Channing Thomas joined the coaching staff of Lees-McRae men's lacrosse in July 2025 as the defensive coordinator under Head Men's Lacrosse Coach John Grant, Jr.
 
“We’re thrilled to welcome Channing Thomas to our coaching staff as the new defensive coordinator,” said Grant, Jr. “He will bring a deep knowledge of defensive systems, a strong emphasis on fundamentals, and a proven ability to develop a cohesive, high-pressure style of play that will our new direction at Lees-McRae College.”
 
“Coach Thomas has a clear vision for how we want to defend d — with toughness, communication, and discipline — and shares our core values both on and off the field.  I’m confident his enthusiasm and experience will make an immediate impact and help elevate the standard of our program,” said Grant, Jr.
 
Thomas joined the University of Bridgeport men's lacrosse program at the inception of the program and finished his third season with the Purple Knights. Thomas served as the defensive coordinator and worked directly with the faceoff specialists and goalies for the Knights men's lacrosse program. Bridgeport earned its first tournament bid in 2024 and added its second postseason appearance in 2025. In 2024, Bridgeport led the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference in caused turnovers.
 
“I am excited to join the Lees-McRae men’s lacrosse program and work under the leadership of Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach John Grant, Jr., whose reputation and impact with the lacrosse community are truly distinguished,” said Thomas. “I am thankful for this chance to contribute to a program with a strong vision and passion for development both on and off the field. I look forward to bringing my energy, experience, and commitment to the Bobcats as we continue to build something special in Banner Elk.”
 
Prior to Bridgeport, Thomas joined the staff at Averett University where he served as an assistant coach in Danville, Virginia. At Averett, Thomas was the offensive coordinator in 2022 after serving as the defensive coordinator in his first full year. He also served as the recruiting coordinator, faceoff coordinator, and directed the social media for the Cougar men's lacrosse team.
 
Thomas started his coaching career at his alma mater Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Florida where his coaching duties included assistant defensive coordinator, faceoff coordinator, and substitution box coach. Keiser ranked third in NAIA at the stoppage of the season in March 2020.
 
Thomas is a member of the Jamaica Men's National Field and Box Lacrosse Team. He competed for Jamaica in the 2023 World Lacrosse Championship and competed in the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championship. At Keiser, Thomas earned All-America status twice and was recognized to all-conference four times as a defenseman.
 
Thomas received his Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management from Keiser University in 2020 and earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Averett University.