Lees-McRae College President Lee King and Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Kevin Phillips have named John Grant, Jr. as the new head men's lacrosse coach at Lees-McRae.
 
"Lees-McRae is excited about hiring John Grant as our next head men's lacrosse coach. John is a proven winner as both a player and coach at every level of lacrosse," said Phillips. "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."
 
Grant, Jr. has garnered success at the highest levels of lacrosse for over 20 years by being recognized in the National League Lacrosse League Hall of Fame, the Major League Lacrosse Hall of Fame, and the University of Delaware Hall of Fame. He is a five-time MLL Champion, NLL Champion, five-time World Champion, two-time All-America selection, three-time MLL MVP, two-time NLL MVP, USILA National Collegiate Player of the Year, and USILA National Collegiate Attackman of the Year.
 
"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."
 
In his coaching career, Grant, Jr. is a two-time world champion with Canada, MLL Champion with the Denver Outlaws (2018), two-time High School Colorado State Champion, Colorado State Coach of the Year, and Southern Conference Co-Champion.
 
In the Premier Lacrosse League, Grant, Jr. serves as the offensive coordinator for the Redwoods Lacrosse Club. He has developed and implemented a new offensive system and established relationships with current and new players.
 
Grant Jr, served as the assistant lacrosse coach at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland from 2020-2022 and was the offensive coordinator for the Blue Jays. He also held the position of assistant lacrosse coach at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado where he executed a new offensive structure and player development.
 
He was the No. 1 overall pick in the NLL Draft by the Rochester Knighthawks and Grant, Jr. competed in the NLL, MLL, and Ontario Lacrosse Association.
 
In his professional career, Grant, Jr. played in the NLL for 17 years and in the MLL for 14 seasons. He holds the scoring record in MLL history with 388 and collected 634 points. In the NLL, Grant, Jr. collected 668 goals and 778 assists for 1,446 points in the regular season.
 
Grant, Jr. graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education Studies and led all NCAA Division I players with 110 points in 1999.
 
"I look forward to getting to work right away and begin building a legacy of excellence both on and off the field," said Grant, Jr.