Marquette Fixture Jake Richard Named New Head Coach

Marquette did not need to look far for its next men’s lacrosse coach. The school announced Friday that Jake Richard, a fixture of the program since its inception in 2013, will take the reins.

Richard was part of the inaugural class of players recruited to Milwaukee by then-head coach Joe Amplo, graduating as a third-team All-American defensive midfielder in 2016. He has played professionally ever since and was a key part of the gold medal-winning U.S. Men’s National Team last summer in San Diego.

Richard remained at Marquette as an assistant coach under Amplo and then Andrew Stimmel, whom the university decided not to bring back for a sixth season.

“Jake has been part of every single game the men's lacrosse program has ever played and we are excited to see him run the program,” Marquette athletic director Bill Scholl said. “We were determined to find a future leader who could connect with student-athletes and alumni. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Jake and it's clear he has the ability to inspire. He articulated a clear vision for a successful program, and we look forward to seeing him implement that plan.”

Richard was a two-time team captain at Marquette and led the Golden Eagles to the Big East championship and its first NCAA tournament appearance as a senior in 2016. As a defensive coordinator, he has recruited and mentored several standouts, including his brother, 2019 Big East Defensive Player of the Year Noah Richard, and three-time All-American defenseman Mason Woodward. Both were Premier Lacrosse League draft picks.

“I love Marquette,” Richard said in an interview with USA Lacrosse Magazine last summer. “It’s a place I’m very passionate about. I’m trying to provide an experience similar to what I had. Marquette’s a special place.”

Marquette made a pair of NCAA tournament appearances under Amplo, who is now the head coach at Navy. But the Golden Eagles have not had a winning season since 2017 and are 33-47 since then. They started this season 3-0 but lost 10 of their last 11 games and did not qualify for the Big East tournament.

A Philadelphia-area native, Richard currently plays for the PLL’s Philadelphia Waterdogs and is signed through the 2024 season, which starts next month.