Mount Olive names new lacrosse coach
MOUNT OLIVE — A former associate head coach with the program, Dylan Price was announced as the head coach of the University of Mount Olive men’s lacrosse team on Friday afternoon.
Price returns to Mount Olive after serving one year as the head men’s lacrosse coach at William Peace University, a Division III program. He spent three years as the Associate Head Coach at UMO under former head coach Mike Murphy after a four-year stint as an assistant coach with the program. In 2019, Price was named the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) “Stan Kowalski” Division II Outstanding Assistant Coach of the Year.
“I would like to thank Joey Higginbotham for the opportunity to lead the men’s lacrosse team. This program means a lot to me and I’m excited to be back,” said Price. “I would also like to thank Mike Murphy for what he’s done for this program and my coaching career. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor and friend during my seven years with him.”
Price led William Peace to immediate success in his first year at the helm achieving a 7-8 overall record, which set a program record for wins in a single-season. The Pacers also featured three all-conference players, including first-team selections Devin Noonan and Patrick Calhoun. Price also guided William Peace to their best winning percentage, goal scored and goals against marks in program history in 2022.
At Mount Olive, Price assisted the program to a 73-30 overall record during his tenure. He helped UMO to at least 11 victories six times, as the team made a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances in 2016 and 2021. Price coached 18 USILA All-Americans, including six-straight goalkeepers for the Trojans. He also mentor eight Scholar All-Americans with three earning Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors from the Conference Carolinas. The Trojans steadily remained in the USILA top 15 national rankings with Price on staff and featured three-straight Defensive Player of the Year honorees.
Price guided the UMO defense to consistent top ten statistical rankings in his seven years with the team. In 2021, the Trojans ranked in the top ten in clearing percentage and goals-against average behind National Co-Short Stick Defensive Player of the Year Brady Elbin. UMO would secure their second trip the NCAA Tournament with five All-Americans and Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year Andrew Avarello during this season.
In 2018, the Trojans ranked first in the country in scoring defense (6.50), while being second in man-down defense (.825) and goals-against average (6.60). UMO goalie Will Urban would go onto earn All-American First-Team status and the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Jr. Award, which is given to the most outstanding goalkeeper in each NCAA division.
“We are extremely excited to welcome back Dylan as our next head men’s lacrosse coach. Dylan is the right guy to continue building off of what Coach Murphy has left,” said Athletic Director Joey Higginbotham. “Dylan has help Mike build a strong foundation here and we are excited for him to take our program to new heights.”
Price was named a three-time All-American at goalkeeper at Mars Hill University and participated in the Division I/II North-South All-Star Game. He tallied over 500 career saves in 48 games with the Lions and led the nation in save percentage as a junior. After graduation, Price would serve as an assistant coach for Mars Hill for one season.
Price completed his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Mars Hill University in 2012.
Submitted by University of Mount Olive
