Griffin Harris and Holden Miller
Dennis LaGanza, a three-year player for the Division 1 University of Connecticut lacrosse team and longtime coach for Alexandria youth teams, is the new head coach of the T.C. Williams varsity lacrosse team, the athletic department administration announced on Tuesday.
The position had been vacant since the end of last season, when the former head coach left the program. James Parker, the Director of Student Activities, said at an announcement ceremony that, “We wanted to make sure we got the right person.”
LaGanza played as a defensemen through his high school and collegiate years. He worked as both an assistant and head coach for Alexandria Lacrosse Club teams for nine years. His son, Matt, graduated from T.C. last year and played varsity lacrosse, earning All-State honors in his senior year. To a crowd filled mainly with parents and players in the school program, LaGanza said, “T.C. lacrosse is as important for my family as it for all of yours.”
Laganza is one of many recent hires by the athletic administration, which is under new leadership this year. New head basketball coaches and a new swim staff were also announced earlier this year.
At the ceremony, LaGanza said that his focus as a coach would be on his players’ academic performance. “We’re going to build on the successful foundation that’s been laid here,” LaGanza said. Last season, the boys varsity won 12 games and lost three and advanced to the district finals.
