Queens Promotes Assistant Nik Colpitts to Head Coach

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Queens University of Charlotte Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout officially named Nik Colpitts head coach of the men’s lacrosse team. With over 13 years of coaching experience, Colpitts is the fourth person chosen to lead the program in history following his stint as an assistant coach with the team this past season.
 
“Join me in congratulating Nik Colpitts as he embarks on the next phase of his coaching career as our new head men’s lacrosse coach,” Swarthout said. “Royals Rise is our new mantra and what better way to kick it off than with the announcement of Nik as our new head coach. Nik demonstrated that his previous Division I coaching experience was very beneficial in our transition to DI and the ASUN Conference. He worked well with our team and led their development in many key areas. He gained trust with the team throughout the year and was instrumental in elevating some of our top players this season which aided in their ability to earn conference recognition. He has communicated early and often that he wants the opportunity to move this program to the next level within conference play and demonstrated his talents at a high level since becoming our acting head coach in April. We look forward to the program continuing to grow in the DI landscape.”
 
Colpitts joined the Royals in the fall ahead of the program’s inaugural NCAA Division I season. As an assistant coach, he was responsible for many aspects of running the program ranging from budgeting and donor relations to player development and recruiting. Colpitts also played an integral role in Queens securing both their first DI win over Hampton and first ASUN Conference win over Detroit Mercy. Queens men’s lacrosse also garnered the most individual donors of any athletic team during the #QUnited giving campaign, posted a GPA of 3.2, and recorded 260 hours of community service. Additionally, members of the program earned conference accolades in year one of competition in the ASUN.
 
“I am beyond thrilled and honored to be named the next head men’s lacrosse coach at Queens,” Colpitts commented. “I would like to start by thanking Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout and the other members of the search committee, Colleen Cannon and Brandon Johnson, for this life-changing opportunity.
 
From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew Queens was a special place. With the strong academic profile, a rich history within the athletic department as well as being located in the beautiful city of Charlotte - I believe the sky’s the limit for both the institution and the men’s lacrosse program. I truly could not be happier to be able to call Queens home.”

Prior to joining the Royals, Colpitts was an assistant coach with the Jacksonville Dolphins, and his primary responsibilities included coaching the face-off unit and the program’s man-up unit. He also aided in designing, implementing, and executing the team’s offense and game plans. The Dolphins ranked as high as No. 7 on the USILA Poll and recorded a program-high 14 wins during the 2022 season. Additionally, they were the 2022 Southern Conference Regular-Season Champions and Tournament Runners-Up with notable wins over Duke, Denver, Richmond, and High Point.
 
Before joining the Jacksonville staff, Colpitts served as the assistant coach and director of operations at Wingate for four seasons. The Bulldogs were 2019 SAC Regular-Season Champions while winning the SAC Tournament title in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Additionally, they made two NCAA Championship appearances with Colpitts on staff working with goalies and face-off specialists.
 
Colpitts has also spent time as an offensive and recruiting coordinator at the University of St. Thomas helping to lead the program to an MCLA Division II National Championship in 2016. St. Thomas also won conference tournaments in 2015 and 2016.
 
The new head coach holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Thomas and a master’s degree in sports management from Wingate.
 
The Royals battled their way through a tough schedule in their first year of competition at the DI level this past spring. They defeated Hampton, 17-10 for their first DI win in program history. They then collected their first ASUN and home win of the DI era on Apr. 1 defeating Detroit Mercy, 9-5. Sophomore attacker Jack Royer won the program’s first ASUN Player of the Week accolade while freshman midfielder Brendan Nace garnered the program’s first postseason award earning a spot on the ASUN All-Freshman Team. Additionally, junior goalkeeper Wesley Wheat was named to USILA DI Team of the Week.
 
“My goal for the program moving forward is to create a strong culture and tradition that our players, families, alumni, and the entire Queens community can be proud of,” Colpitts added. “I can’t wait to get started!”