As of Feb. 2024, Lawrence University officially publicized and welcomed lacrosse as a new sport to the Lawrence Athletics Department. This new addition will feature both men’s and women’s lacrosse teams in the Banta Bowl in spring of 2025.
Lawrence’s first ever men’s lacrosse coach, Mikey Zadroga, comes from a head coaching position at Davis and Elkins College located in Elkins, West Virginia. Coach Zadroga played Division I Lacrosse as a Golden Eagle for Marquette University in addition to many other personal accomplishments, making him the perfect fit here at Lawrence University. He has a great vision for where the program can go as he explains “our goal is to establish Lawrence Men’s Lacrosse as the premier Midwest program, competing at a national level and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.” In addition to that, Zadroga says he also wants to “create a culture of excellence where every player will have the support needed to thrive and reach their full potential, both on and off the field.”
Zadroga’s excitement for the program has definitely left an impression on the team, as current Lawrence students decide to join his vision. First-year Cody Brekke, a future men’s lacrosse midfielder and current men’s hockey player, expresses his thoughts on the new program by saying, “I’m thrilled to be part of the upcoming lacrosse program led by Coach Zadroga next spring. His attention to detail and winning mentality are a sure recipe for success. Coach Zadroga emphasizes the importance of culture, and I’m excited to be among the first to help shape it.” The idea of “culture” is something Zadroga talks about in terms of having integrity, humility, toughness, love and the ability to grow. He says, “We will compete in conference right away and will also strive to provide value to campus by being great young men and Lawrentians.”
Women’s Lacrosse, coached by Ben Morhac, will also aim to start in the spring of 2025. Coach Morhac has previously been a head coach at the Notre Dame College Division II program since 2019, where he complied a 34-21 record and four successful seasons. He led the team to the 2021 Mountain East Conference Championship. In his interview for Lawrence Athletics publication, Morhac explains, “I have a passion for the game and a passion for the players. And there’s a drive to win. I’m super competitive. I don’t like losing.” He continues to say, “I think if players want to get better and have a great experience, this could be a really good fit for them.”
Beth McArthur, a rising senior and current women’s hockey player, expresses her feelings on the new program: “I’m so excited to be a part of the inaugural Women’s lacrosse team here at Lawrence! Being able to create traditions and a team culture that could last for years to come is a really special opportunity for us.” McArthur will be one of many multi-sport athletes joining the lacrosse team. However, between the players’ drive and Coach Morhac’s passion, it is bound to be an exciting season. “Coach Ben has been super helpful and encouraging so far. I’m really excited to work more with him and see what we can do as a collective next year!”
You can keep up with both lacrosse teams through the Lawrence Athletics App and their respective social media accounts on Instagram (@luvikingswlax and @luvikingsmlax). If you have any interest in being a social media manager for lacrosse, reach out to Mikey Zadroga (zadrogam@lawrence.edu) for more information! Can’t wait to see both these teams in action Spring of 2025 — let’s go Vikes!