Alex Williams was named the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach at The College of Saint Rose in July of 2021. He became the program’s fifth head coach and brought six years of NCAA Division II coaching experience to the Golden Knights program.
“A new era of Saint Rose men’s lacrosse has begun and we’re thrilled to have Alex Williams leading the way for our Golden Knights. He brings instant credibility with his success as a student-athlete and coach. Alex is passionately driven and focused on establishing a championship caliber program built on relationships through accountability, trust, chemistry, and a commitment to be the best on and off the field,” said Lori Anctil, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics, at the time of his appointment.
Williams made an immediate impact on the Golden Knights program in his first season at the helm. The 2022 squad proved more efficient on both ends of the field. Saint Rose increased its offensive scoring output by nearly four goals per game, while surrendering four fewer goals on a regular basis. In addition, the Golden Knights wound up seventh in the country in man-down defense (0.78) and 15th in caused turnovers per game (10.18). The squad also produced a 3.24 overall GPA for the year.
Prior to his arrival in New York’s Capital Region, Williams spent three years as the First Assistant Coach at fellow NCAA Division II member Frostburg State in Maryland where he helped lead the Bobcats to a 22-10 overall record, including an 11-2 mark against Division II institutions.
Williams’ duties at Frostburg State focused on the defensive side of the field along with faceoffs and extra-man and man-down situations. His efforts helped the Bobcats finish second in the country in caused turnovers per game and eighth in scoring defense in 2021.
The program also produced a pair of 2021 United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) All-Americans, five USILA North All-Region players, and 11 East Coast Conference All-League performers, including the Defender and Rookie of the Year. Frostburg State was also ranked #12 in the USILA National Coaches Poll.
Prior to his tenure with the Bobcats, Williams was the First Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester from November of 2016 to January of 2019.
The Redhawks won 10 games during his time with them. Williams played a crucial role in developing and executing successful faceoff and man-down defensive units, and his recruiting efforts increased the roster from 22 to 34 student-athletes.
Williams earned his master’s in Sports Management from Frostburg State in 2021. He obtained his bachelor’s from Roberts Wesleyan in Cross Disciplinary Studies with a concentration in Business Administration in 2015.
Williams was a four-year starter for the Redhawk lacrosse team from 2012-15. As a senior, Williams started all 14 contests with 21 ground balls and 20 caused turnovers. He started 14 games and scooped up 18 ground balls throughout his junior campaign.
What they’re saying about Alex Williams:
“I am thrilled for Alex to earn this opportunity to be head coach for Saint Rose. He is a person who will be missed tremendously here at Frostburg State. Alex is a motivator, he is relatable, and he is a teacher. He finds ways to connect to student-athletes and with that understanding he can get the most out of them. It was obvious that our players wanted to play for Alex, not just because he has a whistle, but because he has their respect. A fun loving guy who knows how to get things done, Saint Rose got a great coach.”
Steve Gartelman - Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Frostburg State
“Alex has had the coaching bug since he was a player, and then as an assistant coach I could tell he wanted his own program. This will be a great opportunity for him, and one that I see him truly succeeding with.”
Rocky Delfino - Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Roberts Wesleyan College
September 22, 2021
