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John Nostrant
Washington College Director of Athletics Thad Moore announced the appointment of Shoreman Athletic Hall of Famer John Nostrant '86 as the 12th head men's lacrosse coach in the history of the program in May 2021. A 1986 graduate of the College, Nostrant was a three-time NCAA Division III All-American midfielder and key member of three national-runner up squads during his time in Chestertown.
"We couldn't be happier welcoming John back to Washington College," stated Moore. "We are very fortunate to have someone with John's accomplishments and experience lead our team into the next chapter of Shoremen lacrosse. His passion for Washington College was very evident during the interview process and he will be a wonderful addition to our department and the College as a whole."
"I am truly honored and humbled to be named head lacrosse coach at Washington College," Nostrant said. "My time at the College was some of the most impactful years of my life. I built relationships with teammates and classmates that are as strong today as they were thirty-five years ago. I learned how to compete at the highest level and was mentored by some of the best professors and coaches in the country. I look forward to providing that same experience to the current and future members of the lacrosse team and their families. The history of Washington College lacrosse is rich and the thought of leading this program with the help and support of so many alums who share my story is a dream come true. I look forward to getting to work and continuing to build on the foundation provided by Coach Shirk and the other phenomenal coaches who have led the program."
Nostrant, who was inducted into Washington College's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002, has been the head lacrosse coach at The Gilman School (Baltimore, Md.) since his hiring in 2019. Prior to his time at Gilman, Nostrant spent 28 years at the Haverford School, an independent boys' school in Haverford, Pennsylvania. He joined the faculty and coaching staff at Haverford School and assumed the head coach position in 1991. In addition to his lacrosse duties, John was the director of athletics at Haverford for 22 years. Before Haverford, John served as the head lacrosse coach at St. Albans School in Washington, DC in 1990-1991 after serving as an assistant coach for one season. John began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Washington College, where he spent three seasons (1986-1989).
On the field, Nostrant's record of success is impressive. His teams at Haverford won 490 games and earned 13 Inter-Academic League (Inter-Ac) regular-season championships, four Inter-Ac tournament titles, and two state championships (2000 and 2005). Two of John's Haverford teams (2011 and 2015) finished their seasons undefeated and ranked #1 nationally, and he was named National High School Coach of the Year in 2015. Along the way, John has coached 36 high school All-Americans. He also served as an assistant coach for the USA U-19 world team, which won the gold medal in 2008.
An accomplished professional player for three different teams, Nostrant was selected as a Second Team All-Pro in 1991 and 1992 as a member of the Philadelphia Wings of the Major League Lacrosse (MLL). John, who played for the Wings from 1992 through 1996, also played outdoor lacrosse in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) for the Baltimore Tribe (1987) and Baltimore Thunders (1989-1991). He won three championships during his time with the Wings and played in six straight Championships all together.
Nostrant matriculated to Washington College from C. W. Baker High School, Baldwinsville, N.Y., where he had been an outstanding football, basketball and lacrosse player. John was a tremendous midfielder all four years for the Shoremen and captained the squad in 1986. As good a player as he was, it was his leadership that was so valuable to the teams that played in three of four NCAA Division III national championship games. His acknowledgement of what should take place on the field, especially during very competitive games, and his ability to motivate and guide his teammates, was an immeasurable talent.
Nostrant was selected to the NCAA Division III All-American squad three times on the Second Team. During each of his four years here, Washington College defeated archrival Salisbury. During his junior year, the team defeated both Navy and Hobart. He was selected by his teammates for the Most Valuable Player Award during his senior year.
John is the founder of John Nostrant Lacrosse Camps for youth boys and is the co-director of Mesa Lacrosse for girls and boys. John also organized the Checking for Cancer Lacrosse Tournament, which has raised money to support cancer research and families stricken by cancer.
Nostrant, who is also a member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Lacrosse Hall of Fame, holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Washington College. In addition, he holds a Master's in Education/Principal Certification from Cabrini University in Radnor, Pennsylvania.
John and his wife, Gina, have three children who have all played lacrosse at the Division I level. Oldest daughter Olivia (24) was an All-Big South Conference defender at High Point while son John (22) was an Academic All-Big Ten midfielder at Penn State. Youngest daughter Marcella (21) is currently a defender at VCU.
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