The Maryland lacrosse program has brought back a familiar face to join the coaching staff.
On Monday, coach John Tillman announced that former Terrapin defender Jesse Bernhardt has been hired as an assistant coach. Bernhardt will work primarily with the defense.
“We are thrilled to have Jesse return to the Maryland men’s lacrosse program,” Tillman said in a statement on Monday. “Jesse has had success in our system as both a player and a coach. He will be a valuable asset to our program as he remains one of the best players in the world at his position. I am confident he will be an excellent mentor and role model for our student-athletes and we are fortunate to have him.”
Bernhardt graduated from Maryland in 2013 and has enjoyed success in the collegiate and professional ranks.
During his time in College Park, Bernhardt was a USILA All-American twice and the ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2012. He is currently a defenseman for the Chesapeake Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse and has been named to the league’s All-Star Game on several occasions.
Bernhardt is coming off his first season as a defensive coordinator. He served the post at Princeton and rewarded the Tigers with immediate success on the defensive end.
The Tigers gave up 11.3 goals-per-game, but Bernhardt led an improvement in that department as well as in the face-off circle.
Bernhardt’s hire makes complete sense for the Terps given his experience and being around the program. He served as a volunteer assistant coach in the past, so he knows what it takes to win in College Park.
The Bernhardts have almost been a bloodline of sorts at Maryland. Jesse’s brother, Jake, also played in College Park as a midfielder from 2009 to 2012 and now plays for the Ohio Machine in Major League Lacrosse.
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Jared Bernhardt, who is the younger brother of Jesse, just finished up his freshman campaign with the Terps. He was an integral part of Maryland’s national title team as he recorded 20 goals and eight assists on the season.