Lacrosse Great Jamie Hanford Tapped as Defensive Coordinator
February 3, 2018 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Atlanta Blaze News Release
KENNESAW, GA - Today, Jamie Hanford joined the coaching staff of the Atlanta Blaze, filling the role of defensive coordinator. Hanford is a decorated Loyola alum with a lengthy professional career and nearly two decades of coaching experience.
"Jamie Hanford is an extremely talented defensive coach and I am excited to see what he does for the Blaze," said Head Coach Liam Banks. "As a player he was physical, smart and tough. I expect our defense to play the same way with him as Defensive coordinator. I welcome Jamie and his entire family to the Blaze organization."
Hanford is a product of the Connecticut lacrosse scene. In high school he was a 3 sport standout, earning conference honors in football, ice hockey, and lacrosse. After graduation, Coach Hanford was a three-time All American at Loyola, where Blaze players Brian Sherlock and Captain Scott Ratliff would later play. He went on to be a long-time player in both Major League Lacrosse and the NLL; he won a MLL championship playing for the then-Baltimore Bayhawks in 2002. On world lacrosse stage Hanford was assistant captain for Heritage Cup-winning team USA in 2002 and spent time playing for the Irish Men's National Team.
Hanford has been a sought-after coach for two decades, and currently serves as Head Coach at Green Farms Academy in Connecticut. His defensive knowledge will fit perfectly into the plan Coach Banks and General Manager Spencer Ford have for the Atlanta Blaze going into 2018. Of the hire, Ford said, "It is very cool to gain the opportunity to work alongside Jamie, he has been a friend for a while since our days playing at Towson and Loyola. He was an original MLL Showcase Player, his passion for the sport and MLL is as high as it comes and his knowledge of this great sport will provide a great deal of help to our young team. April is coming soon, I can't wait."
The Atlanta Blaze kick off the 2018 season on Sunday, April 22 at home at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from February 3, 2018
- Lacrosse Great Jamie Hanford Tapped as Defensive Coordinator - Atlanta Blaze
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