JERUSALEM, ISRAEL -- The Israel Lacrosse Association announced that Mark Greenberg has been named defensive assistant coach of the Israel National Lacrosse Team which will compete in the 2014 FIL Men's World Championship, which will be held in Denver, Colo., at Dick's Sporting Goods Park from July 10 to 19, 2014.
"Adding a second Hall of Fame resume to our coaching staff really strengthens what we're trying to achieve," said Israel GM Howard Borkan. "Mark commands the respect of our players. His experience and his knowledge of the game really speaks for itself."
Greenberg, who served as an assistant coach for Israel's entry in the 2012 European Lacrosse Championships, joins head coach Bill Beroza, and offensive assistant coach Jeff Goldberg on the World Team staff.
"Mark is a perfect fit for us," said Beroza, who won gold as Greenberg's teammate with USA in 1982. "He's one of the greatest defensive minds in the sport, and he has an extremely strong passion
and commitment to the State of Israel."
Greenberg, a 1998 inductee of the US Lacrosse National Hall of Fame, helped guide Johns Hopkins University to perhaps the finest four-year period in school history as the school posted a staggering 51-4 record during his career, winning three consecutive NCAA titles from 1978-80. A four-time All-American, Greenberg earned the William C. Schmeisser Award as the nation's outstanding defenseman in 1979 and 1980. In addition, he was named the 1979 recipient of the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Award, which is presented annually to the top player in the nation. Greenberg garnered All-World honors in helping the United States win gold at the 1982 World Championship.
Israel's men's national lacrosse team, comprised of both Israeli residents and Jewish players from abroad, recently completed their debut campaign in international competition with a perfect 4-0 record in pool play at the 2012 European Lacrosse Championships, going on to finish 8th overall. Including exhibition matches, Israel was 7-5, with statement wins over No. 9 Ireland and No. 11 Wales. Israel also fielded men's and women's festival teams, which were both victorious in the EC12 Festival, a tournament featuring club teams from across the world.
In addition to the 2014 Men's World Championship, Israel will be fielding a team in the 2013 Women's World Cup. Information regarding the tryout process for both the men's and women's national teams will be announced in the near future.