VMI Hires Taylor Mendoza as Head Men's Lacrosse Coach

VMI went crosstown to find its next men’s lacrosse coach. The military college announced Friday that Taylor Mendoza will take the reins. Mendoza spent the past five years in Lexington, Va., as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at neighboring Washington and Lee.

“As we went through the process it was clear that Taylor Mendoza was the right leader for our lacrosse program, and the right coach to continue the legacy of VMI lacrosse,” VMI athletic director Jamaal Walton said. “His approach towards developing a winning program on and off the field was impressive.”

W&L has compiled a 74-27 record (73.3 percent) during Mendoza’s five seasons on the staff, a stint that includes a pair of ODAC championships and a run to the 2024 NCAA Division III semifinals. He was named the IMLCA Division III Outstanding Assistant Coach after being named a finalist for the same honor in 2022 and 2023.

Mendoza takes over at VMI for James Purpura, who left in June to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State.

“It is a great honor to have this opportunity to lead and forge a new chapter in the VMI lacrosse program’s history,” Mendoza said. “Virginia Military Institute stands as one of the finest leadership institutes in the country and it is a privilege to join a community that values honor, character and service.”

Mendoza previously served as the director of lacrosse operations at Penn State (2018-21), assistant coach at Amherst (2016-17) and assistant coach at Skidmore (2014-15).

He played midfield at Cortland, graduating in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in business economics. The Red Dragons were 56-5 during his time as a player, making it to the 2012 NCAA Division III championship game.