Daniel Thomas has been named head coach of the Emerson men's lacrosse program ahead of the 2026 season.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Daniel Thomas as the new Head Coach of our men’s lacrosse program,” said Stephanie Smyrl, Associate Dean for Campus Life and Director of Athletics at Emerson upon his hire. “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 joins Emerson after two seasons as 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. He served as defensive coordinator for head coach Tim Murphy during his time at Johnson & Wales and assisted in recruiting, practice planning and execution and game management decisions.
Prior to joining Johnson & Wales, Thomas was assistant coach and offensive coordinator at Connecticut College for the 2023 season under head coach Jim Nagle. The Camels earned a spot in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Tournament after defeating nationally ranked Williams College (11-9) during the regular season 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.
