Evanston, Ill. — National Lacrosse Hall-of-Famer and two-time captain of the US National Team Casey Powell has been named a volunteer assistant coach for Northwestern Lacrosse, Combe Family Head Lacrosse Coach Kelly Amonte Hiller announced Tuesday morning. 

“Casey is one of the greatest players to ever play the game,” said Amonte Hiller. “He has achieved success such a high level of success because of his passion, work ethic and love for the game. We could not be more excited to have Casey bring that passion and energy to our program.”

Powell brings with him a long history of success in the sport. He was awarded All-American honors during each of his four seasons of collegiate play at Syracuse and was twice named the NCAA Division I National Player of the Year. In addition, he helped the Orange to four NCAA tournament appearances, including their 1995 championship run. 

Following the conclusion of his collegiate career, Powell also enjoyed professional success. He was picked first overall in the 1998 National Lacrosse League draft, where he would play for 19 years and be named to five All-Star teams. Beginning in 2001, he was also a force in Major League Lacrosse. He led the Long Island Lizards to two national championships and remains the league's all-time leading scorer.

After his retirement as a player, Powell continued his involvement in lacrosse through a variety of coaching and development positions. These include a one-year stint as an assistant coach at New York University at Cortland, three years as director of Lacrosse at St. Andrew's School, and the foundation of the Powell Brothers Lacrosse instructional camps, which he continues to operate with his two younger brothers.

In his current role, Powell serves as the director of player development for Team ONE Lacrosse, which provides travel teams and developmental programs for youth lacrosse players across the state of Illinois. 

He will join a Northwestern team coming off a Big Ten tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA tournament final four.  The Wildcats begin their 2020 season Friday, February 7 when they face off with Detroit Mercy at Ryan Fieldhouse beginning at 5 pm.