Parks joins 2015 coaching staff

NEWPORT, R.I. -  Dan Parks, a 2014 Salve Regina University graduate, joins the men's lacrosse coaching staff for the 2015 season. 

"We are so excited to have coach Parks," head coach Patrick Cooney said.  "Dan is an outstanding Salve Regina man.  His passion, intelligence, and love of Salve have immediately benefitted the students.  I look forward to working with Dan to progress our current student-athletes and recruit talented young men for the future."

Parks played in 60 games for the Seahawks from 2011-2014, missing only one contest. In his 60 games Parks tallied 37 goals and six assists for 43 points. He also caused 16 turnovers and scooped up 112 ground balls. During his four years, Parks was a two-way midfielder and an influential part of the Seahawks transition game.  He moved the ball well on the midfield, was dependable, and a durable part of the Salve Regina defense.  Parks also had a knack for scoring timely goals.

Last year he played in all 20 games during his senior season as he co-captained the Seahawks to a 15-5 record and the New England ECAC Championship. Parks co-captained the 2014 Seahawks as they posted the best seasons in program history; the Seahawks set single season school records in games played (20), points (409), points per game (20.45), goals (268), goals per game (13.4), assists (141), assists per game (7.05), man up goals (37), saves (254), ground balls (816), and most importantly, wins (15). The Seahawks were also atop the Commonwealth Coast Conference in various statistical categories; The Seahawks were first in games played, man up goals, saves, caused turnovers, and ground balls; they were second in goals, goals per game, assists, and man down goals; and third in goals against average. Parks, himself, ranked in the top 40 of the conference in points and shooting percentage, top 25 in goals and ground balls, and tied for the most games played for the 2014 season.

"I am very proud to have been a part of that team; they hold a special place in my heart," Parks said. "I am happy to still be a part of this family and be around these great student-athletes. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to continue to help this program grow and contribute to its success in anyway."

While attending Salve Regina University, Parks was a two-sport athlete (football and lacrosse), a double major (Mathematics and Secondary Education), a 3 year representative of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Co-vice president of the Math Club, and a member of Pi Mu Epsilon (Math Honor Society). Parks was a three year member of the New England Football All-Academic team, Commonwealth Coast Conference Academic All-Conference Team, and the NEILA Academic All-Region team. Parks made the Dean's List and won a Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges Award. Parks was also the 2014 recipient of the Brother Michael Reynolds award, which is presented to the male student-athlete who has demonstrated a commitment to academic and athletic excellence and who has contributed to the overall development of the athletics program. Parks is also an Eagle Scout.

Parks graduated from Salve Regina University in the spring of 2014 with a GPA of 3.34 and a Bachelor of Arts and Science with a concentration in Mathematics and Secondary Education. Parks is originally from Nesconset, N.Y. where he attended Smithtown High School East and won several Super Six League Championships in the competitive section XI on Long Island.