GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Chris Roach has been named the new assistant coach for the Tusculum University men's lacrosse program announced TU head coach Richard Carrington.
Roach, a native of Boxford, Massachusetts, comes to Tusculum from his alma mater, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he served as a defensive assistant during the 2018 season. SNHU featured one of the youngest defensive units in the Northest-10 Conference last year, but under Roach's tutelage, the unit yielded one Northeast-10 Conference All-Rookie Team selection and one New England Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (NEILA) Division II All-New England Team selection.
"After receiving interest from several qualified candidates, Chris Roach emerged as a standout and quality young coach," Carrington said. "In Chris Roach, we know we're getting someone who is a true student of the game. I am excited for him to inject new life into our scouting and defensive efforts."
As a collegiate student-athlete, the former Penman graduated with a degree in sport management in 2014. Roach was a four-year starter on the lacrosse team and served as team captain during his senior year.
During his freshman campaign, Roach was named to the Northeast-10 Conference All-Rookie Team. He received another honor during his senior year as he was selected to the NEILA Division II All-New England First Team as a long stick midfielder.
Roach finished his collegiate career with two goals, three assists, 69 caused turnovers and 133 groundballs, which was good for fifth all-time in program history.
"I'm very excited to join the Pioneer family at Tusculum University. It's a great opportunity to work with a fantastic staff, while having the facilities and resources needed to build a highly competitive program. I want to thank the administration and Coach Carrington for affording me this opportunity, and I can't wait to get started."
Prior to returning to SNHU to coach, Roach served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator at NCAA Division III Regis University, located in Weston, Massachusetts. While at Regis, Roach helped the Pride to New England Collegiate Conference Championships in 2016 and 2017. That stint also produced one conference player of the year, seven all-conference performers, and the 2016 NCAA Division III Save Percentage Statistical Championship.
Roach earned a Master of Science degree in organizational and professional communication from Regis in 2017.
