Elms Introduces Robert Cross as Inaugural Head Coach of New Men’s Lacrosse Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Courtesy of Elms Athletics Communications

CHICOPEE, Mass. - Men's Lacrosse is being added as an NCAA Division III varsity sport in the 2023-2024 academic year at Elms College, and Robert Cross has been selected as Elms' first-ever head coach in the sport. 

The native of Black River, NY,  Cross graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) receiving his B.A. in Sociology. As a STUDENT-athlete, Cross earned three varsity letters and was a two-year starter for the Retrievers. He appeared in 34 games with 15 starts for UMBC totaling 15 goals and 5 assists.

After graduation, Cross began coaching and shortly started building quite a resume. Cross previously served as an assistant coach at Mercyhurst University, UMBC, Harvard, Rutgers, University of Delaware, and Siena College.  In addition to his vast experience at the collegiate level, Coach Cross was head boys lacrosse coach at Northfield Mount Herman School and currently serves as an assistant coach at the professional level for the Premiere Lacrosse League Waterdogs.

Here are some selected highlights from Coach Cross's coaching career: In this first season in the coaching ranks, he helped lead Mercyhurst University to the NCAA Division II National Semifinals in 2006.  Success continued to follow him at UMBC, his alma mater.  The men's lacrosse team made the NCAA Tournament in each of Cross' three years serving as co-offensive coordinator, and won a pair of America East Championships. 

At Harvard, Cross developed the nation's 15th best scoring and man-up offense and helped guide Rutgers to a top-20 nationally ranking early during the 2011 season. 

In his first season at Siena College, Cross helped guide the Saints to an 11-6 overall record.  That team won both the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Regular Season and Tournament Championship. The Saints boasted a program record 11 All-MAAC selections and six Second Team All-MAAC honorees and posted seven true road wins which tied for the second most in the nation.

Cross resides in Hadley, MA with his wife Kendra Cross, and his daughters Charlee May (5) and Ivy Rose (3).

"I'd like to thank Mike Theulen for the opportunity to lead the Blazers of Elms College as the program's first-ever Head Men's Lacrosse Coach.  Elms has a fantastic environment, with incredible resources and opportunities for all students.  During the process I was impressed with the level of professionalism from all the coaches I met with.  I was also excited to see the plans and resources available to build this program." - Rob Cross 

As a community, Elms College is always looking for ways to expand and welcome more diversity on campus.  The Athletic Department at Elms College has been looking to add men's lacrosse as a program for some time.  This addition is a sign of great growth and excitement.  It also allows Elms College to sponsor another sport in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference.

"Rob's experiences as a Division I STUDENT-athlete, as a coach at all 3 Divisions and at the professional level, his work ethic, and his energy made him the number one choice to become Elms College's first-ever head men's lacrosse coach.  His commitment and passion for academics and athletics are a perfect fit for Elms College, its STUDENT-athletes, and the Athletic Coaching Staff.  In addition, he has an expansive recruiting network that will give this brand new program a positive kickstart.  This program is already off to an exciting start!" - Athletic Director Michael Theulen