Accomplished Blue Devil returns as assistant coach

As soon as former assistant coach Joe Alberici accepted the head coaching position at Army June 15, Duke knew exactly where to turn. The next day head coach Mike Pressler called Kevin Cassese, the 2001 ACC Player of the Year and one of the most accomplished Blue Devils in history.

Having kept in touch with the coaching staff and former teammates, Cassese jumped at the opportunity to return to his alma mater after serving as an assistant this past year at Stony Brook. He is expected to work primarily with the offensive unit.

“Kevin is arguably the most dedicated player in Duke lacrosse history, and when this position came open he was without question our first choice,” Pressler said. “[He] is a rising star in the coaching profession. Speaking for our alumni and players, we couldn’t be more pleased with this hire. We feel Kevin certainly will help us build on the success we experienced during the 2005 season.”

Last year, the Blue Devils set an NCAA record with 17 wins and advanced to their first national title game before losing to Johns Hopkins 9-8 May 30. In addition to the comfort he felt with the Duke program, Cassese also mentioned the team’s recent successes as another lure.

“[I hope to] achieve a goal that I never had a chance to do,” Cassese said about winning a national championship. “This past year, we knocked on the door. This year we’ll kick it in.”

During his four years at Duke, the team earned three NCAA Tournament bids and won two ACC championships. The two-time captain was named All-ACC and All-American three times each—including first team All-America in 2002 and 2003—and was tabbed the midfielder of the year as a junior.

He was drafted second overall by the Major League Lacrosse’s Rochester Rattlers and continues to play for them and the USA National Team. He is also involved in a series of lacrosse business ventures. Despite his other engagements, Cassese said his “number one commitment is to Duke.”