Dave Pietramala, the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame defenseman and the Johns Hopkins men's lacrosse coach since 2001, has mutually parted ways with the university, according to an announcement released Tuesday.
He is the only person in lacrosse history to win a national championship as both a player and coach. Hopkins was 2-4 during the abbreviated 2020 season and 8-8 in 2019. The Blue Jays snuck into the NCAA tournament but lost to Notre Dame in the first round.
Former players and some of Pietramala's peers reacted to the news on social media. Joel Tinney (Hopkins '18) called Pietramala "Hopkins royalty."
To the coach that was more like his players than I knew, recruited me at 15 years old, Had my back on and off the field more than any coach could’ve. I wish I had done more in my four years to help you stay cuz it’s what you deserved. Hopkins royalty. Thank you @CoachPetro43
— Joel Tinney (@5tinman21) April 14, 2020
Matt Bocklet (Hopkins '08) thanked Pietramala for giving him an opportunity to transfer to Johns Hopkins.
@CoachPetro43 gave me an opportunity to transfer to @jhumenslacrosse & changed my life forever. He challenged me to work hard & become a better teammate. There's no doubt he made me a better player, but more importantly he helped prepare me for life's challenges. Thank you Coach! pic.twitter.com/5eFoWkFHky
— Matt Bocklet (@Bocko7) April 14, 2020
Paul Rabil (Hopkins '08) recalled the first email Pietramala sent him after he commited to Johns Hopkins.
His first email after I committed to playing for him. Called me best at being honest. Not competitive, resilient, or other on field traits more often tagged to sports. That was @CoachPetro43 — his lessons transcended the field. pic.twitter.com/8GmjqdpYv9
— Paul Rabil (@PaulRabil) April 14, 2020
Below is the full press release:
BALTIMORE, Md. — Johns Hopkins Director of Athletics Jennifer S. Baker announced today that the University and men's lacrosse coach Dave Pietramala have mutually and responsibly agreed to part ways as Johns Hopkins looks to move the program in a different direction. A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
"For two decades, Dave Pietramala guided our men's lacrosse program, and we are truly thankful for his tireless efforts and the leadership he provided to the young men who represented Johns Hopkins at the highest level on and off the field," Baker noted. "Very few great players have demonstrated the ability to become great coaches; Dave Pietramala has done that, and his legacy as a player and coach is virtually unmatched in the world of college lacrosse. Our focus now is on the future and ensuring we identify the best person to lead our program and build on the tremendous history and tradition of Johns Hopkins lacrosse."
Pietramala departs as the winningest coach in Johns Hopkins men's lacrosse history. He compiled a record of 207-93 with 18 NCAA tournament appearances, seven trips to the final four (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2015), four appearances in the national championship game (2003, 2005, 2007, 2008) and the two national championships. He also guided the Blue Jays to a pair of Big Ten tournament titles (2015, 2018) since Johns Hopkins joined the Big Ten in 2015.
In addition to the on-field success, Pietramala coached seven CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, 11 USILA Scholar All-Americans, 67 Academic All-Big Ten selections and seven Big Ten Distinguished Scholars. Johns Hopkins' seven CoSIDA Academic All-Americans during Pietramala's 20 seasons at Homewood are tied for the most in the nation among Division I men's lacrosse programs during that time.