The Jacksonville Lacrosse program looks to elevate the program to the next level this year. Florida has been known for its athletic prowess in D1 sports for generations, but men’s lacrosse has only one program at the D1 level. After 12 seasons, Jacksonville University has developed into a solid mid-level program. But after a 5-1 start, including wins over #3 Duke and #16 Denver, Jacksonville looks to drop the “mid-major” stigma and become a major player in the college lacrosse landscape.
Jacksonville University unveiled its D1 lacrosse program back in 2010. While it was a huge step for the university, there were some who overlooked the program completely. In 2013 Jacksonville lacrosse had its first taste of success. They finished the season with an 8-5 record and finished second in the Atlantic Sun Conference with a 5-1 record. After that season, Jacksonville couldn’t seem to replicate that winning formula going 11-27 over the next 3 seasons.
John Galloway became the Jacksonville Lacrosse Head Coach in 2016. After years of being a middle of the pack team within its conferences, Galloway knew what was needed to become a legitimate lacrosse program. That vision is what sold Jacksonville Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert on Galloway.
“I haven’t been more sure about a hire since.”
– Alex Ricker-Gilbert, Jacksonville University Athletic Director,
Galloway knew if he wanted to make Jacksonville a top tier lacrosse program, they needed to start acting like one. At the time of his hire, the school didn’t even have dedicated coaches offices or locker rooms for players, and players used to watch film in empty classrooms. Galloway pitched the idea of a state of the art lacrosse facility, one that would give Jacksonville the only lacrosse specific facility in the country at the time.
“To have a lacrosse-only building on our field — It changes the dynamic of how we can do our job.”
– John Galloway, Jacksonville Lacrosse Head Coach
Galloway also started scheduling top tier programs for the Dolphins to play. He understood that if you want to be one of the top programs, you have to play the top programs. Jacksonville has played Duke every year since his arrival, as well as other ranked opponents over the years. He also gets to play Richmond and High Point, who have had very successful programs the last few seasons. While his previous Jacksonville Lacrosse teams didn’t have the wins against these bigger programs, they have played those teams competitively despite the losses.
“To be competitive nationally, we have to play the best.”
– John Galloway, Jacksonville Lacrosse Head Coach
While it’s still early in the 2022 season, it looks like the hard work is starting to pay off for Galloway and the Dolphins. They upset Duke for their first upset in team history and they defensively dominated the game until a late scoring run by Duke near the end of the game. Even after the historic win, Galloway reflected on how important of these games have been for his program over the last few seasons.
“Today was obviously a special moment, not only for the guys on the sideline, but for everyone who has ever put on a Jacksonville jersey. I want to thank Coach Danowski, I am thankful that he gives programs like JU a chance, because he certainly doesn’t have to.”
– John Galloway, Jacksonville Lacrosse Head Coach
While some teams can experience a hangover after a huge upset win, Jacksonville was focused and won the next two games leading up to another big showdown against a ranked opponent being No.16 Denver.
The Dolphins secured another big road while Jack Hannah found his scoring touch, the Dolphins defense was able to slow down the rest of the Pioneers offense and hold Denver to just 9 goals. Once again, Galloway understood the magnitude of the game for his program, not just because of the quality of program they just defeated, but because they had an even bigger challenge still ahead, playing another game the following morning.
“Today was a heavyweight battle between two talented teams. I have had the fortune of growing up watching Coach Tierney, and his program is one we strive to be as we build our culture. I am happy for our guys, but also aware that we can’t dwell on today. Air Force is an incredibly athletic team that is always tough to play at home. Our ability to re-focus and re-charge will be the next test this team has to face. I’m excited for them to answer that challenge.”
– John Galloway, Jacksonville Lacrosse Head Coach
If a team lost the second game of a back to back weekend slate, especially after another program defining win, you might cut that team some slack. However Jacksonville wasn’t looking for excuses and they wanted to make sure they left Colorado 2-0.
“Today was a character win from our group. To win back to back games, much less against a military institution, is not easy. While the script of the game wasn’t perfect, we continued to find ways to get going when Air Force made it hard.”
– John Galloway, Jacksonville Lacrosse Head Coach
It’s moments like these that can make a good team become a great team. Jacksonville has been trending upwards for the last few years, and while Coach Galloway might say that the program still has a long ways to go, the 2022 Dolphins have a chance to cement Jacksonville as one of top lacrosse programs in the nation.
