PBA: Vanatta Named Interim Head Coach for Men’s Lacrosse
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic University Director of Athletics Courtney Lovely Evans has announced Jesse Vanatta as the interim head coach of the Palm Beach Atlantic men’s lacrosse team for the 2021-22 season effective immediately.
“I would like to announce that Jesse Vanatta will be leading the men’s lacrosse program as the interim head coach for the 2021-2022 season,” Lovely Evans said. “I feel this decision is in the best interest of the program and our student-athletes. Jesse has been a part of Sailfish men’s lacrosse before its start as a varsity program as a player and coach. He plays an integral role in the recruiting process and has well- established relationships with the current student-athletes and PBA community. I am excited about the drive and determination Jesse will bring to the position. He is committed to the mission of creating Christian Game Changers and vision of the department and the academic and athletic success of the men’s lacrosse program.”
Vanatta, a 2013 graduate of PBA, has been an assistant for the men’s lacrosse program since his graduation. He served as the defensive coordinator for the club team and stayed on as an assistant when men’s lacrosse transitioned to a varsity sport in 2018. Vanatta assisted in leading the ‘Fish in a shortened 2020 season where they were on pace to win their most games in a season before the campaign was ended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I would like to thank Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, Director of Athletics Courtney Lovely Evans and Associate A.D. for Administration T.J. Budd for the incredible opportunity to serve as the interim head men’s lacrosse coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University,” Vanatta said. “What excites me most about PBA is the vision and alignment from President Schwinn and {Courtney} Lovely Evans to continue a tradition of developing Christian game-changers, as we strive for excellence on the field, in the classroom, and in our community; all things I feel the PBA community embodies making this a perfect fit for me and my family. I couldn’t be more excited to continue these traditions into our championship season this spring.”
As a student at PBA, Vanatta was a three-year captain of the club lacrosse team. He helped guide the team to their first-ever conference championship appearance as a player in 2010 and to their first national championship tournament appearance as a coach in 2013. In addition to his work at PBA, he was part of FCA Lacrosse South Florida from 2013-17 and worked with the Florida Launch of Major League Lacrosse from 2014-19.
Vanatta takes over the helm of PBA men’s lacrosse after Stephen Tempone announced his resignation as head coach on Tuesday.
Sailfish men’s lacrosse competes in its fifth season as a varsity sport in spring 2022.