Stephen Tempone Selected As Head Coach For The University of Bridgeport's New Men's Lacrosse Program

Bridgeport, Conn.-The University of Bridgeport (UB) today announced that Stephen Tempone has been selected as head coach for the Purple Knight's new men's lacrosse team. A former lacrosse player who has spent 13 years in various coaching roles, he will be responsible for building UB's inaugural NCAA Division II men's lacrosse program.

Tempone comes to UB after launching the varsity men's lacrosse program at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) and serving as its head coach since 2018. During his time at PBA, Tempone coached the program's first All-American honoree and had players recognized by the Sunshine State Conference 12 times.

Prior to PBA, Tempone served as offensive coordinator at his alma mater, New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) for five years and led the team to the NCAA Division II tournament. During his time on the field at NYIT, Tempone set an NCAA record for the most goals scored in a championship game and played a major role in helping to lead the school to its first national championship in 1997. He also previously served as an assistant coach at Molloy College.

Before coaching at the collegiate level, Tempone was head coach of Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville, N.Y. where his team won a Catholic League state championship in 2011.

Head coach Stephen Tempone

"His impressive background as both a coach and a player make Steve the right person to build our men's lacrosse program at UB," said Jay Moran, vice president of Athletics at University of Bridgeport. "His knowledge of players and teams up and down the East Coast, and his reputation in the New York area as a lacrosse insider make him a tremendous asset to our Athletics program."

In October 2021, UB announced its plans to add ten new sports, including men's lacrosse. You can read more about the school's plans for bolstering its Athletics programs here.

"Jay and UB have a strong reputation in NCAA Division II athletics, and I could not pass up this opportunity to come launch a collegiate lacrosse program back in the Northeast," said Tempone. "I'm anxious to begin building up my coaching staff and start recruiting the first Purple Knights men's lacrosse team."

About University of Bridgeport
University of Bridgeport offers career-oriented undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees and programs for people seeking personal and professional growth. The University promotes academic excellence, personal responsibility and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse and supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. In May 2021, University of Bridgeport became an independent institution under the Goodwin University umbrella. The University is non-sectarian. www.bridgeport.edu