Who is Brandon Childs and what has he achieved as the head men’s lacrosse coach at York College. How has he transformed the program into a national powerhouse. What accolades and records have his teams set under his leadership.
The Rise of York College Lacrosse Under Brandon Childs
Brandon Childs has been at the helm of York College’s men’s lacrosse program for over a decade, transforming it into a national powerhouse. Since taking over in 2012, Childs has led the Spartans to unprecedented success, both on and off the field.
During his tenure, York College has achieved:
- A remarkable 161-46 record (.777 win percentage)
- 7 NCAA Tournament appearances
- 4 National Quarterfinal appearances in the last 5 years
- The program’s first-ever “Final Four” appearance in 2022
Childs’ impact extends beyond wins and losses. He has fostered a culture of academic excellence and player development, resulting in numerous individual accolades for his athletes.
Coaching Accolades and Recognition
Brandon Childs’ success has not gone unnoticed by his peers and the lacrosse community. His achievements include:
- 5-time CAC / MAC Coach of the Year
- 2018 Francis L “Babe” Krauss National Division III Coach of The Year
These honors reflect Childs’ ability to consistently field competitive teams and develop talent at York College.
Player Development and All-American Honors
Under Childs’ guidance, York College players have received numerous accolades:
- 56 USILA All-Americans
- 25 USILA Scholar All-Americans
- 14 North/South All-stars
- 4 national position players of the year
This impressive list of honors demonstrates Childs’ ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent, turning York College into a destination for aspiring lacrosse players.
Historic 2022 Season: Reaching New Heights
The 2022 season marked a pinnacle in York College’s lacrosse history under Brandon Childs’ leadership. Key achievements included:
- Advancing to the NCAA Semifinals for the first time in program history
- Capturing a second consecutive MAC Commonwealth Championship
- Finishing the season ranked #3 in the USILA polls
- 10 players earning USILA All-American honors
- 3 players named USILA Scholar All-Americans
This historic season solidified York College’s position as a national powerhouse in Division III lacrosse.
Consistent Excellence: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
Brandon Childs has maintained a high level of success throughout his tenure at York College. Here’s a look at some of the program’s notable achievements in recent years:
2021 Season Highlights
- MAC Commonwealth championship victory over 6th-ranked Stevenson University (11-0)
- NCAA Quarterfinals appearance
- 16-2 record, ranked 4th in the final USILA poll
- School-record 9 USILA All-Americans
- 3 USILA Scholar All-Americans
- Two national position players of the year: Tyler Nation (Long Stick Midfielder) and Ryan Kennedy (Defender)
2019 Season Achievements
- CAC regular season championship
- NCAA Quarterfinals appearance
- 19-3 record, tying the school record for wins in a season
- Ranked in the nation’s top 5 throughout the entire season
- Victories over #1 ranked Salisbury and eventual national champions Cabrini
- School-record 8 USILA All-Americans
- 6 USILA Scholar All-Americans, tying Cornell for most across all NCAA divisions
2018 Season Success
- 19-3 record
- NCAA Quarterfinals appearance
- CAC regular season champions with a perfect 8-0 conference record
- 7 USILA All-Americans
- 4 USILA Academic All-Americans
- 9 All-CAC selections
- Final ranking of #2 in the nation in the USILA poll
Balanced Approach to Success
Brandon Childs’ coaching philosophy emphasizes a balanced approach to the game, resulting in success on both ends of the field. In 2018, York College achieved:
- #3 national ranking in defensive efficiency
- #6 national ranking in offensive efficiency
- #8 national ranking in scoring margin
Additionally, the team ranked in the top 10 nationally in several key statistical categories:
- Winning percentage
- Shooting percentage
- Clearing percentage
- Assists
- Ground balls
This balanced approach has been a hallmark of Childs’ tenure, contributing to the program’s consistent success.
Academic Excellence and Off-Field Development
Brandon Childs’ impact extends beyond the lacrosse field, as he prioritizes academic success and personal development for his players. Under his guidance, the York College lacrosse program has achieved:
- A program-best 3.34 team GPA in 2018
- Numerous USILA Scholar All-American honors
- Individual academic accolades, such as Ryan Cook’s 2018 DeMeester Award for the highest GPA among senior male athletes at York
This commitment to academic excellence ensures that York College lacrosse players are well-prepared for success both during their college careers and after graduation.
Building a Lasting Legacy
Brandon Childs has transformed York College into a perennial contender in Division III lacrosse. His impact on the program can be measured not only in wins and losses but also in the development of student-athletes both on and off the field.
Key factors contributing to Childs’ success include:
- Consistent recruitment of top-tier talent
- Implementation of effective offensive and defensive systems
- Emphasis on player development and academic achievement
- Ability to compete against and defeat top-ranked opponents
- Fostering a winning culture and tradition of excellence
As Brandon Childs continues to lead the York College men’s lacrosse program, the future looks bright for the Spartans. With a solid foundation in place and a track record of success, York College is poised to remain a force in Division III lacrosse for years to come.
The Impact of Brandon Childs on York College Athletics
Brandon Childs’ success with the men’s lacrosse program has had a ripple effect throughout York College athletics. His achievements have:
- Raised the profile of York College as a destination for student-athletes
- Set a standard of excellence for other sports programs to emulate
- Increased alumni engagement and support for athletics
- Enhanced the overall reputation of York College in the competitive world of collegiate sports
The men’s lacrosse program’s success under Childs has become a point of pride for the entire York College community, inspiring other teams and athletes to strive for similar levels of achievement.
Recruiting and Player Development
One of Brandon Childs’ greatest strengths is his ability to identify and develop talent. His recruiting strategy focuses on:
- Seeking players with high potential who fit the York College culture
- Balancing local talent with national recruits to create a diverse team
- Emphasizing character and academic potential alongside athletic ability
- Building relationships with high school coaches and lacrosse programs to establish a strong recruiting pipeline
Once players join the program, Childs and his staff implement a comprehensive development plan that includes:
- Individualized skill training
- Strength and conditioning programs tailored to lacrosse
- Mental preparation and game strategy education
- Leadership development opportunities
This holistic approach to player development has been key to York College’s sustained success under Childs’ leadership.
Innovative Coaching Strategies
Brandon Childs is known for his innovative approach to coaching lacrosse. Some of his strategies include:
- Implementing data-driven decision-making in game planning and player evaluation
- Adapting offensive and defensive schemes to maximize the strengths of each year’s roster
- Incorporating cutting-edge training technologies and methodologies
- Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability
These innovative approaches have helped York College stay ahead of the curve in the competitive world of college lacrosse.
Building a Winning Culture
Beyond X’s and O’s, Brandon Childs has cultivated a winning culture within the York College lacrosse program. Key aspects of this culture include:
- Emphasizing teamwork and selflessness
- Setting high standards for performance both on and off the field
- Encouraging player leadership and accountability
- Celebrating individual and team achievements
- Maintaining strong connections with program alumni
This winning culture has become self-perpetuating, with each new class of players buying into the program’s values and expectations.
The Future of York College Lacrosse Under Brandon Childs
As Brandon Childs enters his second decade at the helm of York College men’s lacrosse, the future looks bright for the program. Potential areas of focus and growth include:
- Continuing to compete for national championships
- Expanding the program’s national recruiting footprint
- Enhancing facilities and resources to support player development
- Strengthening connections with lacrosse alumni and the broader York College community
- Exploring opportunities for increased media exposure and national recognition
With Brandon Childs’ leadership and the strong foundation he has built, York College lacrosse is well-positioned to remain a powerhouse in Division III for years to come.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Under Brandon Childs’ guidance, the York College men’s lacrosse program has become increasingly involved in community engagement and outreach efforts. These initiatives include:
- Youth lacrosse clinics and camps to grow the sport in the local area
- Partnerships with local schools and organizations for mentoring programs
- Participation in charitable events and fundraisers
- Volunteer work with various community service projects
These efforts not only benefit the community but also help develop well-rounded student-athletes who understand the importance of giving back.
Brandon Childs’ Coaching Philosophy and Leadership Style
At the core of Brandon Childs’ success is his coaching philosophy and leadership style. Key elements include:
- Emphasis on personal growth and character development alongside athletic achievement
- Fostering a family-like atmosphere within the team
- Encouraging open communication and player input
- Leading by example and maintaining high standards of professionalism
- Adapting coaching methods to suit individual player needs and learning styles
This approach has earned Childs the respect and admiration of his players, fellow coaches, and the broader lacrosse community.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Brandon Childs has successfully balanced respect for lacrosse traditions with a willingness to embrace innovation. This approach is evident in:
- Honoring the history and culture of the sport while incorporating modern training techniques
- Maintaining core program values while adapting to changes in the game
- Blending time-tested strategies with innovative tactical approaches
- Encouraging players to be students of the game while also thinking creatively
This balance has allowed York College to stay competitive in an ever-evolving lacrosse landscape.
The Broader Impact of Brandon Childs on Division III Lacrosse
Brandon Childs’ success at York College has had a ripple effect throughout Division III lacrosse. His impact includes:
- Raising the overall level of competition in the division
- Serving as a model for other programs looking to build sustainable success
- Contributing to the growth and visibility of Division III lacrosse on a national scale
- Mentoring and influencing other coaches through professional development and networking
As a respected figure in the lacrosse community, Childs has helped elevate the profile of Division III lacrosse and demonstrate the high level of talent and competition present at this level of play.
Preparing Players for Life After Lacrosse
One of Brandon Childs’ primary goals is to prepare his players for success beyond their college lacrosse careers. This preparation includes:
- Emphasizing transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management
- Providing networking opportunities with program alumni and supporters
- Encouraging internships and career exploration alongside athletic commitments
- Teaching life lessons through the challenges and triumphs of competitive sports
By focusing on holistic development, Childs ensures that York College lacrosse players are well-equipped for success in their future endeavors, whether in professional careers, graduate studies, or other pursuits.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence
Brandon Childs has established himself as one of the premier coaches in Division III lacrosse during his tenure at York College. Through his leadership, innovative coaching strategies, and commitment to player development, he has transformed the Spartans into a perennial national powerhouse.
Key highlights of Childs’ legacy include:
- Consistent success on the field, including multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a Final Four berth
- Numerous individual accolades for players, including All-American honors and national position player of the year awards
- A strong emphasis on academic excellence and off-field development
- Building a winning culture that extends beyond the lacrosse field
- Positive impact on the broader York College athletic program and Division III lacrosse community
As Brandon Childs continues to lead the York College men’s lacrosse program, his influence on the sport and the lives of his student-athletes will undoubtedly continue to grow. The foundation he has built ensures that York College will remain a force in Division III lacrosse for years to come, while also preparing young men for success in all aspects of their lives.
Brandon Childs – Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach – Staff Directory
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York College head coach Brandon Childs is heading into his twelfth year at the helm of the Spartan men’s lacrosse program.
In Childs’ eleven years at York, the Spartans have a record of 161-46 and a . 777 win percentage. The Green and White has advanced to the NCAA Tournament 7 times, including the school’s first trip to the “Final Four” this past year. The Spartans advanced all the way to the National Quarterfinals 4 out of the last 5 years. Childs has been named the CAC / MAC Coach of the Year 5 times and in 2018 he was honored with The Francis L “Babe” Krauss National Division III Coach of The Year.
While at York, Coach Childs has coached 56 USILA All-Americans, 25 USILA Scholar All-Americans, 14 North/South All-stars, and 4 national position players of the year.
In 2022, Childs led the Green and White to the best season in program history as they advanced all the way to the NCAA Semifinals. The team captured its second consecutive MAC Commonwealth Championship defeating rival Stevenson University. The Spartans finished the season ranked #3 in the USILA polls. The program had 10 USILA All-Americans and 3 USILA Scholar All-Americans at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
In 2021, Childs led the Spartans to the MAC Commonwealth championship by defeating 6th-ranked Stevenson University, 11-0, and earned a trip to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the third consecutive year. The team finished the season 16-2 and ranked 4th in the final USILA poll. At season’s end, the Spartans had a school-record 9 USILA All-Americans and 3 USILA Scholar All-Americans. Senior Tyler Nation was named the National Long Stick Midfielder of The Year and Senior Ryan Kennedy was named the National Defender of The Year. This marked the first time in the history of the program that the green and white had two positional players of the year in the same season.
In 2020, The Spartans started the year ranked pre-season #6 in the USILA polls but the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, Childs led the Spartans to a CAC regular season championship and earned a trip to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. The team’s win / loss record of 19-3 tied the school record for wins in a season.
The Spartans entered the pre-season ranked 5th in the national polls and spent the entire season ranked in the nation’s top 5. The 2019 campaign saw victories over then #1 Salisbury and the eventual national champions Cabrini. At season’s end, the Spartans had a school record 8 USILA All-Americans and 6 USILA Scholar All-Americans, which tied them with Cornell for most among all three divisions of collegiate lacrosse.
In 2018, Childs led the Spartans to one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history going 19-3 and earning a trip to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second time. The Green and White were crowned CAC regular season champions after going a perfect 8-0 in conference play. In addition to being the Division III National Coach of the Year, Childs was awarded the CAC Coach of Year award. The 2018 Spartans saw 4 seniors earn USILA Academic All-Amercian honors, 7 USILA All-Americans, and 9 All-CAC selections. Childs led the Spartans to a final ranking of #2 in the nation in the last USILA poll.
Known for his offensive play calling and systems, Childs’ 2018 squad ranked #3 in the nation in defensive efficiency while ranking 6th in offensive efficiency. This balanced approach landed the Spartans 8th nationally in scoring margin for the 2018 season. The Spartans also ranked in the top 10 nationally in winning percentage, shooting percentage, clearing percentage, assists, and ground balls. Off the field, the Spartans excelled in the classroom under Childs’ watch as well, as they set a new program best 3.34 GPA in 2018. The team was led by senior Ryan Cook who graduated in May earning the DeMeester Award for the highest GPA of any senior male athlete at York.
In 2017, Childs led the Spartans to a 17-4 season as York earned its third trip in four years to the NCAA Tournament. At the conclusion of the season, Childs was named the CAC Coach of the year. The 2017 season also saw a first for the program when senior Conrad Ordakowski became the program’s first positional player of the year, as he was named the country’s top short-stick defender.
In 2016, Childs led the Spartans to a school-record 18 wins as York earned its first Capital Athletic Conference Championship defeating top-ranked Salisbury. The Spartans made their second appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and went all the way to the “Elite Eight” falling in overtime to Gettysburg College in the national quarterfinals.
In 2014, the Spartans advanced to the round of 16 in their first year in the tournament. For his efforts in 2014, Childs was named CAC Coach of the year and was one of five finalists for the USILA National Coach of The Year.
Childs is the winningest coach in York men’s lacrosse history and is one of the fastest coaches in the country to reach the 100 career win milestone and sits just 11 wins shy of 200 for his career.
Childs, the fourth coach in program history, has had a strong run of success during his coaching career. While at Eastern University, he posted an overall record of 28-19 including a 23-9 mark in conference play. Childs led the Eagles to a trio of MAC tournament appearances.
Prior to taking over the Eastern program, Childs was a three-year assistant at Dickinson College where he directed the Red Devil offense. Dickinson went 27-16 over his three years in Carlisle.
Childs began his coaching career after a stellar four-year tenure as a player at Lynchburg College. He concluded his career with 193 points on 91 goals and 102 assists. His 102 assists stood as a school record for Lynchburg until the 2016 season. He was a USILA All-American as a junior and again as a senior while he was also a Scholar All-American as a senior. Childs was a three-time ODAC All-Conference player for the Hornets and in the fall of 2016, he was inducted into the Lynchburg College Athletic Hall of Fame.
At the conclusion of his playing career, Childs served as an assistant coach for the Hornet program as he pursued his Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership. He completed his advanced degree in May of 2008.
Childs is happy with the state of the Spartan program heading into year twelve.
“I believe we are building a sustained level of excellence,” states Childs. “We have continued to develop the culture and the expectations for our players. We will outwork our opponents, playing a fast paced style of lacrosse, working incredibly hard in the classroom, and most importantly the York Lacrosse team will be built upon men with the highest level of character. As we continue to do this, the wins take care of themselves.”
Childs believes the trademarks of his team come into sharper focus each year.
“We have three core beliefs here at York. More specifically when people watch the York College Lacrosse team play they will be able to identify these core beliefs by the words which drive our culture; serving others, working hard and staying humble.”
Childs resides in York with his wife, Annie, and his children, Ellie (12), Will (10), Abel (9) and Jude (5).
(Updated 10/12/22)
York (Pa.
) Athletics
York College head coach Brandon Childs enters his fifth season at the helm of the Green and White after four successful seasons at York.
In 2014, Childs led the Spartans to a school-record 16 wins as York earned a share of the Conference regular season title and the second seed in the CAC tournament. The Spartans made their first appearance in the CAC title game and received a Pool C (at-large) birth to the NCAA Tournament, also a program first. The Spartans advanced to the round of 16 in their first year in the tournament. For his efforts, Childs was named CAC Coach of the year and was one of five finalists for the USILA National Coach of The Year.
In addition to the Spartans’ 2014 team success, a school-record six Spartans earned All-CAC honors including the Capital Athletic Conference Rookie-of-the-Year, Garrett Barker. Five Spartans were named USILA All-Americans and Senior Seth Krolus was named to the USILA Academic All-American Team. Junior attackman Tyler Hutson was named to the COSIDA Academic All-American team as well.
The Spartans are 48-25 in Childs’ four seasons at the helm of the program and his career record now sits at 76-44.
Childs, the fourth coach in program history, has had a strong run of success during his coaching career. While at Eastern University, he posted an overall record of 28-19 including a 23-9 mark in conference play. Childs led the Eagles to a trio of MAC tournament appearances.
Prior to taking over the Eastern program, Childs was a three-year assistant at Dickinson College where he directed the Red Devil offense. Dickinson went 27-16 over his three years in Carlisle.
Childs began his coaching career after a stellar four-year tenure as a player at Lynchburg College. He concluded his career with 193 points on 91 goals and 102 assists. His 102 assists, still stands as a school record for Lynchburg. He was a USILA All-American as a junior and again as a senior while he was also a Scholar All-American as a senior. Childs was a three-time ODAC All-Conference player for the Hornets.
At the conclusion of his playing career, Childs served as an assistant coach for the Hornet program as he pursued his Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership. He completed his advanced degree in May of 2008.
Childs is happy with the state of the Spartan program heading into year five.
“I believe we are building a sustained level of excellence,” states Childs. “We have continued to change the culture and the expectations for our players. We will outwork our opponents, playing a fast paced style of lacrosse, working incredibly hard in the classroom, and most importantly the York Lacrosse team will be built upon men with the highest level of character. As we continue to do this, the wins take care of themselves.”
Childs believes the trademarks of his team come into sharper focus each year.
“We will have four pillars to our success. Talent, Vision, Commitment, Character. More specifically when people watch the York College Lacrosse team play they will use words like tough, talented, hardworking, and committed to describe our play.
