Neal Anderson

"Coaching is about asking powerful questions and listening for opportunities ... when I lead from a place of curiosity, it empowers athletes to take greater ownership of their performance."

Under the formidable leadership of Coach Anderson, the men’s lacrosse program has been revolutionized. During his tenure, he has been dedicated to fostering the team's powerful family atmosphere that achieves academic excellence and celebrates outstanding success on the field.

Coach Highlights

As a relentless innovator, Coach Anderson is always looking for and experimenting with cutting-edge technology and coaching techniques that ensure players are physically and mentally primed for every possible advantage. Both on the field and throughout the overall college experience, the lacrosse program prepares you for success.

• Three-time GNAC Coach of the Year
• Over 150 career victories

Remarkable Achievements

The men’s lacrosse program is built on a foundation of unity, mutual contribution, and shared input. Every season sees the players helping to shape their own destiny, significantly influencing the program’s rhythm and direction. Coach Anderson goes beyond simply welcoming ideas, he integrates the team into crucial decision-making processes. This is more than a team, it’s a finely tuned machine operated by those who understand its deepest inner workings.

Team Success

• Three GNAC Conference championships
• Completed an undefeated GNAC season
• Earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament, hosting the first round
• Team members named to the GNAC All-Academic team over 115 times

Individual Athlete Highlights

The Lacrosse program’s extensive success is built on the relentless achievements of players.

• 2024: Mason McMahon '24 - Defensive Player of the Year 
• Multiple Cadets have earned various player of the year honors
• Cadets have earned spots on the GNAC All-Conference team more than 70 times

However you want to measure success, you will find it with our men’s lacrosse team.

Q&A with Head Coach Anderson

What brought you to becoming a coach for your sport?

The desire to stay connected with the game and help those interested develop into masterful players, teammates and coaches.

What excites you about this sport?

Lacrosse is the fastest game on two feet. When played to its potential, it is addictingly fun to play and beautiful to watch.

What do you enjoy about working with student-athletes?

I enjoy simplifying the game so that the student-athlete can build confidence and then find unique ways to create within it. I am thrilled to learn new ways of playing from those I coach.

What do you like about coaching at Norwich?

I love that we get to work in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The mountains of Vermont provide challenges and opportunities to work, play and live. There is a tremendous sense of community and incredible pride to call this home.

Why is Norwich a great place for student-athletes?

Our student-athletes are challenged in multiple ways off the field. Sports reward influential and effective decision-makers, and Norwich offers many ways for our students to learn and grow as decision-makers through academics and military training.

What is your approach to coaching?

Coaching is about asking powerful questions and listening for opportunities. Instruction has its place, but when I lead from a place of curiosity, it empowers athletes to take greater ownership of their performance. It's not what I know but more about what the athlete believes about themself.

What is Norwich’s approach to athletics, training, and being on a team?

Norwich demands collaboration and interdependent relationships. The Norwich student-athlete's journey is supported by multiple departments across campus. Athletics is a shining example of helping our students navigate their unique challenges by demonstrating how to communicate and problem-solve amongst a University of professionals. Norwich prides itself on being the complete teammate of our student-athletes.