MEADVILLE, Pa. -- Allegheny College Director of Athletics and Recreation Bill Ross is pleased to announce veteran coach Jeff Roberts has been chosen to lead the Gators' men's lacrosse program.

Roberts becomes only the second head men's lacrosse coach in Allegheny history, taking over a program that began varsity play in the spring of 2019 and made its first-ever playoff appearance in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) tournament in 2023.

"I am honored and excited to be part of the Allegheny College family," Roberts said. "I want to thank President Dr. Ron Cole, Director of Athletics Bill Ross, and the rest of the search committee for this amazing opportunity. I look forward to getting my feet on the ground in Meadville and becoming part of such an amazing college community. I am eager to create relationships with the players and alumni and continue building on the great foundation of Allegheny men's lacrosse."

"I am thrilled to have Jeff Roberts take over the helm of our men's lacrosse program," Ross said. "His proven success at Hanover College, coupled with his extensive lacrosse experience, will help keep our program a contender in the Presidents' Athletic Conference and provide our players with a positive student-athlete experience."

A two-time Heartland Collegiate Lacrosse Conference (HCLC) Coach of the Year, Roberts joins the Gators after spending five years as head coach at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana. He guided the Panthers to a 39-29 overall record with a 19-4 mark against conference opponents. Besides the shortened 2020 season, Roberts' teams finished with winning records in three of four seasons, qualified for the HCLC tournament every year, and twice advanced to the HCLC championship game. Similar to his new role at Allegheny, Roberts took over as the second head coach in Hanover team history.

Hanover's defenses have excelled under Roberts' leadership. In 2022, the Panthers ranked 14th in Division III in caused turnovers per game (12.60) and 25th in scoring defense (8.27). Last season, Hanover was 11th nationally in man-down defense (.809) and 15th in saves per game (16.73). In addition to 2023 HCLC Coach of the Year honors, Roberts' Hanover team received the conference's Offensive Athlete and Newcomer of the Year awards.

Roberts boasts previous coaching experience at all levels of the NCAA. He previously served as an assistant coach at Division I Marquette University, the University of Vermont, and Dartmouth College. He was the assistant offensive coordinator at Dartmouth in the Ivy League, where he mentored numerous All-America honorees. As the top assistant at Vermont, he guided a Catamounts offense that ranked among the top 20 in the nation. Roberts also spent five years at Mercyhurst University in nearby Erie, Pennsylvania, and was part of a Lakers team that made its first-ever trip to the NCAA Division II semifinals in 2003.

At the Division III level, Roberts began his coaching career with stints at Skidmore College and Colorado College. From 2009-13, he helped establish the men's lacrosse program at Concordia University Wisconsin. As the inaugural head coach, he led the Falcons to 26 wins in three seasons and was tabbed the Midwest Lacrosse Conference (MLC) Coach of the Year in 2012.

Roberts graduated from Springfield College in the fall of 1994 with a degree in history. He completed his master's degree in athletic administration from Concordia University Irvine in 2016.

What They're Saying About Jeff Roberts…
"Jeff is very well respected amongst our college coaching community. He is a relationship builder, first and foremost. He always has great relationships with his players and coaches. A tireless recruiter that will undoubtedly have great success at Allegheny."
Sean Woods, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
Amherst College

"Allegheny is getting an extremely experienced coach and an even better person. Jeff is one of the most passionate and knowledgeable people in the game. He will definitely bring a new level of excitement to Allegheny. Jeff gave me my first job out of college and has been an awesome mentor during my career, and I will be forever grateful. I am excited to see the continued growth and success of the Allegheny men's lacrosse program."
Michael Fahey, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
Concordia University Wisconsin

"Great fit, as Jeff brings a lot of coaching experience from all levels to Allegheny. He has built programs, brought programs to postseason play, and competed for conference championships in the past. He has done an excellent job developing the players that he recruited into conference players of the year and all-conference performers."
Brian Brecht, Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
Rutgers University