The Dual Dynasty: 7 Shocking Facts About The Ohio State Lacrosse Coaches Shaping The Future Of The Big Ten

The Ohio State lacrosse program is currently anchored by two elite leaders, Nick Myers and Amanda Moore, who are driving a new era of success and cultural transformation in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference. As of late 2025, the programs are buzzing with fresh updates, including key staff additions and major championship aspirations, confirming the Buckeyes’ commitment to becoming a national powerhouse in both men’s and women’s collegiate lacrosse. This report dives deep into the biographies, coaching philosophies, and recent updates surrounding the two most important figures in the Ohio State lacrosse landscape. The Ohio State University (OSU) has invested heavily in its lacrosse future, securing long-term leadership that blends deep Buckeye roots with championship-level experience. The men's team, led by a program veteran, continues to chase national glory, while the women's team is undergoing a rapid cultural overhaul under a new, dynamic head coach. Understanding the current staff is essential to grasping the trajectory of both programs.

The Architects of Buckeye Lacrosse: Full Coaching Staff Biographies

The Ohio State lacrosse programs are guided by a dedicated and highly experienced group of coaches. Head coaches Nick Myers and Amanda Moore, along with their key assistants, form the core of the Buckeye leadership.

Nick Myers: Head Coach, Ohio State Men's Lacrosse

• Current Role: Head Coach, Ohio State Men's Lacrosse (since 2009).
• Hometown: Kennebunkport, Maine.
• Alma Mater: Springfield College (Massachusetts).
• Ohio State Tenure: Began his coaching career at Ohio State as a volunteer assistant in 2002 and 2003, and then served as the top assistant coach under Joe Breschi from 2006 to 2008.
• Major Honors: Co-Big Ten Coach of the Year (2018).
• Program Achievements: Led the Buckeyes to their first-ever Big Ten Regular Season Championship and their first Big Ten Tournament Championship.
• Recruiting Acumen: Known for developing USILA All-Americans and consistently producing high numbers of Academic All-Big Ten selections and Ohio State Scholar-Athletes.
• Recent Update: Recently announced the appointment of Mo Lavallee as the program’s General Manager, signifying an increased focus on off-field professionalization.

Amanda (Barnes) Moore: Head Coach, Ohio State Women's Lacrosse

• Current Role: Head Coach, Ohio State Women's Lacrosse (Hired June 2023).
• Program History: The fourth head coach in the program’s history, which began its varsity status in 1996.
• Alma Mater/Playing Career: Former standout player at the University of North Carolina (UNC).
• Coaching Start: Her collegiate coaching career began at Ohio State as an assistant coach, making her return a "full-circle moment."
• Previous Role: Served seven years as a head coach at a previous institution before returning to Columbus.
• NCAA Involvement: A member of the influential NCAA Rules Committee, demonstrating her commitment to the sport's national governance.
• Coaching Philosophy: Focused on building a strong team culture through deep, authentic relationships with her players.

The Men's Squad: Nick Myers' Championship-Driven Dynasty

The Ohio State men’s lacrosse team has been a model of stability and incremental success under Head Coach Nick Myers. Since taking the reins in 2009, Myers has systematically elevated the program’s national profile, culminating in historic achievements within the Big Ten. Myers' tenure is defined by his ability to recruit and develop talent while instilling a strong academic culture. His teams have consistently earned berths in the NCAA Tournament, but the program’s most significant breakthroughs have come in conference play. The Buckeyes secured their first Big Ten Regular Season Championship and followed that up with their inaugural Big Ten Tournament Championship, major milestones that cemented Myers' status as a top-tier coach. The continuity of the staff is a testament to the program's foundation. Associate Head Coach Travis Crane, who joined the staff in 2016, plays a critical role in the team's operations. However, the program recently made strategic hires to sharpen its focus:

• James Purpura (Assistant Coach/Offensive Coordinator): Purpura joined the staff in June 2025, bringing a fresh perspective to the offensive unit. His arrival signals a commitment to evolving the Buckeye attack and maximizing scoring efficiency.
• Justin Tuma (Assistant Coach): Tuma manages the defensive personnel, leveraging his extensive experience to cultivate one of the Big Ten’s most disciplined defensive units.
• Mo Lavallee (General Manager): The addition of a General Manager is a modern move, offloading administrative burdens and allowing the coaches to focus purely on coaching, recruiting, and player development.

This robust coaching and support staff is built to handle the rigors of the Big Ten schedule and the demands of elite-level recruiting. The recent announcement of the 2026 men's lacrosse schedule further highlights the program’s ambition, featuring a slate of challenging non-conference matchups designed to prepare the team for a deep NCAA Tournament run.

A New Era: Amanda Moore's Cultural Revolution in Women's Lacrosse

The Ohio State women's lacrosse program entered a new chapter with the hiring of Amanda Moore in June 2023. Her appointment was hailed as a "full-circle" moment, as she began her collegiate coaching journey as an assistant in Columbus. Moore’s leadership is characterized by a philosophy centered on "fearlessly weird" culture and building deep, lasting relationships. She is not just focused on X's and O's but on developing the whole student-athlete, a critical component for sustained success in the Big Ten. Her background as a former North Carolina standout and her experience as a head coach at another institution provided her with the perfect blend of elite-program pedigree and leadership maturity. One of Moore’s immediate impacts has been her ability to navigate the transfer portal effectively. Her enthusiasm and vision for the program have already attracted high-caliber talent, such as the recruitment of transfer portal standout Jocelyn Torres following the 2024 season. This aggressive approach to roster building is quickly transforming the team's competitive outlook. Moore’s involvement extends beyond the sidelines; her position on the NCAA Rules Committee demonstrates a commitment to the sport's national progression, providing Ohio State with a voice in the future of college lacrosse. Her mission is clear: to elevate the Ohio State women's program to the same national prominence currently enjoyed by the men's team and other top Big Ten competitors.

The Big Ten Factor: How Coaching Stability Drives Success

The Big Ten Conference is arguably the toughest in college lacrosse, and the stability of the Ohio State coaching staff is a major competitive advantage. Nick Myers' long tenure has allowed him to build a consistent program identity. This consistency is reflected in the team's academic success, with the Buckeyes boasting over 87 Academic All-Big Ten accolades under his watch. This blend of athletic and academic excellence is a hallmark of a well-run program and an attractive quality for top recruits. The commitment shown by the university to both Myers and Moore signals a long-term investment in the sport. Myers' recent contract extension and Moore's high-profile hiring underscore the administration's belief in their vision. This stability is crucial for recruiting high school and transfer talent, as prospective players look for programs with a clear, consistent direction. The coaching staff across both programs leverages the power of the Ohio State brand, but it is their individual coaching styles and ability to connect with players that ultimately drives success. Myers’ focus on resilience and championship mentality, paired with Moore’s emphasis on cultural relationships and fearless self-expression, creates a powerful, two-pronged approach to building a comprehensive lacrosse dynasty at Ohio State. The future of Buckeye lacrosse, under this dynamic dual leadership, looks brighter than ever, promising more Big Ten titles and deeper NCAA Tournament runs for years to come.

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