NEWPORT NEWS, Va. -- Zach Thomas has been elevated to the position of Assistant Head Coach of the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse program after serving as a vital member of the Captains' coaching staff since 2013.

Since arriving in Newport News, Thomas has helped transform the men's lacrosse program into a consistent contender on the national stage. During his career, he has helped lead Christopher Newport to four NCAA Tournament berths, including two trips to the Final Four. Among his work on the sidelines, he has served as the chief architect of the Captains' record-setting offensive attack.

"Zach's loyalty to Christopher Newport University and his tireless efforts make this promotion well deserved," said head coach Mikey Thompson. "Zach is a true competitor, and he knows and loves the game of lacrosse. Our student-athletes are fortunate to have him leading the way, and the best is ahead for Coach Thomas and the Captains!"

During his time with the program, Thomas has helped Christopher Newport compile a 127-46 record. The Captains have won at least 10 games in each of his nine full seasons on the sidelines, including a 19-3 ledger in 2023. Among the highlights during Thomas' tenure, the team has spent five weeks ranked first in the USILA National Coaches Poll while registering 21 victories against top-20 foes.

Making their mark on the national stage, the Captains advanced to the Final Four in 2021 and 2023. The program also reached the third round of the NCAA Tournament in 2018 before making a run to the Elite Eight in 2022.

Setting the tone on the offensive side of the ball, Thomas has built one of the nation's leading attacks. In 2022, the Captains averaged 19.10 goals per game, which ranked fourth in the NCAA. Overall, the squad has slotted among the top-25 in scoring offense in three of the past four years.

Fittingly, 19 players have earned All-American accolades under Thomas' watch, including Dylan Rice and Andrew Cook, who were honored as the Regional Offensive Players of the Year in 2022 and 2023.

Equally decorated in his own right, Thomas was celebrated as a member of the IMLCA Region 3 Coaching Staff of the Year in 2021 and 2022.

Prior to joining the Captains, Thomas was a standout coach and player at Roanoke. He served as an assistant on the coaching staff from 2010-13, including a trip to the NCAA Semifinals in 2011. Meanwhile, during his playing days, he earned a pair of All-American citations and left the program ranked in the top-five in career points and goals.

For his work in Salem, Thomas was inducted into the Roanoke Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.

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