via Keiser press release/website

Keiser Director of Athletics Kris Swogger announced on Tuesday the hiring of Jeff Desko as the second head coach of Keiser men’s lacrosse. Desko’s promotion comes following the departure of former head coach Patrick Johnston. 

“I first want to thank Dr. Arthur Keiser, Dr. Gary Vonk, and Director of Athletics Kris Swogger for this opportunity to lead this group of outstanding young men,” Desko said. “The administration has cultivated an environment that promotes high achievement on and off the field, but more importantly Keiser University prioritizes values such as community and character development, which will help our student athletes be prepared for success in life after graduation. I would also like to thank Patrick Johnston. He built a program that had tremendous success on the field, yet what was most impressive was his dedication to building better men and creating a family atmosphere. Following Coach Johnston is an honor. He set a new standard for NAIA lacrosse, and we will expect nothing less moving forward. ‘Hardest Working, Most Respected’ will always be at the core of our program, and I am confident this year’s team will strive for it every day. I am blessed to be a part of the Keiser community and can’t wait to get to work.”

“I’m thrilled to announce Jeff Desko as our new men’s lacrosse coach,” said Swogger. “He is familiar with success at many levels and will continue to use that knowledge in the development of our program. His work with our team last season was a big influence on its success in winning their second National Championship. I look forward to watching the team’s evolution under Coach Desko.” 

Desko takes over the helm after spending the 2024 season as assistant coach with Keiser, helping the Seahawks claim their second straight national championship title. With Desko coordinating the offense, the Seahawks set school records for goals scored (309), assists (195), and shots on goal (571). Two Seahawk attackers, AJ Badik and Ryan Rundle, were named NAIA All-Americans. 

Desko joined the Seahawks from the University of San Diego, where he was the head coach. Prior to his time at San Diego, he was the Director-Coach of Blackhawk Lacrosse, the head varsity lacrosse coach at Harriton High School in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, and the assistant coach of men’s lacrosse at Becker College. 

Desko attended Syracuse University and played men’s lacrosse for the Orange under the tutelage of his uncle, five-time NCAA champion coach John Desko.  

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