BOSTON, Mass. (December 15, 2025) – Emerson College has named Daniel Thomas as its next men's lacrosse head coach ahead of the 2026 season. Thomas joins Emerson after two seasons as an assistant coach at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, during which the team earned a pair of Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament appearances.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Daniel Thomas as the new Head Coach of our men's lacrosse program," said Steph Smyrl, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics at Emerson. "With a proven record in coaching and player development, and a deep passion for the game, Daniel is well positioned to move our program forward. We look forward to this next chapter of Emerson men's lacrosse under his leadership."
Thomas served as defensive coordinator at Johnson & Wales and assisted in recruiting, practice planning and execution and game management decisions.
"I'm grateful to Director of Athletics Steph Smyrl, the search committee, and the entire athletic department for the opportunity to lead the men's lacrosse program at Emerson College," said Thomas. "Emerson is a remarkable institution with a passionate community, and I am excited to get to work with our student-athletes, their families, and our alumni as we pursue our goals in the NEWMAC."
Prior to joining Johnson & Wales, Thomas was assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Connecticut College for the 2023 season. During that time, the Camels earned a spot in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Tournament after defeating nationally ranked Williams College (11-9) and battling No. 2-ranked Tufts University to a one goal decision.
Thomas gained experience in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) when he was assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Clark University from 2018 through the 2022 season. The Cougars reached the NEWMAC semifinals in 2019, qualifying for the NEWMAC Tournament two of the three seasons it was held during that span.
Thomas has served in a head coaching capacity with Seven Hills Lacrosse Club in Worcester since 2018 and at Cardiff University in Wales from 2016-2018.
Thomas earned his bachelor's degree in communication and media studies from the University of Southern Maine in 2014 and his master's degree in public administration from Clark in 2022. The Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, native started 28 of the 37 games he played as a defender at Southern Maine, contributing 40 points with 28 goals and 12 assists, 123 ground balls and 13 caused turnovers.
Emerson is scheduled to open its 2026 season on Wednesday, February 11, when it visits Wentworth Institute of Technology at 6 p.m. The Lions home opener is slated for three days later against University of Saint Joseph's (Conn.) on February 14, at Rotch Field.
About Emerson College Athletics
Based in the world-class city of Boston, Massachusetts, Emerson College fields 14 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division III level that compete as members of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC). For the latest on Emerson Athletics, follow the Lions on Instagram and at emersonlions.com.
