Jake Coon has built a remarkable career defined by excellence, consistency, and a deep commitment to the game of lacrosse. A three-sport standout in football, wrestling, and lacrosse, Coon was born and raised in Homer, New York, where his passion for athletics first took root. He credits the guidance, persistence, and genuine care of his high school coaches for shaping not only his athletic success, but also his three-decade journey as both a player and a coach.

A Legacy of Excellence in Lacrosse, Leadership, and Coaching

That early foundation of mentorship and accountability would become the cornerstone of a career that continues to influence players at every level of the sport.

Collegiate Playing Career at Nazareth College

Coon graduated from Nazareth College in 2001, leaving behind one of the most accomplished playing careers in program history. As a member of the Golden Flyers, he helped lead the team to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including trips to the NCAA Division III Championship games in 1997 and 1998. Nazareth captured the national title in 1997, marking a defining moment in Coon’s collegiate career.

A dominant presence in goal, Coon earned four All-American honors, served as a two-year team captain, and was named NCAA Division III Goalie of the Year twice. His leadership, consistency, and competitive edge set the standard for those who followed and firmly established him as one of the elite players of his era.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Nazareth College inducted Jake Coon into its Hall of Fame in 2009.

Transition to Coaching and Early Success

Immediately after graduation, Coon returned to Nazareth College to begin his coaching career. From 2001 to 2005, he served on the Golden Flyers’ coaching staff, working directly with the goalies and defensive unit. During his five seasons on staff, Nazareth reached the NCAA Tournament four times and advanced to the National Championship game in 2004.

Coon’s attention to detail, player development skills, and ability to connect with athletes quickly distinguished him as a rising coach.

Division I Experience at UMass-Amherst

Under the influential mentorship of Scott Nelson, Rob Randall, and Ben Weinburg, Coon continued to expand his coaching expertise. He earned an opportunity at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst, where he spent four seasons (2006–2009) as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator under longtime head coach Greg Cannella.

In 2006, Coon helped guide the Minutemen to their first-ever NCAA Division I National Championship game appearance, a milestone achievement for the program and a defining moment in his coaching résumé.

Professional Playing Career

Alongside his collegiate and early coaching pursuits, Coon competed at the professional level. He played for the Rochester Knighthawks of the National Lacrosse League from 2000 to 2003. He also competed in Major League Lacrosse, playing for the Rochester Rattlers from 2001 to 2005 and later for the Boston Cannons from 2005 to 2009.

His professional experience further shaped his understanding of the game and strengthened his ability to teach it at the highest levels.

Historic Success at RIT

Currently, Jake Coon is entering his tenth season as head coach of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Men’s Lacrosse Team. During his first nine seasons, he has led the Tigers to an extraordinary 166–21 record, a winning percentage of nearly 89 percent. Under his leadership, RIT has captured nine consecutive conference titles, earned nine straight NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, and reached the National Championship game twice, in 2013 and 2017.

Coon stands as the winningest coach in program history and one of the most successful coaches in Division III lacrosse.

His individual accolades reflect that success. In 2011, he was named United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Coach of the Year. In 2013, he earned Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association Division III Coach of the Year honors. Over his tenure, Coon has coached 63 All-Americans, multiple national positional players of the year, 101 All-Conference selections, and eight consecutive conference Players of the Year.

Continuing Impact on the Game

Beyond the collegiate level, Coon remains deeply invested in growing the game. Most recently, he founded an Upstate New York lacrosse club team, the Grizzlys, creating new opportunities for player development and competition. He is also actively involved in his sons’ youth lacrosse programs within the Honeoye Falls–Lima School District.

Jake Coon resides in Honeoye Falls with his wife Kara and their sons, Jackson and Colson. Whether coaching at the national level or mentoring young players at the grassroots level, Coon continues to lead with integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.