Mike Pressler announces retirement after 16 years at Bryant

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- After 16 seasons at Bryant University, men's lacrosse head coach Mike Pressler has announced his retirement.

"I spoke with coach Pressler this afternoon and am confirming his retirement as the head coach of our men's lacrosse program for personal family reasons," Director of Athletics Bill Smith said. "We are so grateful for all that Coach Pressler did for our men's lacrosse program, our student-athletes, this department and Bryant University over the last 16 years."

Pressler took the Bryant men's lacrosse program to the next level over the last 16 years, taking the Bulldogs to six NCAA Tournaments. One of the winningest coaches in NCAA lacrosse history, Pressler finishes his career at Bryant with a 153-103 (.598). In 37 seasons as a collegiate lacrosse head coach, Pressler won an incredible 382 games, retiring eighth on the all-time wins list. 

"The last 16 years at Bryant University have been just incredible for myself and my family on multiple levels," Pressler said. "All the players, coaches and alum's in our lives over that period of time have made me a better man, but at 62 years old and for personal and family reasons the time has come to officially announce my retirement from Bryant University and college coaching. My wife and I are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives, wherever that journey takes us. My loyalty to the Bulldogs over these 16 glorious years has been beyond reproach. This decision is best for the team and program moving forward. I will forever be indebted to Athletic Director Bill Smith, our former President Ron Machtley and our current Chairman of the Board Dave Beirne back in the summer of '06, in our darkest hour, they gave myself and our family our lives back. I will forever bleed Black and Gold. Go Dawgs!"

At Bryant, Pressler helped the Bulldogs become the dominant program in the Northeast Conference, winning six tournament titles in the 10 years that the championships were held with Bryant in the conference. Bryant had 103 all-conference selections and 13 major award winners. The Bulldogs will now join the America East Conference as one of the premier lacrosse programs in the Northeast.  

The Black and Gold were also a player on the national scene, taking down Syracuse at the Carrier Dome in the first round of the 2014 NCAA Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Quarterfinals.

Bryant has also seen its athletic facilities take a major jump during Pressler's tenure with the construction of a brand new locker room during his first two years to the state of the art Bulldog Strength and Conditioning Center, Conaty Indoor Athletic Center and the David '85 and Terry Beirne Stadium Complex. 

"Words cannot express the positive impact on and off the field Coach Pressler has had on the lives of every young man that played lacrosse under his leadership," Smith added. "Personally, he's been a friend and a partner helping to lead Bulldog Athletics into the Division I era. His loyalty to the Black and Gold has been unmatched and we wish Mike, Sue and their daughters the very best.

I am naming associate head coach Casey Brodersen the interim head coach and a national search for the next head coach who will build on Coach Pressler's success and take Bulldog Lacrosse to the next level will begin immediately."

Brodersen completed his 12th season as a member of Pressler's staff in 2022. He has spent the last eight years as the associate head coach.