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Cairn University names Stephen Hogan men’s lacrosse coach

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The men’s lacrosse team at Cairn University is growing.

And Stephen Hogan has been appointed to guide it.

Hogan was named the head coach for the Highlanders, who are entering their third year as a program and compete in the NCAA Division III Colonial States Athletic Conference.

Hogan was previously the defensive coordinator for Cairn.

“It’s such an advantage to have already been a part of the program,” said Hogan, who is also an admissions counselor at Cairn. “I’m not going in cold. I already know everyone’s name. I feel that I’m better able to help them accentuate their strengths and work on their weaknesses so that they won’t be weaknesses anymore.”

Hogan takes over for inaugural program coach Vincent Culpepper, who left to become the director of lacrosse operations at North Carolina.

“Coach Culpepper left a great foundation for me to build on,” Hogan said. “When first he told me he’d be stepping away I was excited for the opportunity to interview for the position and I was also excited for our guys, because they’d be getting a coach who already knew them.

“I’m ecstatic. It’s a dream come true for me to be the head coach at one of the highest levels. I’m excited not only about coaching lacrosse, but also about the opportunity to help mold our players and help them grow. I can’t wait to be involved with that.”

He sees a lot of potential in the program.

“I want to continually build the program,” he said. “We have 11 freshmen coming in and we have a brand-new athletic facility, so there’s a lot to work with. I have guys who can come in and compete right away. I’m really looking forward to the season. We have talented guys on our team, guys who are ready to work and do the things they’re supposed to do.

“The conference had a little shake-up and some of the stronger teams have left, so I’m looking for us to be more competitive. For now, I just want to get the ball rolling but I want to keep growing and develop players who want to help this program become really special, guys who really want to go out there with ‘Cairn’ on their chests.

“I would like to see us at the top of the conference and competing for championships and ultimately getting into the NCAA tournament. I want other teams to not want to play us, because they know that we’re good and we’re tough and we work hard.”

A 2016 graduate of Central Bucks West, Hogan was a four-year letter winner for the Bucks, a team captain and a Suburban One League first team selection at goaltender.

He went on to Chestnut Hill College, where he graduated in 2020 with a degree in psychology with minors in both English literature and religious studies. While playing for the Griffins, he was named the CCAC goaltender of the week multiple times. He also received the Yeardley Reynolds Love Unsung Hero Award, a national award that recognizes accomplishments of student-athletes who help their teams achieve success in ways that may not be measured in statistics. This honor places value on kindness and generosity.

After graduation, Hogan joined the staff at Pennridge as an assistant coach, focusing primarily on goaltenders and defense. He has been coaching for Bucks Select Lacrosse Club since 2016.

The Highlanders notched their first win on April 9, topping Bryn Athyn, 10-8. They finished 2022 3-9 overall, 2-4 in the CCAC in their first full season of competition. They ended on a strong note, winning the final two games of the season. They played three games in 2021.

“We are excited and thankful to have Coach Hogan lead our men’s lacrosse team,” Cairn Athletic Director David Babb said. “What we learned during our search is that Coach Hogan believes in the values that are important to us at Cairn University. His experience working with and helping build our men’s lacrosse program has been extremely valuable, and we are looking forward to having him serve as head coach.”


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