiting experience Coach Raymond will bring to the program and to Hobart Athletics."
Associate Professor of Religious Studies Richard Salter '86, who served on the selection committee and is the Hobart Lacrosse Faculty-Athletes Fellow agrees: "Coach Raymond conveys a tremendous energy and love of the sport of lacrosse. I got a sense from our conversations that he was born to coach. He conveys excitement and potential and impressed me as a true teacher and coach."
Over the past four seasons, Raymond has mentored nine All-Americans and nine All-Ivy League student-athletes.
"I'm deeply honored to be chosen to lead the Hobart lacrosse program," said Raymond. "Everything from the championship tradition, to the exceptional facilities, the dedicated student-athletes, and the picturesque campus has me excited. I look forward to working with the team as we write the next chapter in the rich history of Hobart lacrosse."
Raymond spent the 2008-09 academic year serving as the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Drexel University. He helped the Dragons earn a spot in the Colonial Athletic Association tournament thanks in part to a 9-8 win over nationally ranked Villanova. Raymond coached the league's Rookie of the Year, goalie Mark Manos, who is currently a member of the MLL's Charlotte Hounds' practice squad.
"I'm extremely excited for Coach Raymond to become our new head coach," says Hobart attackman Cam Stone '14. "He was incredibly impressive and focused during the interview process. Along with that focus, Coach Raymond also portrays a sense of motivation that will benefit our program. This was especially evident when he talked about the steps he would take in recruiting to build our talent pool at Hobart. I believe that he will be good for Hobart and I look forward to the upcoming season."
Raymond got his start in collegiate coaching in 2006, serving as an assistant for legendary Head Coach Bill Tierney at Princeton. In 2006 and 2007, the Tigers earned NCAA tournament bids, reaching the quarterfinal round in 2006.
Raymond graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a bachelor's degree in sociology. On the lacrosse field, he was a long-stick midfielder for the Blue Jays, serving as a team captain in 2003, 2004, and 2005. After losing most of his first two years on campus to a knee injury, Raymond saw his first significant playing time in 2003, appearing in 12 games as Hopkins reached the NCAA national championship game. The following season, he played in all 15 games helping the Blue Jays advance to the NCAA semifinals. As a senior, Raymond and his classmates penned a perfect ending to their collegiate careers, posting a 16-0 record and winning the national championship. He played in every game that year, recording 28 ground balls and scoring his first goal. Following graduation, Raymond played three seasons for the MLL's New Jersey Pride.
A native of Corning, N.Y., Raymond is married to Michelle Steigerwald, a 2004 graduate of William Smith and a former Heron lacrosse player.
Next season will be the first for Hobart as a member of the Northeast Conference. The Statesmen will compete against Bryant, Mount St. Mary's (Md.), Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, St. Joseph's, and Wagner. Hobart lacrosse was 6-8 in 2013, including three wins over nationally ranked teams. The Statesmen recorded upsets of No. 16/15 Colgate 9-8 in overtime at home, No. 20 Bellarmine 9-8 in double overtime on the road, and stunned No. 5/3 Syracuse 13-12 in the Carrier Dome. Hobart will return six starters from that squad, including All-American attackman Alex Love who was third in the nation in scoring.
Hobart was the fourth men's lacrosse program to record 700 all-time wins. Since topping Cornell 2-1 way back in 1898, the Statesmen have posted a record of 732-464-20 (.610). Since claiming its first title in 1972, Hobart has captured 16 national championships.
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