Former UMass standout, high school All-American and professional lacrosse player Andrew Recchione is set to begin his second season as an assistant coach at Wagner College in 2011.
The highlight of Recchione’s stellar collegiate career came as a junior in 2006 when he helped lead the Minutemen to the National Championship Game, before falling just short against eventual undefeated champion Virginia. Earlier in the tournament, against Cornell, he scored the game-winning goal, which led to the first round upset over the Big Red.
As a senior in 2007, he finished the season strong, with six points in the final three games. The Ramapo, NJ native concluded his career with 52 points (41 goals, 11 assists), including 40 points (33 goals, 7 assists) his final two seasons.
That productivity helped Recchione become a sixth round draft choice of the San Jose Stealth of the National Lacrosse League Draft and a fifth round selection (47th overall) in the Major Lacrosse League Draft by the San Francisco Dragons.
“Andrew’s experiences at the highest levels of lacrosse will be a real benefit to our student-athletes and to the Wagner program going forward,” said Rife, who coached Recchione for two seasons while an assistant coach at UMass. “He obviously brings great knowledge of the game and he will also lend a host of intangibles to our program. The success he has had can’t help but rob off on our players and his high profile and local ties will be a real plus in recruiting. I am excited to add him to our staff.”
A four-year letterwinner at Ramapo High School, Recchione tallied 59 points (31 goals, 28 assists) as a senior after scoring school-record 90 points (50 goals, 40 assists) as a junior. He finished his scholastic career with a school-record 196 points and was a three-time first team All-State and All-League selection. A 2003 All-American, he was also named the North Jersey Player of the Year and Midfielder of the Year. Also a senior, he played in the North-South National Senior All-Star Game and the New Jersey North-South All-Star Game.
Recchione also excelled in football, earning two first team All-League honors as a running back and linebacker and helped lead his team two state titles in 2000 and 2001.
In addition to his coaching duties, Recchione will also be pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration.
