Michael DelGrande

Exemplary contributor to growth of lacrosse in metro DC area, 20-year head coach of Bullis Prep, All-Met coach of the year, Potomac Chapter man of the year, Potomac Chapter coach of the year, Worcester Polytechnic graduate, athletic director, vice president of the Potomac Chapter, coach of area youth lacrosse teams.

When Michael DelGrande accepted a position teaching math and coaching lacrosse at Bullis School in Potomac, MD in 1987, he could not have foreseen the impending explosion of interest in lacrosse in the greater Washington, DC area. As it turned out, Mike became one of the reasons for this accelerated growth.

Arriving at Bullis in 1987 as a math teacher and assistant lacrosse coach, Mike quickly emerged as a responsible educator, a professional, and a fierce competitor. Two years later, he was elevated to head coach and in another two years to athletic director of the middle school. By 1997, Mike was serving as high school boys’ athletic director, teaching three classes, and coaching four lacrosse teams, including the high school varsity.

In 20 seasons as head coach of Bullis, Mike amassed an impressive 204 victories. He coached nine players to high school All-America honors. More than 60 players of his players went on to play college lacrosse. Of equal significance, yearly participation in lacrosse at Bullis quadrupled during his tenure. Along the way, Mike established one of the premier boys’ lacrosse camps in the area, teaching over 500 youth players each summer during its peak. In addition, he coached two teams as a volunteer in the Montgomery youth program for eight seasons.

Mike is well respected by his players and fellow coaches for his character-forming discipline, his preparation, his indefatigable work ethic, and his commitment to fairness, truth, and communication. His dedication and love for the game of lacrosse is infectious. He developed lasting relationships while providing support and guidance toward the balanced development of young men who play lacrosse.

Mike was named head coach of the metro DC team in the Underclassman Under Armour All-Star Game in 2007. This recognition was one of many accolades he has received for coaching: Washington Post All-Met coach of the year (2002), Potomac Chapter of US Lacrosse coach of the year in 1999, Head Coach - National HS Senior North/South All- Star Game (1998), Head Coach - MD-VA HS All-Star Game four times, and Washington Area Lacrosse Officials Association sportsmanship award in 1995. Named Potomac Chapter of US Lacrosse man of the year in 2001 and NILA man of the year in 2009, Mike has freely given his time for clinics and youth instruction over the past 23 years.

Currently, Mike is the athletic director and varsity lacrosse coach at Chestnut Hill Academy in Philadelphia, where he resides with his spouse Heather, stepson Justin (a senior at Clemson University) and daughter Zoe.