Bates Resigns to Become Next Men's Lacrosse Head Coach at Princeton
Philadelphia – Chris Bates, the head coach of the Drexel men’s lacrosse team for the past 10 seasons, has resigned to accept Princeton’s University’s head coaching position. Princeton has won six national championships in men’s lacrosse since 1992.
During his 10 years at Drexel, Bates helped lead the resurgence in Drexel lacrosse. The Dragons have won a share of the Colonial Athletic Association regular season title twice in the last three years. They have also been a regular in the top 25 for the past three seasons. In 2007, Bates and his team defeated top-ranked Virginia in Charlottesville. It was the first time any Drexel team in any sport defeated the top-ranked team in the nation.
"Drexel Athletics wishes Chris Bates the best of success and thanks him for investing in Drexel and building a winning and competitive lacrosse program over the last 10 years," said Drexel Athletics Director Dr. Eric Zillmer. "Today, Drexel has a great tradition in lacrosse, attractive facilities, and Drexel University is a very interesting place at which to attend school and work. Thus, I am convinced that we will be able to hire a dynamic and successful coach who will continue the momentum that we have enjoyed under coach Chris Bates," Zillmer said.
Bates, a two-time CAA Coach of the Year, has coached two All-Americans, 25 All-Conference selections, a conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Four of his players were named the league’s Rookies of the Year and seven were selected to the All-Rookie team.