Vincent Culpepper Elevated to Head Coach at Hampton

On Sunday, Hampton athletics announced the promotion of Vincent Culpepper to head coach of the men's lacrosse program. 

Culpepper, who joined the Pirates as offensive coordinator in 2023, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of program development to his new role.

"We are excited to have Coach Culpepper lead our men's lacrosse program," said Anthony D. Henderson Sr., Hampton University's athletic director. "His dedication to the sport and commitment to our student-athletes align perfectly with our vision for the future of Hampton lacrosse."

Before his tenure at Hampton, Culpepper served as the director of lacrosse operations at North Carolina, where he managed the day-to-day operations of a top-20 program. His coaching journey includes launching the first Division III men's lacrosse program at Cairn University, where he served as head coach from 2019-22, doubling the roster size and achieving program-first victories. Additionally, Culpepper held coaching positions at Wabash College and Xenia High School, contributing to record-breaking seasons and successful player development.

A native of Indianapolis, Ind., Culpepper is a 2015 graduate of Indiana University, where he earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a minor in Kinesiology Coaching. As a player, he was a second-team all-conference midfielder for the Hoosiers' lacrosse program.

"It's an incredible honor to be named head men's lacrosse coach at Hampton University,” said Culpepper. “This program represents something much bigger than the game — it embodies the dream of the late Hamptonian Michael Crawford, who envisioned building a lacrosse program at Hampton.

“I want to thank President Darrell K. Williams, Athletics Director Anthony D. Henderson Sr., and the search committee for believing in my vision and entrusting me with the future of the program. I'm excited to lead, to serve and to develop men who will compete with relentless effort and uncommon belief, while representing Hampton with pride — in the classroom, in the community and on the field. Now it's time for Hampton to shock the world!"

Culpepper and his wife, Ariel, reside in Hampton, Va.