NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona University Director of Athletics Matthew Glovaski announced the appointment of Chad Surman as the school's inaugural men's lacrosse head coach. Surman comes to New Rochelle after serving four months as an assistant at Manhattan College following a two-year stint as head coach at Mercer University during a seven-year stretch with the Bears.
 
"After a competitive search process we're delighted to have Chad as our inaugural men's lacrosse coach at Iona University," said Glovaski.  "He has experience as a former sitting head coach and brings a great perspective on running a program.  He has a great vision for the program, recognizing the unique opportunity that we have here at Iona.  I am pleased to support him as he begins the assembly our first-ever recruiting class."
 
In August, Iona University announced the addition of men's lacrosse and women's acrobatics & tumbling as its 22nd and 23rd intercollegiate athletic programs.  Both programs will begin competition in 2024-25.
 
"I am grateful for the opportunity to join Iona University and lead the men's lacrosse program," said Surman. "During the interview process I was able to meet with many great people and could quickly tell that there is excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the sport of lacrosse. I would like to thank President Carey, AD Matthew Glovaski, and Deputy AD Tom Moran for providing me with this amazing opportunity. I look forward to hitting the ground running to build a program of national distinction."
 
Surman was named defensive coordinator and player development assistant coach at Manhattan in July 2022, joining the staff following the Jaspers' 2022 MAAC Championship win and departure of head coach Drew Kelleher. Prior to Manhattan, Surman was head coach for the 2021 and 2022 campaigns at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, in the Southern Conference. He took over the program following five seasons as assistant coach where he served as the team's defensive coordinator. While at Mercer he served as a member of the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Rules Committee and assistant coach representative with the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association.
 
Rounding out Surman's initial college coaching experience was a year at Lehigh University in 2015 where he served as a volunteer assistant coach and assistant offensive/extra-man offense coordinator. He was a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater Salisbury University in 2013 and 2014.
 
As a player, Surman played two seasons at Salisbury, appearing in 44 games with 36 starts while anchoring the Seagull defense that won NCAA Division III National Championships in 2011 and 2012. Salisbury's defense ranked second nationally both years. He began his collegiate career at Division II Le Moyne, advancing to the Division II NCAA finals as part of a defense that allowed just 3.9 goals per game. He then won a NJCAA National Title with Onondaga Community College in 2010. Surman attended training camp with the Atlanta Blaze of Major League Lacrosse in 2016.
 
Surman earned his undergraduate degree in history in 2012 and a master's degree in teaching in 2014 from Salisbury. He resides in New York City with his family.
 
The addition of men's lacrosse and women's acrobatics & tumbling follow Iona's growing investment in the student experience, including recently launching a Club Sports program, a championship-winning esports club, and welcoming its first director of performing arts to enhance creative opportunities. The acquisition of Iona's new 28-acre Bronxville, New York, campus nearly doubles the University's footprint and provides additional field space and various performance venues. Aligning with the University's brand promise to "Learn Outside the Lines," Iona students have more opportunities than ever to pursue their passions outside of the classroom, while developing meaningful relationships around shared interests.