Completed Event: Men's Lacrosse at #16 Penn on March 22, 2025 , Win , 9, to, 8 , OT
Final
Men's Lacrosse
at #16 Penn
9
8
Men's Lacrosse
Ajax Zappitello
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
Ajax Zappitello begins his first season on the Dartmouth sidelines in 2025. A decorated student-athlete at Maryland, Zappitello was a three-time All-American and the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Outstanding Player of the Year, given annually to the NCAA's most outstanding player in men's college lacrosse. Ajax's younger brother Hopper is a rising junior on the Dartmouth men's lacrosse team.
"I am beyond excited to join the Dartmouth men's lacrosse team as an assistant coach," said Ajax. "Coach Kirwan's vision and future for the program is truly something I want to be a part of and to help build. Being able to coach and spend time with my younger brother, Hopper, is extremely special and I couldn't be more fired up to be joining an incredible team and staff. I look forward to getting to work in Hanover. Go Big Green!"
In 2024, Zappitello became the first close defenseman to win the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Outstanding Player of the Year (the USILA's National Player of the Year) since 1993. He finished the season with 34 groundballs and 27 caused turnovers, finishing his career with 92 and 75 in those categories, respectively. The 75 caused turnovers rank fifth in program history. As a sophomore in 2022, Zappitello helped the Terrapins to the national championship in undefeated fashion for the first time since 2006. He was named a third team All-American that season by Inside Lacrosse and the USILA before garnering second-team honors as a junior in 2023. In Zappitello's time in College Park, the Terrapins advanced to four Final Fours, including two national championship game appearances.
"We could not be more excited to add Ajax to our coaching staff," said Kirwan. "His playing resume speaks for itself, but getting to know him beyond that has been a true pleasure and he will make an immediate impact on our program. His enthusiasm for the game is contagious and his experience and lacrosse IQ will be a huge asset to our team as he helps our defenders, develop, both individually and collectively."
In May, Zappitello became the men's recipient of the University of Maryland's Big Ten Medal of Honor. The honor is the conference's most exclusive award and was the first of its kind in intercollegiate athletics to recognize academic and athletic excellence. The Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work."
Zappitello was a two-time first team All-Big Ten honoree. In the classroom, he was named a 2024 Scholar All-American. Zappitello was selected No. 3 overall by the Maryland Whipsnakes in the 2024 Premier Lacrosse League Draft. So far this season, he is tied for the Whipsnakes' lead with seven caused turnovers, while he's collected 13 groundballs.
Zappitello joins a staff of Kirwan, recent PLL All-Star Matt Whitcher and Mikey Herring.
"I am beyond excited to join the Dartmouth men's lacrosse team as an assistant coach," said Ajax. "Coach Kirwan's vision and future for the program is truly something I want to be a part of and to help build. Being able to coach and spend time with my younger brother, Hopper, is extremely special and I couldn't be more fired up to be joining an incredible team and staff. I look forward to getting to work in Hanover. Go Big Green!"
In 2024, Zappitello became the first close defenseman to win the Lt. Raymond J. Enners Outstanding Player of the Year (the USILA's National Player of the Year) since 1993. He finished the season with 34 groundballs and 27 caused turnovers, finishing his career with 92 and 75 in those categories, respectively. The 75 caused turnovers rank fifth in program history. As a sophomore in 2022, Zappitello helped the Terrapins to the national championship in undefeated fashion for the first time since 2006. He was named a third team All-American that season by Inside Lacrosse and the USILA before garnering second-team honors as a junior in 2023. In Zappitello's time in College Park, the Terrapins advanced to four Final Fours, including two national championship game appearances.
"We could not be more excited to add Ajax to our coaching staff," said Kirwan. "His playing resume speaks for itself, but getting to know him beyond that has been a true pleasure and he will make an immediate impact on our program. His enthusiasm for the game is contagious and his experience and lacrosse IQ will be a huge asset to our team as he helps our defenders, develop, both individually and collectively."
In May, Zappitello became the men's recipient of the University of Maryland's Big Ten Medal of Honor. The honor is the conference's most exclusive award and was the first of its kind in intercollegiate athletics to recognize academic and athletic excellence. The Big Ten Medal of Honor was first awarded in 1915 to one student-athlete from the graduating class of each university who had "attained the greatest proficiency in athletics and scholastic work."
Zappitello was a two-time first team All-Big Ten honoree. In the classroom, he was named a 2024 Scholar All-American. Zappitello was selected No. 3 overall by the Maryland Whipsnakes in the 2024 Premier Lacrosse League Draft. So far this season, he is tied for the Whipsnakes' lead with seven caused turnovers, while he's collected 13 groundballs.
Zappitello joins a staff of Kirwan, recent PLL All-Star Matt Whitcher and Mikey Herring.
Men's Lacrosse vs. Brown Postgame 4-19-25
Saturday, April 19
Men's Lacrosse vs. Princeton Postgame 3-29-25
Saturday, March 29
Men's Lacrosse at Penn Postgame 3-22-25
Sunday, March 23
Men's Lacrosse vs. Utah Postgame 3-8-25
Saturday, March 08
