John Grant Jr. was named Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at Lees-McRae College by President Lee King and Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips, bringing one of the most accomplished resumes in the history of the sport to Banner Elk.
“Lees-McRae is excited about hiring John Grant as our next head men’s lacrosse coach,” said Phillips. “John is a proven winner as both a player and coach at every level of lacrosse. He is a household name in the lacrosse world for his success and longevity as a professional in both the National Lacrosse League and Major League Lacrosse, and we look forward to seeing him bring our men’s lacrosse program to another level.”
In just his second season at the helm, Grant Jr. guided the Bobcats to a historic campaign that produced the most wins in program history, continuing the rapid rise of the men’s lacrosse program under his leadership.
“I am extremely grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead the Lees-McRae men’s lacrosse program,” said Grant Jr. “I would like to thank President King and Vice President Phillips for their support and for putting their faith in me.”
Grant Jr. is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in lacrosse history. Over a professional and international career spanning more than two decades, he earned induction into the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame, Major League Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and University of Delaware Hall of Fame. His accolades include five MLL Championships, an NLL Championship, five World Championships with Team Canada, three MLL MVP awards, two NLL MVP honors, USILA National Collegiate Player of the Year, and USILA National Collegiate Attackman of the Year recognition.
As a coach, Grant Jr. has continued his championship success. He has won two world championships with Canada, captured an MLL Championship with the Denver Outlaws in 2018, earned Colorado State Coach of the Year honors, won two Colorado high school state championships, and claimed a Southern Conference co-championship.
In the Premier Lacrosse League, Grant Jr. has served as offensive coordinator for the Redwoods Lacrosse Club, where he implemented a new offensive system and played a key role in player development and team culture.
Prior to arriving at Lees-McRae, Grant Jr. served as assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Johns Hopkins University from 2020-2022. He also coached at the United States Air Force Academy, where he helped redesign the offensive structure and enhance player development.
Grant Jr. was selected No. 1 overall in the National Lacrosse League Draft by the Rochester Knighthawks and went on to enjoy a legendary professional career in the NLL, MLL, and Ontario Lacrosse Association. He played 17 seasons in the NLL and 14 seasons in the MLL, where he became the league’s all-time leading scorer with 388 goals and 634 career points. In the NLL, he totaled 668 goals and 778 assists for 1,446 career regular-season points.
A graduate of the University of Delaware, Grant Jr. earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education Studies and led all NCAA Division I players with 110 points during the 1999 season.
