James Purpura joins the Frostburg State University men’s lacrosse coaching staff for his first season in 2014-2015.
Purpura comes to FSU after serving as an assistant coach at SUNY Brockport during the 2013-2014 campaign. While at Brockport, Purpura was in charge of running the offense and man-up unit. On top of these tasks, Purpura assisted with recruiting, game strategy, practice planning, scouting, film breakdown, and other day-to-day operations of the lacrosse program. He was selected to be an assistant coach for the North team at the 2014 USILA/LaxWorld DIII North/South Senior All-Star Game. At Brockport, Purpura helped coach and develop three All-SUNYAC selections as well as one USILA Scholar All-American.
For the past few years, Purpura has served as a coach for the Sweetlax Upstate Lacrosse Club, helping to mentor and develop multiple high-school All-Americans.
A native of Pittsford, NY, Purpura was also a standout lacrosse player. He was named an Adidas All-American and represented the United States at the Brogden Cup. Purpura began his collegiate career at Mount Saint Mary’s University before transferring to SUNY Geneseo. While at Geneseo, Purpura helped the Knights reach as high as 12th in the nation according to the USILA Weekly Poll. Geneseo also made consecutive SUNYAC playoff appearances including a SUNYAC Championship appearance.
Purpura graduated from SUNY Geneseo (2013) with a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Geography. Purpura is pursuing a Master’s of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies at Frostburg.
