SPORTS

‘My dream job’

Clifford named new Hendricken lax coach

By ALEX SPONSELLER
Posted 12/7/22

The Bishop Hendricken lacrosse team recently announced that assistant coach and 2005 graduate Matt Clifford would be elevated to the head coach position next spring season.

Clifford was one of the …

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SPORTS

‘My dream job’

Clifford named new Hendricken lax coach

Posted

The Bishop Hendricken lacrosse team recently announced that assistant coach and 2005 graduate Matt Clifford would be elevated to the head coach position next spring season.

Clifford was one of the most decorated lacrosse players to come out of Hendricken, winning state titles his final two seasons while also being named to the RILCA’s First-Team All-Division squad twice.

He would later play for Division II Assumption College where he was a four-year player and is second all-time for games played for the Greyhounds. He would then return to Hendricken and serve as both the junior varsity head coach and the defensive coach for the varsity club.

“This has been a dream of mine, this is my dream job. Playing (at Hendricken) under coach (Kevin) Murray, he is someone that I strive to be like, he was a great role model. When the opportunity arose I jumped at it, I wasn’t going to pass it up,” said Clifford.

Clifford is looking forward to continuing his work with the players on the roster, most of who he has worked with directly since their freshmen years.

“Familiarity is important. With coaching, it’s about knowing how to get the best out of each individual guy. Sometimes they’re more comfortable around a familiar face and understanding what the expectations are. The expectation this year is for us to do our best. Our best should be making it to the state title game,” said Clifford.

The Hawks are coming off another successful campaign in which they reached the Division I playoffs. Although a few important players graduated, Clifford expects the team to pick up where it left off.

“As it goes, we had a few key players leave but we will have others stepping in. We have a few good goal scorers and a really strong core on defense. When I was hired, I told the team to be ready to run. They need to be in shape and ready to run because we want to be a fast team that wears other teams out,” said Clifford.

Clifford is also looking forward to blending his style with former coach Dave Haddeland, and feels that the Hawks will be a well-rounded unit.

“Coach Haddeland has an incredible offensive mind, so we’re fortunate that we can continue to run many of the same offensive schemes. I played defense during my playing days, so I am more of a defensive mind. The best offense is a good defense, so hopefully we can eliminate their best chance to score while getting to them on offense. Hopefully that also allows us to be a good transition team,” said Clifford.

Clifford, Hendricken, lax

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  • billcoty

    The Clifford family name will be on the hall's at Hendricken forever. Mat am so proud of you. Ma and dad are celebrating in heaven . Bill

    Thursday, December 8, 2022 Report this