University of Connecticut Athletics
Steve Wagner Named Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach
8/20/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
STORRS, Conn. (August 20, 2008) - First-year University of Connecticut women's lacrosse head coach Angela McMahon has named Steve Wagner an assistant coach effective Monday. Wagner spent the last six seasons as a head coach with Division II Gannon where he earned an impressive 61-30 career record.
“I am thrilled that Steve has joined the UConn Lacrosse family," said McMahon. "He brings tremendous experience and extensive knowledge of the game, especially on the defensive end of the field. His enthusiasm and energy will be a huge asset for our program in the years to come.”
The Lady Knights recorded a winning record every season under Wagner, averaging 10.2 victories per season. The squad was ranked nationally every year, including a No. 7 ranking in the final 2008 IWLCA Poll.
"I feel very fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to become part of UConn's great athletic and academic tradition," said Wagner. "I look forward to helping head coach Angela McMahon build on that tradition while forging our own."
Wagner became one of the best coaches in NCAA Division II during his time at Gannon. His .670 winning percentage is the sixth-highest among active NCAA Division II coaches. His 61 victories equal the 10th-highest total among active coaches. Gannon players have been awarded All-America honors 15 times and all-region accolades 21 times during Wagner’s six seasons as head coach.
In 2008, Wagner led the Lady Knights to double digits in victories for the fourth consecutive season, finishing 11-4. The squad capped the season with a 13-11 come-from-behind victory against rival Mercyhurst after trailing 8-3 at halftime. It was Gannon’s fifth consecutive victory against the Lakers and improved Wagner’s record against Mercyhurst to 5-1.
Wagner came to Gannon after spending the 2002 season as the top assistant at St. Bonaventure in Olean, N.Y. Along with Atlantic-10 Head Coach of the Year Tony Zostant, Wagner helped guide the Bonnies to a 7-9 record in the program’s third season at the varsity level, including a 13-10 victory over Gannon on Oct. 5, 2002. St. Bonaventure’s seven victories set a school record for most victories in a season.
Prior to his stint at St. Bonaventure, Wagner spent the 2001 season at SUNY-Brockport. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Golden Eagles, who finished 19th nationally in goals allowed per match. SUNY-Brockport posted a 10-5 record and advanced to the SUNYAC semifinals before falling to Oswego, 8-7.
Wagner’s coaching experience also included stops at St. John Fisher College, Nazareth College of Rochester, and Brighton Central School District.
He graduated from Nazareth in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy.
