Simon Connor returns to the Villanova sidelines for his 13th season as the top assistant on Michael Corrado's staff and his ninth as Associate Head Coach for the 2018-19 season. Connor was promoted to his current position in June, 2010.
Throughout his duration under Corrado, Connor has helped Villanova reach national recognition as one of the top lacrosse programs in the country. He is heavily involved in all aspects of the program and is directly responsible for the inception and direction of the offense, preparing scouting reports, designing game plans, assisting in player development and acting as the recruiting coordinator.
The 2018 season marked the seventh-straight year Villanova has qualified for the BIG EAST tournament; the most of any current member of the league. Connor has helped lead the team to eight conference tournaments over the past nine seasons as a member of both the BIG EAST and CAA conferences and guided Villanova to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2009, 2011, and 2018. Villanova's squads have consistently played the best competition in the nation and the Wildcats strength of schedule has ranked in the top-5 in the NCAA every year dating back to 2009 according to laxpower.com. Additionally, in 2014 Connor was chosen to coach in the prestigious USILA North/South All-Star game alongside head coach Mike Corrado, where the staff led the South squad to a convincing 16-10 victory over the North.
Connor has led several players to individual accolades since being appointed associate head coach. Over the past 12 seasons, eight student-athletes have earned USILA All-America honors, seven have been earned conference major honors and a total of 55 have been chosen for all-conference laurels. Also during his time at Villanova eight student-athletes have earned USILA Scholastic All-American honors.
Nationally, Connor has guided 14 former players into the professional lacrosse ranks in Christian Cuccinello, Jack Curran, Jake Froccaro, Danny Seibel, John Moderski, Thomas Croonqquist, Remington Pope, John LoCascio, Kevin O'Neil, Nick Doherty, Kevin Cunningham, Brian Karalunas, Eric Heidenberger and Mikey Haas. LoCascio, Rice, Karalunas and Cunningham were all chosen to the 2014 FIL Team USA Tryout Pool prior to the World Championships in Denver, Colo.
Connor, a midfielder for the Wildcats in 2001-02, battled injuries throughout his time as a student-athlete before compartment syndrome sidelined his playing career at the end of his sophomore season. He began his coaching career as the head assistant and offensive coordinator at Harriton High School in Rosemont, Pa. before becoming the offensive coordinator at Whittier College in California. In his one year at Whittier, the Poets finished with an 8-7 record.
A 2004 Villanova alumnus, Connor holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He currently resides in Philadelphia, Pa.
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