Follow this link to contribute to the Lynchburg men's lacrosse program endowment!

Lynchburg, Va. -- Over the past 40-plus years, University of Lynchburg's men's lacrosse program established itself as the NCAA Division III gold standard on the field and in the classroom.

Now, the program aims to set the standard for the future success of student-athletes at the University through the endowed fund for the men's lacrosse program. Working in conjunction with Lynchburg's advancement staff, the men's lacrosse program has already raised nearly $350,000 toward an endowment with a goal of $500,000. Over the next three years, plans are to build the endowment to $1 million.

"We have a vision to be the best program in the country, and the launch of this endowment speaks directly to that vision," assistant athletic director and head men's lacrosse coach Steve Koudelka said. "Our alumni, families, and friends have been super supportive of this launch, and we could not be more excited to move the needle to the ultimate goal of a $1 million endowment."

The concept of endowing athletics programs at the University came with the arrival of president Dr. Alison Morrison-Shetlar in 2020. She presented the idea to Koudelka, and the two developed a task force of men's lacrosse alumni to explore the issue. Just over a year later, the effort is in full swing.

"Great things happen when our alumni, parents, and families come together to put their passion into purpose," Morrison-Shetlar said. "I am so pleased that our men's lacrosse alumni have joined together to build this endowment to help our program thrive. Thank you to all who stepped up to start this endowment and to those who will add their resources to get us to $1 million. You are truly making a difference in the lives of our student-athletes with your gifts."

Morrison-Shetlar, Koudelka, director of athletics Jon Waters, the alumni task force, and the University's office of advancement, led by Dr. Mike Bonnette, was integral toward the endowment effort's early success.

"The dedicated group of alumni who came together to seed this project were outstanding!" Bonnette said. "Coach Koudelka has done a tremendous job of engaging alumni from all four decades of the men's lacrosse team, and they are appreciative of his work and commitment to the excellence of the program."

Lynchburg men's lacrosse began as a varsity sport in 1980 and has since grown into a force in the Division III landscape. Koudelka's arrival in 1996 sparked the Hornets' rise to national prominence. In his tenure, Lynchburg boasts more than 300 wins, 14 NCAA tournament appearances, and eight Old Dominion Athletic Conference titles. The Hornets are currently 11-4 and ranked 11th in the latest national top-20 poll.

But as much as success for his program matters, Koudelka hopes that success in endowing the men's lacrosse program will set the tone for other Lynchburg athletic programs to do the same.

"We are very hopeful this is the first of many endowments within our athletic department," Koudelka said. "We believe in our student-athletes and are committed to providing them the best experiences at University of Lynchburg. "

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Lynchburg Men's Lacrosse Alumni Leadership Task Force
Johnny Black '08
Ryan Cranston '08
Josh Davey '13
AJ Kreshock '91
Cyrus Krohn '94
Jon Lombardo '12
Joe Matta '03
Andrew McKenna '99
Jim Mitchell '91
Chris Perzinski '08
Brett Scarborough '01
Nick Sfakianos '01
Tom Sipple '91
Ed Walker '87

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