Posted: Jan 04, 2012

Cooney calls on Douglass to assist with defense

Coach Evan Douglass, playing for Stevenson University last year, was the 2011 National Defensive Player of the Year.

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University men's lacrosse head coach Pat Cooney has named Evan Douglass as assistant coach for the 2012 season. A 2011 graduate of Stevenson University, Douglass joined the Salve Regina staff last September.

Cooney says, "the athletic department and I are thrilled to have Coach Douglass on board. He has proved extremely valuable in time he has worked with the student-athletes during this past fall. I look forward to seeing his passion and love for lacrosse further motivate our men this coming season. While an outstanding mentor to current players, Evan has also excelled at forming relationships in the critical phase of college athletics, recruiting. He has helped the Seahawks take a big step forward in the recruitment of numerous quality student-athletes."

Douglass competed for the Stevenson Mustangs as a defenseman. As a four-year starter and two-year captain, he garnered many accolades and awards. He was named the 2011 William C. Stiles Memorial Award winner for Outstanding National Defensive Player of the Year. He was selected to the 2011 Scholar All-American Team, the 2011 North vs. South Annual National All-Star game, as well as also gaining USILA honors of second team All-American in 2010, and first team All-American in 2011.

When asked about his coaching experience thus far, Douglass said:
"I am truly enjoying the experience that the university and Coach Cooney have granted me. Not only is Salve Regina University one of the most pristine campuses I have ever seen, but the students and faculty here make me feel at home, not to mention the city of Newport is a place I have always seen myself living in."

"I have always wanted to stay within the game of lacrosse," said Douglass. "As a student-athlete, I gave Stevenson University (formerly Villa Julie College) a shot and in my four years there. I saw how a school that's not well known in the lacrosse community can turn it around in just a matter of years. I express this to our recruits here at Salve Regina University, and hope they can give us a shot to bring the program to the next level."

Coach Douglass will serve as the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks and assist with recruiting. Cooney continued, "With strong leadership skills, a personable attitude, and great lacrosse IQ, he will help the Seahawks compete day in and day out this season."