100 Years of Dartmouth Lacrosse: A Weekend to Remember

HANOVER, N.H.-- Earlier this month, Dartmouth welcomed more than 100 alumni, parents, and friends back to Hanover to celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 100 years of Dartmouth Lacrosse. What unfolded was more than a celebration. It was a powerful testament to the enduring bonds, shared history, and deep pride that define this program.

Thanks largely to the encouragement of former teammates, and their collective affection for Dartmouth Lacrosse, alumni made the journey back to campus. They came from across the country, traveling from as far as California, Colorado, and Florida, representing classes spanning more than six decades – from the Class of 1962, including legendary All-American John Walters, to members of the Class of 2025.

A key force behind that turnout was Coach Dud Hendrick T'69, whose recruiting instincts never faded. By personally reaching out to dozens of his former players, he helped ensure that this milestone was celebrated not just in spirit, but in presence.

The weekend began Friday evening as the Dartmouth lacrosse community gathered for the Centennial Kickoff Reception. Hosted graciously by the College, the evening set the tone for what was to come, filled with reconnection, storytelling, and the unmistakable energy of teammates reuniting across generations. Senior Associate Athletics Director Jerry Hubshman, along with Head Coaches Alexandra McFadden and Sean Kirwan, welcomed alumni, parents, and friends while sharing reflections on the program's past and vision for its future.

It was especially meaningful to see members of the historic 1975 men's team reunited, alongside players from the 2006 women's Final Four team, a powerful reminder of the decades of excellence that have shaped Dartmouth Lacrosse. Past coaches and program legends were also in attendance, underscoring the deep roots and lasting impact of the sport in Hanover. Among current players, senior Maya Kendall, an All-American draw specialist, was recognized for recently breaking the Ivy League career draw control record, now totaling 447 and ranking third nationally in Division I draw controls per game.

We were honored to hear from Coaches McFadden and Kirwan, who spoke with a unified voice about the program's trajectory and the importance of building the future together.

"What an amazing weekend it was celebrating 100 years of Dartmouth Lacrosse. Thank you to everyone that helped make this event a reality and thank you to all of our parents, alums, and supporters for making the effort to get back to Hanover to celebrate. The atmosphere created on Scully-Fahey Field was amazing and gets us excited for the future as we usher in a new century of Dartmouth Lacrosse!"

— Coach Kirwan

Saturday brought the Centennial celebration to Scully-Fahey Field, where a spirited doubleheader unfolded in front of one of the largest home crowds in recent memory. The women's team set the tone with an exciting victory over Columbia, energizing a crowd that continued to grow throughout the day. Between games, we honored the senior class, recognizing their leadership and lasting contributions to the program.

On a beautiful Hanover afternoon, the energy extended beyond the field as alumni and parent tailgates blended into one vibrant community. Laughter, memories, and new connections filled the air.

That momentum carried into the men's matchup against reigning NCAA champion Cornell. In a hard-fought contest, Dartmouth battled to a 7–7 tie in the fourth quarter before ultimately falling. Despite being without injured All-Ivy faceoff specialist Spencer Reagan '28, the young Big Green squad demonstrated resilience, competitiveness, and the ability to play with anyone in the country, a sentiment echoed by many alumni in attendance.

Following the doubleheader, Coach Hendrick, along with Star Johnson '70, Bob Garry '80 P'03, and Matt Dwyer '75 P'03, hosted former Hendrick players for an additional gathering, an extension of the camaraderie that defined the entire weekend.

Notably, members of every Dartmouth Men's Lacrosse Ivy Championship team were represented, along with many from the iconic 1979 squad that snapped Cornell's 39-game winning streak. Their presence, combined with the turnout across eras, contributed to what many described as one of the most meaningful gatherings in program history.

Despite Sunday morning's rain, alumni and parents returned once more for a closing brunch. Over coffee and conversation, stories continued to unfold, of decades-old friendships rekindled, of first returns to campus in years, and of the shared experiences that continue to tie this community together.

Matt Dwyer, Chair of the Friends of Dartmouth Men's Lacrosse perhaps captured it best:

"I've been part of Dartmouth Lacrosse for more than half its existence. This weekend was the most heartwarming display of the deep affection our alumni have – for Dartmouth, for this program, for one another, and for our current players – that I've ever experienced. Coach Kirwan, his staff, and the team were deeply grateful. Stay tuned for more celebrations this Centennial year – and please continue to support the program."

For Coach Dud Hendrick, the weekend carried an especially personal significance. Reflecting afterward, he shared:

"Honestly, when I first learned of the 100th celebration, I saw it simply as that – a celebration of Dartmouth Lacrosse – not in any way a tribute to me. I was just eager to help bring together teammates and friends who meant so much to one another. But as the weekend unfolded, I couldn't help but feel deeply honored by the expressions of gratitude and friendship."

Driving home through the rain, Jean and I had time to reflect. I'm not being trite when I say this – the appreciation, the affection, the gratitude is all mine. I've been incredibly blessed to work with so many remarkable people over my fourteen years with Dartmouth Lacrosse. Thank you for being such an important part of what made this weekend so meaningful."

For 100 years, Dartmouth Lacrosse has stood for tradition, grit, leadership, and competitive excellence.

Over the decades:

The men's program has produced 177 All-Ivy selections, 106 All-Americans, five Ivy League Rookies of the Year, and an NCAA appearance in 2003, while earning Ivy League Coaching Staff of the Year honors in 2025.

The women's program has captured 12 Ivy Championships (six outright), an Ivy League Tournament title, 11 NCAA Tournament appearances, seven Players of the Year, and developed 62 All-Americans and 226 All-Ivy selections.

Today, under the leadership of Coach Kirwan and Coach McFadden, Dartmouth Lacrosse is building toward a strong and sustainable future. The men are coming off their first winning season since 2006, while both programs continue to demonstrate growth, resilience, and competitive drive.

"Thank you for helping us celebrate 100 years of Dartmouth lacrosse. It was a special weekend welcoming so many alumni, friends, and families back to Hanover. It is a true testament to the strength of this community and the legacy built over the past century. The passion and excitement across both programs make the future of Dartmouth lacrosse bright, and it's all thanks to the incredible support behind it."

— Coach McFadden

But as Centennial Weekend made clear, the strength of Dartmouth Lacrosse has always extended far beyond wins and losses.

It lives in its people – in the alumni who return, the teammates who stay connected, the supporters who give generously, and the student-athletes who carry the tradition forward.

To everyone who came back, who supported from afar, and who continues to believe in Dartmouth Lacrosse: thank you. Your commitment ensures that the next generation inherits something even stronger.

As we celebrate this centennial milestone, we look ahead with pride, momentum, and purpose.

And we invite you to continue building this legacy, together, for the next 100 years and beyond.

Schedules