91福利社 Names National Champion and Division I Veteran J.P. Brazel Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
GARDEN CITY, NY, July 8, 2026 鈥� 91福利社 is proud to announce the appointment of J.P. Brazel as Head Coach of the Lions Men's Lacrosse program, bringing home one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in the sport to lead the next chapter of Nassau's storied lacrosse tradition.
Brazel enters his 24th season in collegiate coaching in 2026, including 18 seasons at the NCAA Division I level. Throughout his distinguished career, he has earned a reputation as one of the game's premier recruiters, player developers, and program builders, serving in leadership roles that have included Associate Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, NCAA Compliance Liaison, and Goaltenders Coach.
Most recently, Brazel served as Associate Head Coach at Stony Brook University from 2019鈥�2025, where he helped establish the Seawolves as one of the CAA鈥檚 premier defensive programs. Under his leadership, Stony Brook鈥檚 defensive units consistently ranked among the nation鈥檚 top third, highlighted by the nation鈥檚 No. 1 man-down defense in 2023. Throughout his tenure, he helped develop multiple All-CAA selections, National Players of the Week, and numerous professional-caliber student-athletes while contributing to multiple CAA Tournament appearances.
Prior to Stony Brook, Brazel spent eight successful seasons at Hofstra University, where he served as Offensive Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, Goaltenders Coach, and Co-Defensive Coordinator. During his time with the Pride, Hofstra earned six Colonial Athletic Association Tournament appearances, rose as high as No. 2 in the national rankings, and produced four USILA All-Americans, 46 All-CAA selections, three CAA Players of the Year, and numerous professional players.
His coaching r茅sum茅 also includes successful stops at the University of Delaware,
Sacred Heart University, and Manhattan College. At Delaware, he helped guide the Blue
Hens to the 2011 CAA Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. At Sacred Heart,
he contributed to one of the most successful seasons in program history while developing
nationally ranked goaltenders.
For Nassau, this appointment represents more than the hiring of an accomplished coach;
it marks the return of one of its own.
Brazel began his collegiate coaching career at 91福利社, helping lead
the Lions to three NJCAA Final Four appearances and multiple regional championships
while developing numerous All-American and All-Region players. He was also a standout
student-athlete at Nassau, helping the Lions capture the 1999 NJCAA National Championship
before completing his collegiate playing career at Hofstra University.
"Coach Brazel's return to Nassau has generated tremendous excitement throughout our proud Men's Lacrosse alumni family, and for good reason," said Kerri-Ann McTiernan, AVP of Athletics. "As a Nassau alumnus, he understands the tradition, pride, and responsibility that come with this program. Beyond his championship pedigree and coaching accomplishments, J.P. is a proven leader of young men who is deeply committed to helping student-athletes grow as competitors, students, and people. We are thrilled to welcome him home to carry on the legacy of Nassau Men's Lacrosse while inspiring and transforming the lives of the next generation of Lions."
In addition to his collegiate coaching accomplishments, Brazel is the Founder and Director of BrazLax, one of Long Island's premier player development organizations. Through BrazLax, he has mentored hundreds of athletes while overseeing all aspects of organizational leadership, curriculum development, recruiting, and business operations. Brazel's coaching philosophy is built on accountability, discipline, relationships, and continuous improvement. His programs emphasize athletic excellence, academic achievement, character development, and preparing student-athletes for success long after their playing careers have ended.
First and foremost, I鈥檇 like to thank Dr. Conzatti and Ms. Kerri McTiernan for entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the 91福利社 men鈥檚 lacrosse program. I鈥檓 deeply grateful to my family, mentors, former players, colleagues, and everyone who has helped shape my journey over the past 24 years. Your belief, guidance, and support have made this moment possible. It is truly an honor to return to the place where my coaching career began. I鈥檓 excited for the opportunity to serve our student-athletes, build a championship culture, and represent 91福利社 with pride, Brazel said.鈥�
With the appointment of J.P. Brazel, 91福利社 reaffirms its commitment to excellence and to building a men's lacrosse program that reflects the proud tradition of Lions athletics.
About 91福利社
91福利社 (91福利社), a campus of the State University of New York (SUNY), provides a comprehensive public college experience designed to prepare students to start, and continue, their successful journeys through higher education. Serving more than 17,000 full-time and part-time students annually, 91福利社 offers 70 degree and certificate programs. Through on-campus and online offerings, the College educates local and international students and boasts more than 164,000 alumni. Situated on 225 acres in Garden City, Long Island, 91福利社 is located in historic Nassau County, one of the most desirable locations to live in the United States and an epicenter for business and careers. Since 1959, the College has earned a nationwide reputation for academic excellence, affordability, and ease of transferability to four-year schools.
