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Kevin Cassese Leads UVA to ACC Title, First-Round Loss

5/28/2026

Summary

Cassese Named Coach

Kevin Cassese was promoted to head coach of Virginia men’s lacrosse.
The Cavaliers captured the ACC championship after missing the 2025 NCAA tournament, finished 10-7, and ranked sixth in goals per game (14.06).
Virginia fell to Georgetown in the NCAA tournament’s first round.
Cassese said the program will retain its roster, use the transfer portal sparingly, and named John Schroter, Ryan Colsey, McCabe Millon and Brendan Millon as All-ACC honorees.

Summary

Cassese Promoted Coach

Carla Williams, UVA Director of Athletics, announced Cassese’s promotion on May 27, 2026.
Cassese coached Lehigh from 2008-2023 and was Duke’s interim coach in summer 2006.
Connor Shellenberger became a three-time Tewaaraton finalist, a four-time USILA First Team All-American, and was selected second overall in the 2024 PLL Draft.
Virginia led the nation in assists per game (9.59) and topped the ACC with 23.65 points per game in 2025-26.

Summary

Cassese Remains

Kevin Cassese’s wife Katie and their three children will remain in Charlottesville, providing family stability.
Cassese, a National Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee who earned three All-American honors at Duke, served as Duke’s interim head coach in 2006 after Duke head coach Mike Pressler resigned amid a criminal investigation.
Virginia’s lacrosse program is tied with Princeton for third-most national championships, each holding seven titles.

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Cassese Named Coach

Kevin Cassese was promoted to head coach of Virginia men’s lacrosse.
The Cavaliers captured the ACC championship after missing the 2025 NCAA tournament, finished 10-7, and ranked sixth in goals per game (14.06).
Virginia fell to Georgetown in the NCAA tournament’s first round.
Cassese said the program will retain its roster, use the transfer portal sparingly, and named John Schroter, Ryan Colsey, McCabe Millon and Brendan Millon as All-ACC honorees.

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