Who is Brandon Childs. How has he impacted York College’s men’s lacrosse program. What are his major achievements as head coach. How has the team performed under his leadership. What recognition has he received for his coaching abilities.
Brandon Childs’ Impressive Tenure at York College
Brandon Childs has been at the helm of York College’s men’s lacrosse program for over a decade, serving as the head coach since 2012. His impact on the team has been nothing short of remarkable, with a stellar record of 161 wins and only 46 losses, resulting in an impressive .777 win percentage. Under Childs’ leadership, the Spartans have become a formidable force in collegiate lacrosse, consistently ranking among the top teams in the nation.
Key Achievements:
- 7 NCAA Tournament appearances
- First “Final Four” appearance in school history (2022)
- 4 National Quarterfinal appearances in the last 5 years
- 5-time CAC / MAC Coach of the Year
- 2018 Francis L “Babe” Krauss National Division III Coach of The Year
Developing All-American Talent
Childs’ ability to nurture and develop talent is evident in the numerous accolades his players have received. During his tenure, York College has produced an impressive roster of accomplished athletes:
- 56 USILA All-Americans
- 25 USILA Scholar All-Americans
- 14 North/South All-stars
- 4 national position players of the year
This consistent production of high-caliber players speaks volumes about Childs’ coaching philosophy and his commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
The Historic 2022 Season
The 2022 season marked a pinnacle in York College’s lacrosse history under Childs’ guidance. How did the team perform? The Spartans achieved their best season to date, advancing to the NCAA Semifinals for the first time in program history. They secured their second consecutive MAC Commonwealth Championship by defeating rival Stevenson University and finished the season ranked #3 in the USILA polls.
2022 Season Highlights:
- NCAA Semifinal appearance
- MAC Commonwealth Championship
- #3 ranking in USILA polls
- 10 USILA All-Americans
- 3 USILA Scholar All-Americans
Consistency and Excellence: The Hallmarks of Childs’ Coaching
Brandon Childs’ tenure at York College has been characterized by consistent success and a commitment to excellence. His teams have regularly featured in the NCAA Tournament and have been fixtures in the national rankings. What makes Childs’ coaching style effective?
Childs emphasizes a balanced approach to the game, focusing on both offensive and defensive efficiency. This strategy has paid dividends, with York College teams regularly ranking among the top in the nation in various statistical categories. For instance, the 2018 squad ranked #3 in defensive efficiency and #6 in offensive efficiency, demonstrating the well-rounded nature of Childs’ coaching philosophy.
Statistical Dominance:
- Top 10 national rankings in winning percentage
- High rankings in shooting percentage
- Excellent clearing percentage
- Strong performances in assists and ground balls
Academic Excellence: Beyond the Field
Childs’ influence extends beyond the lacrosse field, as he places a strong emphasis on academic achievement. How does this manifest in the team’s performance? Under his guidance, the York College men’s lacrosse team has excelled in the classroom, setting new program records for academic performance.
In 2018, the team achieved a program-best 3.34 GPA, highlighting Childs’ commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes. This academic success is further evidenced by the numerous USILA Scholar All-Americans produced during his tenure.
Notable Academic Achievements:
- Program-best 3.34 GPA in 2018
- Multiple USILA Scholar All-Americans each year
- Ryan Cook’s DeMeester Award for highest GPA among senior male athletes in 2018
Recognition and Accolades
Brandon Childs’ success as head coach of York College’s men’s lacrosse program has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous accolades recognizing his coaching prowess and the impact he has had on the sport.
Coaching Awards:
- 5-time CAC / MAC Coach of the Year
- 2018 Francis L “Babe” Krauss National Division III Coach of The Year
These awards reflect not only Childs’ success in terms of wins and losses but also his ability to consistently elevate his team’s performance and develop individual players into standout athletes.
Brandon Childs’ Coaching Philosophy
What sets Brandon Childs apart as a coach? His coaching philosophy appears to be built on several key principles:
- Balance: Childs emphasizes both offensive and defensive efficiency, creating well-rounded teams.
- Player Development: The high number of All-Americans and Scholar All-Americans produced under his tenure speaks to his focus on individual growth.
- Academic Excellence: Childs clearly values performance in the classroom as much as on the field.
- Consistency: Year after year, York College remains competitive at the highest levels of Division III lacrosse.
- Adaptability: Childs has shown the ability to succeed with different teams and in various competitive contexts.
This multifaceted approach has allowed Childs to build a program that consistently competes at the highest level while also preparing students for success beyond their college careers.
The Impact on York College’s Lacrosse Program
How has Brandon Childs transformed York College’s men’s lacrosse program? Since taking over as head coach in 2012, Childs has elevated the program to new heights, turning it into a perennial contender at the national level.
Prior to Childs’ arrival, York College had some success in lacrosse, but it was not considered one of the top programs in Division III. Under his leadership, the Spartans have become a powerhouse, regularly competing for conference championships and making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
Program Milestones Under Childs:
- First NCAA “Final Four” appearance (2022)
- Multiple conference championships
- Consistent top-5 national rankings
- Record-breaking individual and team performances
This consistent success has not only raised the profile of York College’s lacrosse program but has also contributed to the overall reputation of the college’s athletic department.
Building a Lacrosse Legacy
As Brandon Childs continues his tenure at York College, he is steadily building a lacrosse legacy that extends beyond wins and losses. His impact on the program, the players he has coached, and the sport of lacrosse in general is significant and far-reaching.
What aspects of Childs’ coaching contribute to this legacy?
- Player Development: The high number of All-Americans and professional players produced under Childs’ tutelage speaks to his ability to develop talent.
- Program Consistency: Year after year, York College remains a top contender, reflecting Childs’ ability to maintain excellence over time.
- Academic Focus: By emphasizing success in the classroom, Childs is preparing his players for life beyond lacrosse.
- Community Impact: The success of the lacrosse program has raised the profile of York College and likely contributed to increased interest and enrollment.
As Childs continues to lead the York College men’s lacrosse program, his legacy in the sport seems set to grow even further. With each successful season, championship win, and player achievement, he cements his place as one of the most successful and influential coaches in Division III lacrosse.
The Future of York College Lacrosse Under Brandon Childs
Given Brandon Childs’ track record of success, what can we expect for the future of York College’s men’s lacrosse program? While predicting specific outcomes in sports is always challenging, several factors suggest that the program is well-positioned for continued success:
- Recruiting Strength: The program’s success and Childs’ reputation are likely to attract top talent to York College.
- Established Culture: Childs has built a culture of excellence that should persist and self-reinforce.
- Adaptability: Childs has shown the ability to succeed with different teams, suggesting he can continue to evolve with the sport.
- Player Development: The consistent production of high-caliber players indicates a strong development system that should continue to yield results.
- Academic Focus: By emphasizing academic success, Childs ensures a steady supply of eligible, well-rounded student-athletes.
As long as Brandon Childs remains at the helm, it seems likely that York College will continue to be a force in Division III lacrosse, regularly competing for conference championships and making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.
Potential Areas for Growth:
- Pursuit of a national championship
- Further expansion of the program’s national profile
- Development of more positional players of the year
- Continued improvement in academic performance
With each passing season, Brandon Childs continues to raise the bar for York College lacrosse. His ability to consistently field competitive teams, develop individual talent, and maintain high standards both on and off the field bodes well for the future of the program. As Childs enters his second decade as head coach, the lacrosse world will undoubtedly be watching to see what new heights he can reach with the Spartans.
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.
