Men's Lacrosse Announces Changes to Coaching Staff

HANOVER, N.H. – Men's lacrosse head coach Sean Kirwan has announced changes to the coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Matt Whitcher has stepped down, and assistant coach Ajax Zappitello has been promoted to defensive coordinator.

"Thank you to all the players and staff that I was fortunate enough to work with during my time at Dartmouth. This is a special place with amazing people that I feel lucky to have worked alongside" says Whitcher. "I leave incredibly grateful for the experiences and relationships that have been formed in the last three years."

Whitcher started in July of 2023 and spent three seasons on the sidelines with the Big Green as defensive coordinator. Throughout his time with Dartmouth, Whitcher coached multiple All-Ivy players, leaving his mark on the program on and off the field.

"I want to personally thank Matt for his commitment to the Dartmouth Lacrosse Program" Kirwan says. "For three years, Matt has shown up every day with an incredible work ethic and drive to help foster tremendous growth in our student athletes and program. While it is sad to see him go, I am excited to see him continue to have success in whatever comes next!"

With this change, Zappitello has been promoted to defensive coordinator. Zappitello, who was a decorated student-athlete at Maryland, joined the Dartmouth sidelines in 2025 as an assistant coach. Zapitello is a three-time All-American. In 2024, he was the first close defenseman to win the Lt. Raymond J. Enners award since 1993.

"The minute Ajax arrived here in Hanover two years ago, Dartmouth Lacrosse got better, and this promotion will allow Dartmouth Lacrosse to continue to push forward towards our program goals and aspirations" says Kirwan of Zappitello. "A true rising star in the profession, Ajax is not only ready for this opportunity but will thrive in it. His ability to connect with our student athletes, meet them where they are, and push them to new heights is his superpower. I am so excited for every member of this program, myself included, as Ajax will continue to make us all better as we strive for championships here at Dartmouth."

Zappitello finished his career with 92 ground balls and 75 caused turnovers, his 75 turnovers ranking fifth in program history for the Terps. As a sophomore in 2022, Zappitello helped the Terrapins to the national championship in undefeated fashion for the first time since 2006. The Terps played in four final fours throughout Zapitello's career, including two national championship appearances. When Zappitello isn't on the sidelines with the Big Green, he plays for the Maryland Whipsnakes of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL). Currently, Zappitello is regarded as on of the best defenseman in the PLL and the world, being named as a 2025 All-Star and to the league's 2025 All-Pro second team.

"Huge thanks to Coach Kirwan and Dartmouth for trusting me with this opportunity— fired up doesn't begin to cover it" Zappitello says. "Defense is the part of this game I've always loved. I've been lucky — between Maryland, the PLL, and my time here at Dartmouth, I've been around coaches who shaped how I see the game, and I'm ready to pour all of it into our guys. This group has tremendous potential, and I can't wait to get on the field and start building. Go Big Green!"

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