Tom Mariano
Educator
# Tom Mariano
**College, Professional, and International Lacrosse Coach**
Tom Mariano has built a distinguished coaching career spanning more than 30 years at the collegiate, professional, and international levels. Throughout his career, Mariano has established a reputation for building competitive programs, developing elite players, and creating winning cultures.
**Collegiate Coaching Career**
Mariano spent 13 seasons as the Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Pace University, where he transformed the Setters into one of the nation's top NCAA Division II programs. Under his leadership, Pace earned multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, captured the program's first NCAA Tournament victory, and consistently competed in the national rankings. His accomplishments include guiding Pace to the NCAA quarterfinals in 2024 and earning the prestigious USILA Man of the Year Award.
Before arriving at Pace in 2013, Mariano served as the Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Sacred Heart University from 1996 to 2013. During his tenure, he helped guide the program's transition from NCAA Division II to Division I and established the Pioneers as a competitive program at the highest level of college lacrosse. He was named the 2013 Northeast Conference Coach of the Year.
**Professional Lacrosse Career**
Mariano's professional coaching experience includes leadership positions with three Major League Lacrosse (MLL) franchises: the Ohio Machine, Florida Launch, and Chesapeake Bayhawks.
He served as Associate Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel for the Ohio Machine, helping the franchise reach its first MLL playoff appearance.
Mariano later became Head Coach and General Manager of the Florida Launch, leading the team to the 2017 MLL playoffs and earning MLL Coach of the Year honors.
He subsequently joined the Chesapeake Bayhawks as Offensive Coordinator, helping the organization capture the 2019 MLL Championship. Mariano later served as the Bayhawks' Head Coach and General Manager, overseeing coaching, player personnel, and team operations.
His professional experience includes coaching and evaluating some of the game's top players while developing offensive systems and managing teams at the highest level of professional lacrosse.
**International Coaching Career**
Mariano currently serves as Head Coach of the Korea Men's National Lacrosse Team, overseeing both the traditional field and Sixes programs.
In this role, he is responsible for national team development, player identification, roster selection, tactical systems, and preparation for international competition. His work focuses on elevating Korea's competitiveness on the international stage while establishing a sustainable player development structure for the future.
With Sixes lacrosse returning the sport to the Olympic Games in 2028, Mariano is helping develop Korea's national program to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving international game.
**Coaching Philosophy**
Across every level of the sport, Mariano's approach has remained consistent: develop players, build strong relationships, establish high standards, and create an environment where individuals are challenged to reach their full potential.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill development, competitive toughness, accountability, and team culture. Whether working with college student-athletes, professional players, or national team members, Mariano believes sustained success comes from developing both the individual and the team.
Mariano currently serves as Director of Athletics and Head Boys Lacrosse Coach at Perkiomen School in Pennsylvania, bringing his extensive collegiate, professional, and international experience to the next generation of student-athletes.
