via JU press release   JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Duval Mission continues. Jacksonville University head men’s lacrosse coach John Galloway has signed a five-year contract to remain with the Dolphins through the 2023 season, as announced Monday afternoon by Jacksonville Athletic Director Alex Ricker-Gilbert. “My dream when I started coaching was to work at a university that was committed to the growth of lacrosse and would support my vision of building a program that was focused on the student-athlete experience rather than just wins and losses. Jacksonville University gave our staff that opportunity, and I am thrilled to continue our mission here in Duval for many years to come,” stated Galloway. “I want to specifically thank our Athletic Director Alex Ricker Gilbert and President Cost for trusting our staff in times of trial and triumph. We have been given every tool to help compete and recruit nationally, and now it is on us to get the job done. Our players and recruits can now come to campus with the full confidence that our staff will be here waiting and ready to go to work.” In just two seasons under Galloway’s leadership, the Dolphins have seen exponential growth not just on the field, but in the classroom and community as a whole. Among his accomplishments, the reigning Southern Conference Coach of the Year has taken the program from just three wins in 2017 (3-11) to eight in 2018 (8-7) – tying the program’s single-season record for wins. Concluding the season on a high note, the Dolphins also made their first-ever appearance in a conference tournament championship. “I’m ecstatic to announce a new, long-term contract for Coach John Galloway. In his first two years, John and his staff have done a tremendous job working to turn our program into what will be a perennial championship contender,” added Ricker-Gilbert. “Even more importantly, he’s been able to implement a culture where our student-athletes are developing as young men and students first, and athletes second. Under John’s leadership, we are well on our way to establishing ourselves as the Lacrosse Capital of the South.” In the past two seasons under Galloway, the Dolphins have earned nine All-Southern Conference honors, five SoCon All-Tournament Team selections, and one Defensive Player of the Year award. In 2018 alone, seven players combined for 11 postseason honors: four First Team, one Second Team, two All-Freshman Team accolades, three All-Tournament Team selections, and the 2018 Defensive Player of the Year (Hunter Forbes). Additionally, three players were drafted to Major League Lacrosse (MLL) teams (Hunter Forbes, Ryan Beville, McLean Chicquen). Perhaps most notable during his tenure, Galloway spearheaded the return of the Moe’s Lacrosse Classic, an annual regular-season game against some of the nation’s top lacrosse programs held in Jacksonville to increase interest and help grow the game. The 2018 edition against then-No. 4 Ohio State, broadcasted by CBS Sports, marked the first time in school history that a game was nationally-televised game on campus. Galloway was also integral to the continued fundraising for the Jacksonville Lacrosse Center – a $1.875 million lacrosse locker room facility to be completed by the fall of 2018. Under Galloway’s direction, the team has also been increased its involvement in several community outreach projects. A special signing day was held in the fall for 13-year old Nathan Ream through Team IMPACT, and the Dolphins continued their annual 88 and Sunny beach volleyball tournament to benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in memory of former Dolphin Corey Lovrich. Additionally, Galloway engineered the inaugural World’s Largest Outdoor Lacrosse Party – a charity exhibition game held each fall between the Dolphins and MLL All-Stars with proceeds to benefit local causes in the community. Most recently, the proceeds went to Nemours Children’s Specialty Care in Jacksonville. With a palpable excitement surrounding the program, the future of Jacksonville Men’s Lacrosse is bright and the Duval Mission continues.