Reading, Pa. (August 27, 2021) - Alvernia University Director of Athletics
Bill Stiles announced on Friday the hiring of Michael Sullinger as the next head coach of Alvernia's Men's Lacrosse program.
Sullinger joins Alvernia's staff following six seasons as a full-time assistant coach at Randolph-Macon University in Ashland, Virginia.
"I was extremely pleased with the [men's lacrosse head coach] candidate pool," said Stiles. "Michael stood out because of his significant experiences as a full-time assistant coach, including being part of a staff that rebuilt the program at Randolph-Macon into a perennial ODAC contender. Michael's experience coaching in this region, as well as in the Centennial Conference, was also attractive."
Sullinger was a member of the Randolph-Macon coaching staff that turned the Yellow Jackets into a consistent postseason contender in the powerhouse ODAC conference.
Under Sullinger's assistance as the Offensive Coordinator of the Yellow Jackets, Randolph-Macon produced winning seasons in 2018 and 2019. In 2020, Randolph-Macon was a nationally ranked team and started the season out 7-0 before the remainder of the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
"In addition to his coaching experience, Michael's values closely align with the Mission of Alvernia, including the commitment to family and lifelong learning," added Stiles. "He understands the role lacrosse plays in developing characteristics that will serve student-athletes well in their family life and in their professional careers."
In 2019, Sullinger developed an offense that scored over 204 goals for the Yellow Jackets - the most in the program in six years. Randolph-Macon's offense also tallied 149 assists that same year, which is believed to be more assists in a single season in over 20 years.
Prior to the cancelation of the 2020 season, the Yellow Jackets led the nation in assists with 76 and were sixth in the nation with a 37.8% shooting percentage.
While at Randolph-Macon, Sullinger mentored 20 All-ODAC athletes, two All-Americans, four Scholar All-Americans, and the 2019 ODAC Men's Lacrosse Scholar Athlete of the Year.
Sullinger was also responsible developing scouting reports, recruiting coordination, fundraising, and academic advising with the Yellow Jackets.
Prior to his time at Randolph-Macon, Sullinger was an assistant coach at Muhlenberg College, a member of the Centennial Conference, in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
"I am incredibly honored to be named the Head Coach of the Alvernia University Men's Lacrosse team," said Sullinger. "Throughout the interview process with the entire Alvernia community - from the administration to the students, I felt right at home."
"I would like to thank Bill Stiles and the search committee for the opportunity to lead Alvernia's Men's Lacrosse program," added Sullinger. "I am thankful for my family and friends for their continued support throughout my coaching journey. I am grateful for Coach JB Sheridan and the rest of the Randolph-Macon Men's Lacrosse program for helping me grow during my time there, as well as Coach Justin Axel for the guidance he has provided me through the years."
A 2013 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Sullinger earned his Bachelors of Science in Sports and Leisure Management with a concentration in Sports Performance. Sullinger was a four year member of the Eastern Connecticut State Men's Lacrosse team as an attack. He earned All-Little East honors twice, including First Team honors in 2012 with a conference-leading 81 points and 36 assists. Sullinger went on to earn his Masters of Science in Coaching Education at Ohio University in 2019.
"I look forward to working with the student-athletes in the men's lacrosse program to establish a standard of both high academics and athletics and the Division III level," said Sullinger. "I'm excited to build relationships with student-athletes, connect with recruits, and get involved in the Alvernia community - especially with alumni. I am eager to compete in the MAC Commonwealth with some of the best programs in the country.
Sullinger begins at Alvernia immediately. Alvernia's 2022 season is set to begin in February.
