Dom Starsia and UVa Agree on Contract Extension

Story Links

CHARLOTTESVILLEThe Virginia Athletics Department announced Thursday (Sept. 4) that the University and head men’s lacrosse coach Dom Starsia have agreed on an extension of his current five-year contract that will keep him at UVa through the 2012 season.

“Dom Starsia has done an exceptional job in the years he’s been our men’s head lacrosse coach,” said Virginia Athletics Director Craig Littlepage. “Dom’s contract was due to expire in 2010 and he’s very deserving of this extension. When you consider the success his teams have enjoyed on the field, including three national championships, it’s obvious that he’s an outstanding coach. With Dom, however, it goes far beyond the wins and losses. He’s a respected member of our department and the University, is highly-regarded nationally in the lacrosse community and is an important member of the Charlottesville-Albemarle community.”

Since coming to Virginia in 1993, Starsia’s Cavaliers have enjoyed a remarkable era of success that is rivaled by few programs. In addition to winning three NCAA championships in eight seasons, UVa has reached the title game twice, the semifinals five times and the quarterfinals three times. Overall, Virginia has advanced to the final four 10 times under Starsia.

Virginia’s 2006 squad will go down as one of the greatest in the sport’s history. Starsia guided the Cavaliers to an unprecedented 17-0 record en route to the program’s third national championship in eight years. UVa was dominant throughout the season, winning by an average of more than eight goals per game. The 15-7 win over Massachusetts in the national championship game was the first time in six years the final was decided by more than two goals. Eight Cavaliers were named All-America, the most in program history, while three players were named national player of the year at their position.

He is the winningest coach in UVa and Atlantic Coast Conference history with a 184-61 (.751) record. Starsia has been named the ACC Coach of the Year a record seven times, while directing the team to five conference championships.

One of the most successful coaches in the sport’s history, Starsia has compiled a 285-107 record in 26 seasons as a collegiate coach at Brown (1983-92) and Virginia. He stands sixth in college history in victories.

In May he was selected to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame and will be inducted in a ceremony in November.

“I am about to start my 17th year here at the University of Virginia,” Starsia said. “The time has come and gone in a heartbeat. My family and I have always felt the respect and appreciation of everyone in the athletic department and it has been a mutual admiration from the first day. It did not require a contract extension or public recognition to strengthen those feelings.

“My life has been full of blessings and this relationship with the University and the Charlottesville community is one of which I am most grateful. Many thanks to Craig Littlepage and Jane Miller, Marc Van Arsdale, Hannon Wright and all those who have been consistently supportive of our efforts.”