Matt Callahan '09 to lead Big Red boys lacrosse

The Exeter Athletics Department has announced Matt Callahan ’09 as the new head coach of the boys lacrosse program. Callahan, a former standout player for Big Red lacrosse, succeeds legendary coach Bill Glennon, who will stay on with the program as an assistant coach.

“I am humbled, honored, and excited to be named the head coach of Exeter boys lacrosse,” said Callahan. “I’ve dreamt of this position since I graduated from the Academy in 2009.”

“Matt has made an immediate impact since returning to the Academy this past fall,” Director of Athletics Jason Baseden said. “His experience as a player, coach, and mentor will send ripples throughout the team, the athletics department and the entire PEA community. We could not be more excited to have him lead our boys lacrosse program.”

Callahan steps into the head coaching role that has been occupied by just two others since 1978. Glennon has served as head coach of the program since 2014 after spending 23 years as an assistant coach under Eric Bergofsky, who was at the helm of the program for 36 years.

“Matt is an excellent coach as well as a terrific leader and mentor of young men,” said Glennon, who recognized the opportunity to transition roles during the season as optimal for the program. “I am so happy to be involved in the decision to elevate Coach Cal and continue to mentor him and serve as his assistant coach as we start the Coach Cal era. I was able to recruit Matt as a student-athlete, follow his outstanding college career, and watch him succeed as a head coach and assistant coach. It is so special to have one of our own come back home to lead a strong program with a tradition of excellence.”

During his playing career in Exeter, Callahan was a two-time all-league selection before earning All-America honors while serving as team captain during his senior season. He continued to stand out at the collegiate level at Tufts University, where as he was a two-time first team All-America, all-region and all-conference honoree. He served as team captain for the Jumbos in his senior season and was the recipient of the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association William C. Stiles Memorial Award as the nation’s top defender in 2013. Upon the completion of his college career, Callahan was selected 14^th overall by the Denver Outlaws in the Major League Lacrosse draft.

Callahan quickly got started on his coaching career, joining the Tufts coaching staff and helping lead the Jumbos to back-to-back national championship in 2014 and 2015 and third title-game appearance in 2016. Callahan moved on Brown University, where he was an assistant coach and played a vital role in coordinating the Bears’ defense and recruiting efforts. He helped Brown reach the Ivy League finals and semifinals in his two years on the staff before being named the head coach at Catholic Memorial School in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. In addition to his coaching duties, Callahan also served an instructor in history and the associate director of admissions at CM.

Now returning to Exeter, Callahan also serves as an assistant director in the Admissions Office.

“My experience as a student at Exeter was unforgettable and life-changing, and I am honored to be back on campus. I am grateful for this opportunity to lead the boys lacrosse program, the mentorship from Coach Glennon, and the chance to lead the next generation of Exonian lacrosse players.”