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Pitt Hires New Coaches

Oct. 22, 2012

New Additions to Coaching Staff

The Pitt Panthers are pleased to welcome new assistant coaches Jack Dumsa and Kris Stanford to the program. Dumsa is the 2012 MCLA D2 Player of the Year and will be working with the Panthers offense this season. Stanford played NCAA ball at Wingate University and will be coordinating the Panther defense.

Jack Dumsa

Jack Dumsa is a familiar name for MCLA fans.  Originally from Hartland, Michigan, Jack graduated in May of 2012 from Grand Valley State College where he studied Psychology and Gerontology, and played club lacrosse for all four years. Dumsa moved to Pittsburgh to pursue his graduate degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. Dumsa has previously coached elementary and high school boys’

lacrosse in Michigan and hopes to bring his knowledge and love of the game to the lacrosse program at Pitt. Players can expect Coach Dumsa to raise the tempo at practices with hopes to make this season their best. 

When asked what he thought the team should focus on this year, Dumsa responded: “this team has a lot of great pieces. It is important for them to bond and to have chemistry in order to be successful.” Coach Jack Dumsa has the knowledge, experience, and recognition that the players need in order to have a successful 2012-2013 season. 

Kris Stanford

Originally from Stafford, VA, Kris came to Pittsburgh after playing Lacrosse for Wingate University, where he studied History. Currently, Kris works at Dick’s Sporting Goods as the Lacrosse Specialist and plays lacrosse whenever and wherever he gets the chance. 

After college, Kris returned to his high school alma mater to coach the boys’ team, and then joined the Virginia Lacrosse Company as a year-round coach.

During the interview, Kris expressed his interest in emphasizing the importance of fitness during the lacrosse season, saying, “I believe in fitness, so we’re not going to lose because we are out of shape.”

As the new defensive coordinator, Kris hopes to perfect the already strong foundation that the team has developed over time, rather than changing things that have clearly been working for the team. With the new shot clock rule, Kris will be coaching the players on defensive skills revolving around taking the ball away from opponents. Coach Kris Stanford has the experience and motivation to push the Pitt Panthers to a successful 2012-2013 season.