PHILADELPHIA – The HEADstrong Lacrosse Club has announced that Mike Bender has stepped down after 10 years as general manager of the Lehigh Valley Boys Lacrosse Club. He will be replaced in that role by Matt Brancaccio, who has been involved with the program since 2018.
“We’d like to thank Mike Bender for his long-term dedication to the HEADstrong Lacrosse Club in the Lehigh Valley and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” HEADstrong Vice President Michael Colleluori said. “We are thrilled to have Matt Brancaccio step into this role. His wealth of coaching experience and familiarity with our club will only continue to help that program flourish. He is also well versed in the HEADstrong Foundation mission and I am looking forward to seeing him continue to grow that within our club.”
“This decision was not easy, as my time here has been filled with unforgettable experiences and friendships,” Bender said. “I am incredibly grateful for the relationships that have been built and the opportunities that have been created. Watching the community develop and seeing everyone share in the passion for lacrosse has been one of my greatest joys. This club is in excellent hands moving forward. I am confident it will continue to be a place where players thrive, learn, and make lasting memories.”
Brancaccio is currently in his 10th season as the head coach of the DeSales men’s lacrosse program and his 12th overall on the Bulldogs coaching staff. He has guided DeSales to the MAAC Freedom postseason six tims and is a two-time MAC Freedom Coach of the Year (2016 and 2019). He is Desales’ all-time leader in wins with 70 and is the only coach in team history with a winning percentage over .500 at 70-58 (.547). Prior to coaching at DeSales, he served as the head coach of Dominican College in 2011.
A 2009 DeSales graduate, Brancaccio is one of the most decorated players in Bulldogs history and stands as the all-time leader in assists (107), second in points (187), second in games played (63) and sixth in goals scored (80). As a senior in 2009, he led the Bulldogs to their first playoff appearance and was named All-MAC Second Team in both his junior and senior seasons.
“I’m incredibly honored to be stepping into this role with the HEADstrong organization and thankful for the opportunity,” Brancaccio said. “I look forward to continuing to build upon the foundation that has been set in the Lehigh Valley and making our student-athletes better players, teammates and individuals both on and off the field.”
A year-round program, HEADstrong Lehigh Valley Boys Lacrosse Club provides a personalized and individualized coaching environment for players in the Lehigh Valley area. That includes fall team training sessions, fall tournament play, winter skill development sessions, summer team training and tournament play in addition to community service under the HEADstrong Foundation umbrella.