LOWELL, Mass.—Drew Kelleher has been named head coach of the UMass Lowell men's lacrosse program, as announced by Director of Athletics Peter Casey on Thursday. Kelleher becomes the second head coach of the River Hawks since the program's reinstatement in 2015. Most recently, Kelleher spent the last seven seasons as the head men's lacrosse coach at Manhattan College, where he guided the program to its first-ever MAAC Championship in 2022 and its second-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
 
"I am thrilled to make Drew a River Hawk," said Casey. "He has a proven track record of building a successful program at the Division I level and motivating student-athletes to achieve their goals on the field and in the classroom. I am confident he will lead our program with expertise, professionalism and integrity, and I can't wait to see the new heights our program reaches under his guidance."
 
As head coach at Manhattan, Kelleher handled student-athlete development, fundraising, recruiting and academic support for the team. During his tenure, the Jaspers developed into an MAAC powerhouse, accumulating countless All-Conference award winners, as well as posting the nation's best man-down defense in 2019. Manhattan earned a share of the 2021 Regular Season Champion title under Kelleher's tutelage, and for his efforts, he was named the 2021 MAAC Men's Lacrosse Coach of the Year.
 
"I could not be more excited to get started here at UMass Lowell," commented Kelleher. "Through the whole process, they have shown a desire to become a destination in the Division I lacrosse landscape. I truly believe we can develop a program that will compete for championships in the America East and compete on a national level. I also want to thank all of my players and coaches at Manhattan College for an amazing seven years. My family and I cannot wait to get started."
 
Before Manhattan, Kelleher worked as an assistant coach for the Boston University men's lacrosse program from 2012 to 2015. Kelleher served as the offensive coordinator for the Terriers and assisted in recruiting the program's inaugural Division I team. 
 
Kelleher's coaching career started with stops at Siena College and Hamilton College. At Hamilton, Kelleher served as the assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the Continentals for two seasons.
 
After honing his craft, Kelleher transitioned into an assistant coaching position at Siena College. Responsible for offensive strategies and recruiting, Kelleher helped guide the Saints to a 2012 MAAC Regular Season Champion title as well as the third-best assist per game and fourth-best goals per game average in the nation.
 
Kelleher was an offensive powerhouse for Vermont as a player. In his final season with the Catamounts, Kelleher was voted the America East Fan's Choice Player of the Year, the team's Most Valuable Player and ranked 11th in Division I in goals per game. He graduated from Vermont in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in physical education with concentrations in movement and exercise science.

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT DREW
"Coach Kelleher's teams were always tough to play against because they were well coached, prepared and always played hard. I'm sure he will build a strong culture and rally support for the River Hawks just as he did at Manhattan. I'm happy for Drew and his family as they take on a new opportunity at UMass Lowell." - Brian Fisher, Head Coach - Monmouth Men's Lacrosse

"Drew is a tremendous leader of men. He is a dynamic lacrosse coach and an elite recruiter. Success seems to follow him wherever he goes." - Scott Barnard, Head Coach - Hamilton Men's Lacrosse

"I could not be more excited for Drew and his family as they make the move back to the Commonwealth. Drew is a young rising star in our business and what he did at Manhattan in a short period of time was very impressive, but no surprising. Drew has made significant contributions at every one of his spots and has left each program better than when he started. UMass Lowell has hit a home run with this hire as I fully expect Drew to do great things there." - Ryan Polley, Head Coach - Boston University Men's Lacrosse

"I am so grateful to have spent the last seven years working side-by-side with Drew in pursuit of the MAAC Championship, and I am beyond thrilled for him and his family. Drew is not only an excellent coach and leader but also a great friend and mentor. While I will miss working with him, I am extremely excited to see the championship culture that Drew builds at UMass Lowell." - John Odierna, Interim Head Coach - Manhattan Men's Lacrosse

"I am so excited for Drew, Morgan, Tommy and Carson as they embark on this new opportunity. UMass Lowell and their lacrosse program are getting a genuine and passionate coach who will take the program to incredible heights. The River Hawks hit a home run bringing Coach Kelleher back to the greater Boston area." - Sean Kirwan, Offensive Coordinator - Virginia Men's Lacrosse.