Lakewood, N.J.- The Georgian Court University men's lacrosse program is officially open for business! Director of Athletics and Recreation Laura B. Liesman announced today that Mickey Hover has been selected as the Lions' initial head coach as GCU prepares to make its debut in the spring of 2016.
With the addition of lacrosse, Georgian Court's NCAA Division II men's offerings increase to six (15 programs overall).
"Mickey Hover exhibits such passion & enthusiasm for the sport of men's lacrosse, I am very confident with him leading our inaugural men's lacrosse program into competition," stated Liesman. "After a national search, Coach Hover's past experience with launching a start-up program, as well as his recruiting success, roster growth and keen eye for talent, made him the ideal fit for Georgian Court. As a former Division II NCAA student-athlete, I have no doubt that he will incorporate the university's Mercy core values in all aspects of the program while continuing our tradition of developing student-athletes who lead both on the field and in the classroom."
Hover, who played a vital role in the launch and development of the men's lacrosse program as an assistant coach at Gwynedd-Mercy University (2008-12), joins the Lions after two seasons as head coach at Immaculata University in Immaculata, Pennsylvania. A member of NCAA Division III and the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC), the Montgomery High School (N.J.) graduate increased the Might Macs' roster size by 86% over two years with the addition of 39 student-athletes. His squad excelled in the classroom as well, posting the second-highest team GPA among conference teams in 2014.
"The opportunity to build the men's lacrosse program at the prestigious Georgian Court University is a dream come true," said Hover. I want to thank Laura Liesman, Provost (Dr. William) Behre, and the rest of the search committee for putting their faith in me. The Georgian Court University values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service will be pillars in the program and vital to our lacrosse success and the development of our young men toward success in life. I am honored to be a part of the Georgian Court University community and look forward to great achievement in the future."
While at Gwynedd-Mercy, the former professional goalkeeper with the New Jersey Jesters and Philadelphia Wings recruited 97 student-athletes over a five-year span. His squad reached the CSAC finals in 2010 and 2012 as he coached 18 all-conference players during his tenure.
Mickey is a 2008 graduate of Southern New Hampshire University (Northeast-10) where he received his undergraduate degree in Sports Management. He earned his Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Gwynedd-Mercy in 2013.
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