AMHERST, Mass. — Rashad Devoe has been named the head coach of the Amherst College men's lacrosse program, it was announced today by Director of Athletics Don Faulstick.

Devoe was the head coach at Hampton University. The appointment is effective June 1.

"I am extremely excited about the appointment of Rashad Devoe," Faulstick said. "Besides his deep knowledge of lacrosse and passion for recruiting, the thing that struck me most about Rashad was how many people who know him well commented on his mentoring skills and how much he cares for his students off the field. His experience working at different levels of lacrosse, including in the NESCAC, will be invaluable to our students' success, both on and off the field. I'm thrilled to have Coach Devoe and his family join Amherst Athletics and the larger College community."

Devoe brings to Amherst more than 20 years of experience among the collegiate, professional and college-preparatory coaching ranks. During that time, he has coached and mentored three All-Americans, 29 All-Conference selections and two conference Rookies of the Year, including the 2015 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Rookie of the Year while an assistant coach at Colby College.

"I want to thank Provost and Dean of the Faculty Catherine Epstein and Athletic Director Faulstick for giving me and my family an opportunity to be a part of the Amherst community," said Devoe. "I am thoroughly excited to be able to coach and mentor the young men in this program and help them reach their goals off the field, as well as on the field. This program, with its supportive alumni and dedicated and talented players, has built a national lacrosse program that strives to win championships. We will continue to strive for excellence with tenacity, character, and integrity."

Named the 2017 Midwest Lacrosse Conference Coach of the Year after guiding Beloit (Wisc.) College to its first double digit-win season in the program's history and winning the regular season conference title, Devoe also achieved historic firsts as an assistant at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, leading the school to a top-25 national ranking in 2011, the first-ever national ranking for a Texas high school lacrosse program.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Coach Devoe," said Peter Lasagna, head coach of men's lacrosse at Bates College. "He brings his enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for mentoring young men to a world-class institution and premier lacrosse program. We look forward to welcoming Coach Devoe back to the NESCAC."

"Tireless is the best adjective I can use to describe Rashad," said Donnie Brooks, director of athletics at Macalester College. "I got to know Rashad while serving as an assistant lacrosse coach in the NESCAC and have followed his path and successes ever since. In addition to an infectious energy, he has a love for the game and the students he serves. His accomplishments coaching at schools that pride themselves in academic and athletic success make him a natural fit for the league and the high expectations of Amherst lacrosse."

"I could not be happier for Amherst College and the Mammoth lacrosse program," said Ryan Wellner, assistant men's lacrosse coach at the University of Notre Dame. "Rashad is a grinder and someone who will work tirelessly to do the right thing off and on the field. He has often taken the road less traveled and has always found a way to overcome any obstacle. No matter what the situation is, Rashad will treat you as a person first. In today's world, that is half the battle. He is a fantastic hire for a phenomenal program."

An active member of the community dedicated to the mentoring and development of underserved groups, Devoe serves on the board of the Jack Sandler Leadership Foundation and Blaxesrblog Coaches Association, and volunteers his time as a coach for Brady's Bunch Lacrosse, a non-profit organization that supports and raises awareness of children's cancer, and the Owls Lacrosse Program, a sports-based youth development organization in Chicago, Ill.

Devoe earned a bachelor of science degree in health with a concentration in physiology and nutrition from the University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York system, and a master's of public health from West Chester (Pa.) University.

Amherst College prepares students to use ideas to make a difference in the world. Since its founding, in 1821, in Western Massachusetts, Amherst has demonstrated steadfast confidence in the value of the liberal arts and the importance of critical thinking. Today, its financial aid program is among the most substantial in the nation, and its student body is among the most diverse. Small classes, an open curriculum and a singular focus on undergraduate education ensure that leading scholars engage daily with talented, curious students, equipping them for leadership in an increasingly global and complex world. The College will celebrate its bicentennial in 2021.

Rashad Devoe's Coaching Career
2020-present: Amherst College (Head Coach)
2019-2020: Hampton University (Head Coach)
2018-2019: Naval Academy Preparatory School (Head Coach)
2015-2018: Beloit College (Head Coach)
2013-2015: Colby College (Assistant Coach)
2011-2013: Southwestern University (Assistant Coach)
2009-2011: Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas (Assistant Coach)
1996-1998: Rochester Knighthawks (Strength & Conditioning Coach/Assistant Coach)