Old Westbury, N.Y. - NYIT lacrosse assistant coach Karl Hedstrom received his first coaching honor as he was recognized by the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) as the 2012 Outstanding Assistant Coach of the Year for NCAA Division II. Hedstrom was honored a the IMLCA/Nike Awards Luncheon at the IMLCA Convention in Baltimore on December 7.
"It is definitely an honor to have been in the room with all these amazing coaches," said Hedstrom. "To be selected by my peers for this award is very humbling. I have to thank Coach Dunn for giving me the opportunity to work here at NYIT."
"Karl has been a force behind our defense, face off, and goalie play for the last five years," said NYIT head lacrosse coach Bill Dunn. "It was a pleasure to see him recognized by the IMLCA coaches for the work he has put in during that time and to represent NYIT the way he has during his tenure."
Hedstrom joined the Bears in 2009 and in his first season he directed NYIT to a No. 9 nationally ranking in scoring defense. Since then, he has coached several All-Americans, an ECC Goalkeeper of the Year in Billy McGee, and several All-East Coast Conference selections including Pete Raab, who led the nation in 2010 in face off percentage (.713), and McGee, who led the nation in 2012 in save percentage (.653).
Hedstrom attended Hofstra University, where he was a member of the lacrosse team from 1993-1997. At Hofstra he was a member of three NCAA Division I lacrosse playoff teams, Hofstra's first NCAA quarterfinalist team, and was awarded with the Steve Carlin Award in 1997 (Hofstra lacrosse's Unsung Hero Award).
The Bears open the 2013 season on Sunday, Feb. 17 when they host the Greyhounds of Assumption College. Face off is scheduled for Noon at President's Stadium.
Provided by the NYIT Sports Information Department.
