John Carroll University has announced that Chris Cooper, who has coached the sport of lacrosse at many levels, will get the opportunity to direct his own program as the second head coach in the brief history of the John Carroll University men's lacrosse program.
"Chris impressed us in many ways," said Laurie Massa, Director of Varsity Athletics and Recreation at John Carroll. "He has had a variety of lacrosse experiences at different levels, with great mentors along the way. He understands and believes in the DIII philosophy, and sees the development of student athletes on and off the field as a priority. I believe he has the ability, energy, and drive to bring our program to even greater levels of success, and will provide a great learning environment for our players."
If the first head coach (Brian Small) was hired to launch the program, Cooper has been hired to keep the program on an upward trajectory. The Blue Streaks have compiled a record of 22-11 overall (including 6-5 in the Ohio Athletic Conference) and have played in both OAC Tournaments, reaching the championship match in 2014.
A 2013 graduate of Central Michigan University, where he majored in public administration and community planning, Cooper has built an impressive resume in the ranks of an assistant coach.Â
In the fall of 2012, Cooper joined the coaching staff at Denison University. As part of Mike Caravana's staff, Cooper helped Denison to a 32-4 record in two seasons, including a 19-1 mark in 2014. The 2014 edition of the Big Red set program marks for wins, goals (320), assists (189), and points (509), and advanced to the quarterfinal round NCAA Division III Championship.
For the 2014-15 season, Cooper accepted an assistant coaching position with Princeton. Working primarily with the Tigers' defense, Cooper helped Princeton achieve a 9-6 record and a share of the Ivy League regular season championship.
Cooper was in line to serve as the assistant coach at Binghamton University before pursuing the John Carroll position.
"I would like to thank Laurie Massa for this phenomenal opportunity," said Cooper. "I am really looking forward to being a part of the prestigious JCU community.  The strong foundation laid by coach Brian Small and his assistants will allow us to continue building a successful program with strong competitive traditions both in the classroom and on the field."
In addition to his college coaching opportunities, Cooper also has international lacrosse experience to his credit. He served as the offensive coordinator for the Dutch National Team at the 2012 European Championships.
Before he began his coaching career, Cooper played on the Central Michigan squad that competed in the Men's Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA) as an undergraduate. He then spent three seasons with the Michigan State University club coaching staff. While in East Lansing, he helped the MSU lacrosse team rise from a Top-25 MCLA team to a Top-10 squad. As an assistant coach and offensive coordinator, Cooper helped in all facets of the program.
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Cooper and his family, which includes wife Stephanie and infant son Walker, have settled in the Cleveland area
