Duke Names John Danowski As New Lacrosse Coach

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke University has a new coach for its lacrosse team. The school introduced John Danowski as the team's new leader at a news conference Friday.

"John Danowski is a great coach, on and off the field," said Duke Athletic Director Joe Alleva. "He's well known in the lacrosse community not only for his championships but also for his character and integrity, and for bringing out the best in his players. He knows Duke's lacrosse program will be facing special scrutiny and is committed to working with the players and others to ensure the team is a source of pride for the entire Duke community."

Duke President Richard Brodhead said that after the committee had identified Danowski as its top candidate, "I had a long talk with him, and I too felt the force of his special qualities."

"Coach Danowski has compiled impressive winning records, but for him coaching is about far more than results on the field," Brodhead said. "Himself a former teacher, he sees his role as developing the human potential of his players in its fullest sense: in academics, in athletics and in the domain of character. He's a great choice for our program at this time. I look for him to continue everything that's best in the Duke lacrosse tradition and to build the new strengths we're committed to achieving."

Danowski just completed his 21st season at New York's Hofstra University. His son, Matt, is a rising senior on the Duke lacrosse team. He replaces Mike Pressler, who stepped down in April a few weeks after allegations surfaced of a rape at an off-campus party involving Duke lacrosse players.

Under his guidance, Danowski helped Hofstra capture seven conference lacrosse titles including five in the North Atlantic Conference-America East championships from 1995 through 1998 and 2000.

Danowski compiled a 192-123 record at Hofstra. The Pride tied an NCAA record with 17 wins this season and advanced to the tournament quarterfinals. He was voted the NAC Lacrosse Coach of the Year in 1995 and 1996, the Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year in 2002 and the USILA Division I Coach of the Year in 1993. In 2001, Danowski was inducted into the Long Island Lacrosse Hall of Fame.