Longtime Assistant Scott Meehan Takes Command of St. Joe’s Men’s Lacrosse in Inaugural Season as Head Coach
PHILADELPHIA — Longtime offensive architect Scott Meehan has officially assumed control of the Saint Joseph’s University men’s lacrosse program, leading the Hawks into the 2026 season and looking to build upon a legacy he helped construct. Elevated to head coach following Taylor Wray’s departure to the University of Pennsylvania last July, Meehan now faces the challenge of maintaining the program’s national relevance as they prepare for a high-stakes campaign.
Meehan, who joined the Hawks’ staff in January 2019 and previously served as Associate Head Coach, is viewed as a continuity hire designed to sustain the culture that produced multiple NEC championships and the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. A 2012 graduate of Washington and Lee, Meehan has been instrumental in St. Joe’s rise, credited with engineering an offense that helped the team achieve a 12-3 record since joining the Atlantic 10 conference. His promotion was championed by Athletic Director Jill Bodensteiner, who described him as a “transformative part of the team’s success.”
However, the transition comes with significant hurdles. Critics argue that replacing Wray, the most successful coach in program history, places immense pressure on Meehan to deliver immediate results with a roster that has undergone substantial turnover. Skepticism is already mounting ahead of the Hawks’ upcoming clash with No. 3 Syracuse; analysts have questioned whether St. Joe’s signature 10-man ride—a defensive staple—remains a viable threat without the veteran personnel of previous years. Furthermore, with the graduation of the program’s top three all-time goal scorers, questions linger regarding whether the offense can maintain the high-octane production that defined Meehan’s tenure as a coordinator.
Despite these objections, Meehan’s track record offers a strong rebuttal to doubters. During his time on Hawk Hill, he mentored 33 players to Atlantic 10 All-Conference accolades and guided the team to rank among national leaders in scoring margin and clearing percentage. The roster retains key talent, including two-time A-10 Defensive Player of the Year Levi Verch and reigning A-10 Rookie of the Year Ben Dutton, providing a solid foundation for the new era. As the Hawks prepare to face top-tier competition, Meehan’s ability to adapt his proven offensive schemes to a younger lineup will be the deciding factor in whether St. Joe’s can remain a powerhouse in the Atlantic 10.
phillylacrosse.com
