HAMPTON, Va. — Chazz Woodson, a former Major League Lacrosse standout and Hampton Roads native, was announced today as the new Hampton University Head Men's Lacrosse Coach.

"It is my extreme pleasure to welcome Mr. Chazz Woodson to the Hampton University family," said Hampton University Director of Athletics Eugene Marshall Jr. "He comes highly recommended and with an impeccable background in lacrosse.  I am looking forward to seeing him with his team this year."

Woodson joins the Pirates after serving as the program director and head boys' varsity coach at the Ransom Everglades School in Coconut Grove, Fla. He recruited and managed the coaching staffs of two middle school and two high school teams, along with practice and game planning for the varsity team.

"What an honor and a blessing it is to come full circle and find myself back home in Hampton Roads," said Woodson. "I am exceptionally grateful to Hampton University President Dr. William R. Harvey for inviting me to join the Hampton University family, and the proud tradition of excellence that has characterized this school for so many years."

"I'd also like to thank Mr. Marshall for trusting me with the direction of a program that is the most unique in the country and, in my opinion, arguably the most important in lacrosse right now," Woodson added. "I'm excited to work with him and his staff to build a program that exemplifies the University's dedication to the promotion of learning, building character, and preparing students for positions of leadership and service."

Woodson had a stellar career at Brown University, where he graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Educational Studies with a focus on Human Development. While at Brown, he scored 71 goals in 54 games, and he was a two-time All-Ivy League, All-New England and team offensive MVP.  He was named to the Brown University All-Decade team for 2000-09.

"It's also important to acknowledge the work that was done by the men who preceded me, Coach Carter and Coach Devoe, and of course Mrs. Crawford," Woodson said. "Their commitment to the men of this program is what has ultimately provided me an opportunity to to step into this position of servantship."

Woodson had a lengthy professional career after being selected 19th overall in the 2005 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Collegiate Draft by Long Island. He had stops in Long Island, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago, Chesapeake and Florida with the MLL. Throughout his 10-year career, he was recognized as one of the most exciting players in the game.

Off the field, Woodson is well entrenched in the lacrosse community. He is an at-large board member for U.S. Lacrosse. He is an owner and director for Sankofa Lacrosse Foundation, which is focused on supporting efforts to expand the reach of the game, particularly in economically challenged areas.

Woodson grew up in Norfolk, Va., and attended Norfolk Academy until 2000 when he played his senior year at the Blue Ridge School in Charlottesville.

The chance of his first collegiate coaching job and near where he grew up was one that Woodson couldn't pass up.

"It's an exciting new challenge for me. But coaching is fundamentally about building and maintaining relationships. That holds true no matter what sport or what level, and it's not new to me at all. So, I'm looking forward to getting started, he said.