Prep Lacrosse Brings Alums Back to the Fold

When Dan Keating returned to the Prep to take over as head coach of the lacrosse program, he knew that alumni were going to play a key role. “Because I didn’t go to the Prep, I think that it’s important that we have our alums around to share their experiences with our current players,” says Keating, who played lacrosse at Episcopal Academy and Duke University. His experience with the Prep began in 2006 when he began a three-year tenure as head coach before moving on to Malvern Prep and eventually transitioning to the college ranks with roles coaching at Lehigh, Stockton, and Saint Joseph’s University. When the Prep head coaching position opened up last fall, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I have maintained some great relationships with Prep alumni, especially with the guys who I coached, who were all very special to me,” Keating says. “I also always loved the mission of the school, where co-curriculars are important and encouraged. The combination of academic rigor and the importance of doing other things outside of the classroom really resonated with me.”

After being hired last fall, one of his first acts was to put out a call to the alumni to get more involved with the program, and they answered. Currently, five Prep alums are coaches, and many more have stepped up to serve as ambassadors and mentors. We asked some of these alums to share some thoughts on the importance of the Prep, Coach Keating, and the lacrosse team with us:

• Mike Hagan ’06: Prep Lacrosse has played an integral part in my life. From cherished memories on the field, to lifelong friendships, to lessons that would carry on far beyond my years as a student athlete — the impact the program has had on me is immense.
  
  Coach Keating’s first tenure at the Prep started during my senior year in 2006. His coaching style was one we were not used to, but it paid off as our class had our most successful season during our four years. It’s incredible how many memories my classmates and I still reminisce about from that one year.
  
  During my college years at St. Joe’s, Coach Keating gave me the opportunity to rejoin the program and serve on the coaching staff. Working with him provided me a strong foundation as a person and a leader that would stay with me after I graduated from college, moved on from coaching, and started my “adult life.” When Coach returned to the program and asked my availability to join his staff, it was an opportunity I could not pass up.
  
  
• Tim Browne ’12: I was fortunate enough to be a part of the 2011 PCL championship and state finalist team and all of my five brothers are Prep grads -- the youngest is a Junior on the team now. The Prep, and Prep Lacrosse specifically, had a tremendous impact on the man I am today. When the opportunity arose to be a member of this coaching staff, I couldn’t pass it up. I’m excited to be a small part of the memories these outstanding young men will look back on for the rest of their lives.
  
  
• Pat Swanick ’12: My connection to Prep Lacrosse came full circle with the return of Coach Keating. Having played for him at SJU, I know firsthand his ability to optimize the potential of his players and to create a winning culture. Coach Keating brings an unparalleled level of passion, competition and energy to work every single day. Simultaneous to Coach's hire, I knew that I wanted to be part of the program's future. When looking down the road, I envision a hardnose program that competes yearly for state championships and cultivates an energetic alumni group.   
  
  
• Ryan Neff ’14: Having played lacrosse at the Prep and Boston College, I always had an interest in the back of my mind in coaching in some capacity. I came on to the Prep staff in 2018, and I was thrilled to be asked to continue after Coach Keating arrived. Being able to coach and connect with the current and past student-athletes has been an incredible experience, while also being able to coach alongside a great group of fellow Prep alumni. This was a priority for Coach Keating and speaks volumes to the culture and foundation that he is continuing to build in the program. Being able to give back to the Prep and the lacrosse program in this capacity is a dream come true.
  
  
• Andrew Watts ’15: It is my belief that everyone who comes through the lacrosse program leaves with certain attributes: brotherhood, grit, teamwork, and a love for the Prep. That remains constant to this day. Coach Keating’s care, knowledge, and love of our student-athletes comes through every workout and practice. He has big dreams and plans for this program and expects our athletes to do the same. His knowledge of players not only athletically but holistically is impressive and does not go unnoticed by our athletes.
  
  What we demand of our guys is unique. We ask them to balance one of the most challenging curriculums in Pennsylvania, while also striving to be the best in the state athletically. It takes a special young man to be able to do this. These are the young men I wanted to be around: they are motivated, competitive, and caring. This is why I came back, so I could be surrounded by young men who are striving for the best in everything they do. 

With a strong alumni base intact, Keating really feels he can focus on the goals for his current crop of players. “Broadly, my goal is always to provide our players with a great four-year experience, not just on the field, but beyond,” he says. “I want them to leave here prepared for the next chapter.” That doesn’t mean that Keating isn’t focused on on-field success. “More specifically, our program’s goal is to pursue a Catholic League and state championship.”

In order to help his players to be prepared for the next chapter of their lives, Keating has established a mentoring program to connect his current players with alumni of the program. He says, “My motto is connection and extension. I want all of our alumni, not just the coaches, to really feel like a part of the team. In the end, it is the alumni’s program as much as it is the current players’.”