GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman head men's lacrosse coach Richie Meade has announced the hiring of Andrew Athens as the program's first assistant coach."Obviously we're thrilled to have Andrew join us at Furman," said Meade, who was named head coach of the university's new men's lacrosse program in late May. "He's energetic, enthusiastic, and an excellent teacher, and is a fine young man who has a great future in coaching."
Athens comes to Furman following a year at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C., where he served as the Royals' assistant men's lacrosse coach/defensive coordinator. In his lone season there he helped lead Queens to a Conference Carolina playoff appearance and develop a pair of all-conference defensive performers. Queens ranked 13th nationally in defense in 2012.
He began his collegiate coaching career at Presbyterian (S.C.) College, serving as an undergraduate intern in 2011 for a Blue Hose program he represented as a player for three seasons and twice led in goals scored. The two-year captain finished his career as PC's all-time leader in points, goals, and assists.
He graduated from PC in May of 2011 with a degree in business administration.
Athens began his college experience at Anne Arundel (Md.) Community College, where he played one season for the Pioneers and earned all-region honors before graduating with an associate degree in art in 2007.
He served as assistant varsity men's lacrosse coach at Northern High School in Owings, Md., and head coach of the Southern Maryland All-Star High School Club Team.
In addition, Athens has served as a coach and counselor at the Southern Maryland Summer Lacrosse Camp, as well as lacrosse camps at Bucknell, Penn State, and with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He is married to Kilee Ruppe of Spartanburg, S.C.
Furman men's lacrosse will begin intercollegiate play in 2014.