University of Richmond Athletics
Chemotti Signs Contract Extension
05/29/2026 | Men's Lacrosse
Only head coach in Spider men’s lacrosse history will continue to lead program
RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond Athletics and men's lacrosse head coach Dan Chemotti have agreed to a contract extension, Vice President and Director of Athletics John P. Hardt announced Friday. The long-term agreement ensures Spider men's lacrosse will remain one of the nation's preeminent programs under Coach Chemotti's leadership. Additional terms were not disclosed.
"Dan Chemotti has elevated Richmond men's lacrosse into one of the premier programs in the country while leading with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the development of our student-athletes," said Hardt. "Under Dan's leadership, the Spiders have achieved remarkable competitive success, but what stands out just as much is the caliber of young men who come through his program. They are scholars, leaders, and teammates who represent the University of Richmond with character and pride every day. Dan has built a culture that wins the right way, and we are thrilled to have him continue leading Spider lacrosse into the future."
Chemotti is the only head coach in the history of the Richmond men's lacrosse program and has led the Spiders to seven NCAA Tournament appearances in his 12 full seasons. In 2026, the Spiders won the Atlantic 10's regular season and tournament championships while reaching No. 1 in national polls, the first No. 1 ranking at the highest level of NCAA competition in school history.
"I am deeply grateful to John Hardt and President Hallock for their belief in our program," said Chemotti. "I will always stress that our ascension in the lacrosse rankings is a group effort. 14 years ago, our mission began with and continues to focus on developing leaders on and off the field, and we've used discipline, toughness, and a competitive spirit to cultivate a culture of growth and brotherhood.
"We're proud of the results so far, but will continue to strive for greatness in order to honor the commitment of our players, our alums, their families, our staff, including the loyalty from Associate Head Coach Paul Richards, and the support of an administration that has invested in our pursuit of excellence. I'm honored to continue leading this program and excited for what lies ahead for Spider Lacrosse."
Chemotti is a four-time conference coach of the year, winning the award twice in the Atlantic 10 and twice in the Southern Conference. He joined Richmond in October 2012 to build the men's lacrosse program, which began play in 2014 as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. UR won the A-Sun title, making Chemotti the first coach in the history of Division I to lead a program to the NCAA Tournament in its inaugural season.
Chemotti and the Spiders have continued to win, with UR amassing a 132-68 record, including a 60-12 mark in conference play. Richmond has reached its conference tournament championship game in 12 straight seasons, the longest active streak in the nation, and won a combined 13 conference championships, including six regular season titles and seven conference tournament titles.
The lacrosse community in Richmond and beyond has rallied around the Spider men's lacrosse program, with UR finishing second in the nation in cumulative attendance this season (28,740) and sixth in average attendance (2,613). The Spiders hosted the first NCAA Tournament game in program history earlier this month, with a crowd of 6,805, the largest for a first round game in NCAA Tournament history, filling Robins Stadium for the team's first round contest.
"Dan Chemotti has elevated Richmond men's lacrosse into one of the premier programs in the country while leading with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the development of our student-athletes," said Hardt. "Under Dan's leadership, the Spiders have achieved remarkable competitive success, but what stands out just as much is the caliber of young men who come through his program. They are scholars, leaders, and teammates who represent the University of Richmond with character and pride every day. Dan has built a culture that wins the right way, and we are thrilled to have him continue leading Spider lacrosse into the future."
Chemotti is the only head coach in the history of the Richmond men's lacrosse program and has led the Spiders to seven NCAA Tournament appearances in his 12 full seasons. In 2026, the Spiders won the Atlantic 10's regular season and tournament championships while reaching No. 1 in national polls, the first No. 1 ranking at the highest level of NCAA competition in school history.
"I am deeply grateful to John Hardt and President Hallock for their belief in our program," said Chemotti. "I will always stress that our ascension in the lacrosse rankings is a group effort. 14 years ago, our mission began with and continues to focus on developing leaders on and off the field, and we've used discipline, toughness, and a competitive spirit to cultivate a culture of growth and brotherhood.
"We're proud of the results so far, but will continue to strive for greatness in order to honor the commitment of our players, our alums, their families, our staff, including the loyalty from Associate Head Coach Paul Richards, and the support of an administration that has invested in our pursuit of excellence. I'm honored to continue leading this program and excited for what lies ahead for Spider Lacrosse."
Chemotti is a four-time conference coach of the year, winning the award twice in the Atlantic 10 and twice in the Southern Conference. He joined Richmond in October 2012 to build the men's lacrosse program, which began play in 2014 as a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference. UR won the A-Sun title, making Chemotti the first coach in the history of Division I to lead a program to the NCAA Tournament in its inaugural season.
Chemotti and the Spiders have continued to win, with UR amassing a 132-68 record, including a 60-12 mark in conference play. Richmond has reached its conference tournament championship game in 12 straight seasons, the longest active streak in the nation, and won a combined 13 conference championships, including six regular season titles and seven conference tournament titles.
The lacrosse community in Richmond and beyond has rallied around the Spider men's lacrosse program, with UR finishing second in the nation in cumulative attendance this season (28,740) and sixth in average attendance (2,613). The Spiders hosted the first NCAA Tournament game in program history earlier this month, with a crowd of 6,805, the largest for a first round game in NCAA Tournament history, filling Robins Stadium for the team's first round contest.
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