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Farewell and Thank You

Jun. 30, 2009

It is with sincere gratitude and respect that the Santa Clara University Men’s Lacrosse program bids farewell to our Head Coach, Gary Podesta. Coach Podesta has devoted himself to our program with a career that spans three decades. Podesta started working with the program in 1982, five years after its inception at Santa Clara University and has been the driving force behind the program ever since then.

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, he oversaw the team during a brief period of varsity lacrosse status. The team was reclassified as a club sport in the early 1990’s during which he led the program to many “final four” appearances in the Western Collegiate Lacrosse League. More recently, the team has finished in the top 25 nationally for 2008 and 2009.

The hundreds of current and alumni players have been the lucky beneficiaries of the blood, sweat, tears, and money that Coach Podesta has invested into the lacrosse program year after year. On the field, he has coached students who had never before played the sport of lacrosse as well as helped experienced players find joy in this great game. Podesta has been a friend and mentor to us all and has motivated many of his former players to give back to the sport of lacrosse by coaching, from the little league level up to collegiate lacrosse teams. Most of all, Coach Podesta has improved the lives of many lacrosse players by building a program and friendships that will last through the hardest of times.

Bronco Lacrosse appreciates all of the hard work and sacrifices that Coach Podesta and his family have made throughout the years. We wish them the best of luck with their future endeavors, and we look to continue the program at the high level which Coach Podesta has set.