Who is Merrick Thomson. What achievements has he accomplished as a player and coach. How has he impacted UAlbany’s lacrosse program. What makes Thomson a valuable asset to the coaching staff.
Merrick Thomson’s Rise to Associate Head Coach
Merrick Thomson, a former standout attack for the University at Albany (UAlbany) Great Danes, has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of collegiate lacrosse. After an impressive playing career, Thomson transitioned into coaching, bringing his expertise and passion back to his alma mater. As of 2021, he completed his sixth season as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for UAlbany’s men’s lacrosse team.
Career Highlights as UAlbany Coach
- Six seasons as assistant coach and offensive coordinator
- Instrumental in developing high-scoring offenses
- Guided multiple players to All-American honors
- Contributed to America East Conference success
Thomson’s Impact on UAlbany’s Offensive Prowess
Under Thomson’s guidance, UAlbany’s offense has consistently ranked among the best in Division I lacrosse. His ability to develop players and implement effective offensive strategies has led to remarkable team performances and individual accolades.
2021 Season Highlights
- Led team to America East Championship as No. 4 seed
- 5-1 record at home
- Victories over ranked opponents (No. 13 UMass and No. 18 UMBC)
- First in conference for shot percentage, points, and assists per game
- Second in conference with 13.85 goals per game
2018 Season Achievements
- Highest scoring offense in Division I (14.42 goals per game)
- 274 total goals scored
- Eight double-digit goal scorers
- Ten players with at least 11 points
- Connor Fields and Tehoka Nanticoke in top-15 for points per game in DI
Thomson’s coaching prowess is evident in the individual successes of his players. Connor Fields, under Thomson’s tutelage, became the second-leading scorer in DI history and earned USILA and Inside Lacrosse All-American honors, as well as the America East Offensive Player of the Year title.
Record-Breaking 2017 Season
The 2017 season marked a pinnacle of Thomson’s coaching career at UAlbany, with the team achieving unprecedented offensive success.
Key Statistics
- Highest scoring team in Division I (15.39 goals per game)
- 277 total goals
- 448 total points
- Nine double-digit goal scorers
- Double-digit goals in 16 of 18 games
This offensive juggernaut led UAlbany to its fifth consecutive America East regular season title and the 2017 America East Tournament championship. Connor Fields’ 117-point season stands as the fourth-highest single scoring season in Division I history, a testament to Thomson’s coaching ability.
Thomson’s Coaching Philosophy and Player Development
Thomson’s approach to coaching emphasizes not only offensive strategy but also individual player growth. His ability to nurture talent is evident in the numerous All-American honors earned by UAlbany players under his guidance.
Notable Player Achievements
- Connor Fields: Multiple All-American honors, record-breaking point totals
- Tehoka Nanticoke: America East Rookie of the Year
- Kyle McClancy: All-American honors
- Seth Oakes: Top-10 ranking in goals per game
- John Maloney: All-American in the midfield
How does Thomson develop such high-caliber players. His experience as both a player and coach allows him to understand the game from multiple perspectives, enabling him to tailor his coaching to each player’s strengths and areas for improvement.
From Player to Coach: Thomson’s Lacrosse Journey
Merrick Thomson’s transition from player to coach is a testament to his deep understanding and love for the game of lacrosse. His playing career at UAlbany set the foundation for his coaching success.
Thomson’s UAlbany Playing Career (2004-2007)
- Three America East titles
- First Division I NCAA Tournament victory for UAlbany
- Third Team All-American in 2007
- Program’s all-time leading scorer with 244 points (now third)
- 188 career goals (now second in UAlbany history)
- Fourth all-time in NCAA Division I history in goals scored at graduation (now seventh)
Thomson’s playing experience informs his coaching style, allowing him to relate to players and understand the nuances of high-level lacrosse competition.
Thomson’s Coaching Experience Beyond UAlbany
Before returning to his alma mater, Thomson honed his coaching skills at the Hill Academy, a prestigious prep school in Canada. This experience broadened his perspective and prepared him for the challenges of collegiate coaching.
Hill Academy Tenure
- Six years as head coach
- 68-13 record over final five seasons
- Assistant dean of students
- Academic advisor
How did Thomson’s experience at Hill Academy shape his coaching approach. The combination of athletic and academic responsibilities likely contributed to his holistic approach to player development, focusing on both on-field performance and off-field growth.
Thomson’s Professional Playing Career
Thomson’s lacrosse expertise extends beyond the collegiate level, with a successful professional career that further enhances his coaching credibility.
Professional Achievements
- Played for New Jersey Pride and Toronto Nationals (Major League Lacrosse)
- Competed for Philadelphia Wings (National Lacrosse League)
- Named Most Improved Player of the Year in 2008
- Led Toronto to 2009 Steinfeld Cup victory
- Named playoffs MVP in 2009
- Represented Team Canada in international play
- 2007 International Lacrosse Federation World Indoor title with Team Canada
Thomson’s professional experience provides him with insights into the highest levels of lacrosse competition, which he can impart to his players at UAlbany.
Academic Background and Commitment to Education
Merrick Thomson’s dedication to education complements his athletic achievements, reinforcing the importance of academic success to his players.
Educational Accomplishments
- Undergraduate degree from UAlbany (2007)
- Master’s Degree in Education Administration from UAlbany (2009)
- Member of Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (2005-2007)
How does Thomson’s educational background influence his coaching. His academic achievements likely contribute to his ability to mentor student-athletes, emphasizing the importance of balancing athletic and academic pursuits.
In conclusion, Merrick Thomson’s journey from star player to associate head coach at UAlbany represents a full-circle moment in his lacrosse career. His extensive experience as a player, both collegiately and professionally, combined with his coaching success and academic background, make him an invaluable asset to the UAlbany lacrosse program. Thomson’s ability to develop high-scoring offenses and nurture individual talent has solidified his reputation as one of the most respected coaches in collegiate lacrosse.
As Thomson continues to guide UAlbany’s offensive strategies, his impact on the program and its players is likely to grow even further. His dedication to the sport, commitment to player development, and deep connection to UAlbany position him as a key figure in the continued success of Great Danes lacrosse. With Thomson at the helm of the offense, UAlbany’s lacrosse program is poised for continued excellence in the years to come.
Merrick Thomson – Associate Head Coach – Staff Directory
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Former Great Dane standout attack Merrick Thomson completed his sixth season as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for his alma mater in 2021.
In 2021, the men’s lacrosse team experienced a season in which the Great Danes made it to the America East Championship as the No.4 seed. The team boasted a 5-1 record at home, highlighted by two wins over ranked teams – a 13-12 victory over No.
13 UMass and a 14-9 win over No. 18 UMBC. The offense was a force in the conference, ranking first in shot percentage, points and assists per game and second with 13.85 goals per game.
For the second straight season in 2018, UAlbany was the highest scoring offense in Division I with 14.42 goals per game, with the Great Danes scoring 274 goals with eight double digit goal scorers and 10 players having at least 11 points. He had two players, Connor Fields and Tehoka Nanticoke, each in the top-15 in points per game in DI. Fields, a USILA and Inside Lacrosse All-American plus the America East Offensive Player of the Year, became the second-leading scorer in DI all-time, being joined as All-Americans on offense with Nanticoke, the America East Rookie of the Year, and Kyle McClancy. Those three, joined Sean Eccles and Jakob Patterson as offensive players named America East All-Conference.
In 2017, Thomson coached the offense to be the highest scoring team in Division I at 15.
39 goals per game, totaling 277 goals and 171 for 448 points, including nine double digit goal scorers. The team had double digit goals in 16 of 18 games, as the offense helped UAlbany earn its fifth consectutive America East regular season and the 2017 America East Tournament title. Connor Fields earned 117 points, the fourth-highest single scoring season in Division I history. Fields was one of three UAlbany offensive players, along with Kyle McClancy and Adam Osika, to earn All-America honors.
In his first season as a coach with the Great Danes, his offense sported three All-Americans and ranked seventh in Division I with 12.94 goals per game. Connor Fields and Seth Oakes each ranked in the top-10 in goals per game to earn All-America honors while John Maloney also was an All-American in the midfield. Netting double digit goals in 13 out of 16 contests, the UAlbany offense helped the program earn its fourth consecutive undefeated conference season and first-ever at-large berth into the NCAA Tournament.
Previous to returning to UAlbany, Thomson spent six years as the head coach of the Hill Academy, a prep school in his native Canada. Thomson led the Hill Pride to a combined 68-13 record over the final five seasons. While a coach, he also served as the assistant dean of students and an academic advisor.
As a player, Thomson was one of UAlbany’s top offensive players of all-time. From 2004-07, he helped the Great Danes earn three America East titles and the program’s first Division I NCAA Tournament victory. He was a Third Team All-American in 2007. He finished his career as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 244 points and 188 goals, currently standing third and second respectively in those categories in UAlbany history. When he finished his collegiate career, he stood fourth all-time in NCAA Division I history in goals scored, currently standing seventh.
Thomson earned his undergraduate degree in 2007 and also earned his Master’s Degree in education administration at UAlbany in 2009.
He served as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee from 2005 to 2007.
Thomson also had a post-collegiate career, playing for the New Jersey Pride and Toronto Nationals in Major League Lacrosse and the Philadelphia Wings in the National Lacrosse League. He was named the Most Improved Player of the Year in 2008 and led Toronto to the 2009 Steinfeld Cup, being named the playoffs MVP. He also represented Team Canada in international play, leading the squad to the 2007 International Lacrosse Federation World Indoor title.
© 2023 University at Albany. All rights reserved.
Merrick Thomson – 2008 – Men’s Lacrosse
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Biography
UAlbany: Named to the Inside Lacrosse/Face-Off Yearbook Preseason All-America squad in the honorable mention category for the second straight year .
.. school’s career leader with 132 goals … third on all-time scoring list with 175 points … team captain for second time … 2006: Earned All-America East Conference recognition for the third straight season as a second-team selection … second on team in scoring with 31 goals and 11 assists … three or more goals against six opponents … season-high five points against Vermont and Binghamton … keys an offense that ranked fourth nationally at 11.73 goals per game … named conference’s co-player of the week on March 16 … 2005: NCAA Division I leader in goals at 3.38 per game, plus was second in points (4.63 pg) … became seventh UAlbany player to reach the 100-career goal mark … first-team All-America East Conference … posted fourth highest single-season point total (74) in school history … scored 54 goals, the second highest single-season mark … first UAlbany player to account for 40-plus goals in back-to-back seasons … netted four or more goals against eight teams, including a season-high seven vs.
Binghamton on April 9 … member of America East all-tournament team after registering five goals and one assist in the championship against Stony Brook … named America East player of the week three times … 2004: America East Conference Rookie of the Year … second-team all-conference selection … ranked second in goals (2.94 pg) and tenth in points (3.69 pg) among the national leaders … also led America East in both categories … established school’s freshman record with 47 goals … tied NCAA first-round record with six goals against Syracuse … set UAlbany’s single-game Division I standard with eight goals at Hartford on April 21, 2004 … also tied Division I mark for single-game points with 11 … America East rookie of the week three times … netted three or more goals against eight opponents … first Canadian player in the UAlbany program’s history … earned 2006 World Team tryout … Personal: Major is sociology with a minor in business administration .
.. left-hander had 21 goals and eight assists in a shortened season due to injury at Albany Academy … made Ontario Lacrosse Association’s rookie all-star game in box lacrosse … attended BishopRyanHigh School in Hamilton.
Statistics
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Historical Player Information
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2007Senior
Attack
6’2″
200 lbs
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2008Senior
Attack
6’2″
200 lbs
© 2023 University at Albany.
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