5 Reasons Why Denison University Men's Lacrosse Remains The NCAC's Unstoppable Dynasty

Denison University Men's Lacrosse has cemented its place as one of the most consistently dominant programs in NCAA Division III athletics, a fact reaffirmed by their performance in the recently concluded 2024 season. As of December 2025, the Big Red program continues to build on a legacy of championship success, combining a powerful coaching philosophy with elite player development to maintain an iron grip on the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) and make deep runs into the national tournament. The 2024 campaign, which saw the team secure yet another NCAC title, serves as the perfect blueprint for their ongoing dynasty. The Big Red finished the 2024 season with an impressive 14-6 overall record, including a perfect 8-0 run through the NCAC regular season, culminating in their fifth-consecutive NCAC Tournament Championship. This remarkable consistency is a testament to the program's culture, which emphasizes a "brotherhood" mentality and a relentless pursuit of excellence that echoes through the halls of Granville, Ohio.

The Big Red's Championship Pedigree and Coaching Staff

Denison's reputation in Division III lacrosse is not built on a single season but on decades of sustained excellence. The program boasts a deep history of success at the conference and national levels, making them a perpetual contender.

Denison Men's Lacrosse Program Biography:

• University: Denison University
• Location: Granville, Ohio
• Nickname: Big Red
• Conference: North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC)
• NCAA Division: Division III
• All-Time NCAA Tournament Appearances: 24
• NCAC Championships: 18 (Program History)
• Current Head Coach: Eric Koch
• Home Field: Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium (Opened Spring 2024)
• 2024 Season Record: 14-6 Overall, 8-0 NCAC

The engine of this modern dynasty is Head Coach Eric Koch, who is set to begin his fifth season at the helm in 2026, building upon the foundations laid by legendary coaches before him. Coach Koch, alongside Assistant Coach TJ Toivonen, has fostered a high-tempo, high-accountability environment that consistently translates into on-field dominance. Their coaching staff’s ability to recruit and develop top-tier talent from across the country is a key factor in the Big Red’s continued success.

The 2024 Season: NCAC Dominance and NCAA Tournament Run

The 2024 season was a masterclass in conference play, showcasing why Denison is the perennial favorite in the NCAC Preseason Polls. Their ability to navigate the conference schedule undefeated for the fifth straight year is an unprecedented run of success in the North Coast Athletic Conference.

NCAC Championship and Record-Breaking Achievements

The Big Red secured the NCAC Tournament Championship, their eighth overall, with a decisive victory over Kenyon College in the final. This title earned them the automatic qualifier (AQ) bid into the NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Tournament. Their consistent capture of the NCAC AQ since 2016 highlights a significant historical period of dominance that few programs can rival. The season was also marked by individual brilliance. Senior attackman Luke Fisher etched his name into the program's history books by breaking the Denison University men's lacrosse all-time career points record on Senior Day in April 2024. Fisher's achievement is a powerful example of the high-caliber players the program develops. Other key players on the 2024 roster who made significant contributions included Nate Kay, Will Creevy, and AJ Boxler, all of whom were instrumental in the team's success and often recognized on All-Conference and Preseason All-American lists.

NCAA Division III Tournament Performance

As an automatic qualifier, Denison entered the 2024 NCAA Division III Tournament with high expectations. The Big Red proved their national standing by advancing to the second round, where they faced a challenging matchup against No. 10 Babson. In a hard-fought contest, Denison ultimately fell short, dropping a close 12-10 decision to the Beavers. While the season ended sooner than the team had hoped, the NCAA appearance—the 24th in program history—reaffirmed their status as a national-level competitor.

The Future of Denison Lacrosse: New Facilities and Next-Gen Talent

The future of the Denison Men's Lacrosse program is brighter than ever, thanks in part to state-of-the-art facilities and a pipeline of emerging talent. The commitment to excellence is evident not just on the field but in the infrastructure supporting the student-athletes.

Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium: A New Era Home

A major development for the program is the new Kienzle-Hylbert Stadium, which opened in the spring of 2024. This facility serves as the dedicated home for Denison's lacrosse and soccer teams, providing a cutting-edge synthetic turf field, modern press box, and permanent bleachers. The stadium, named after generous donors who are also Big Red alumni, represents a significant investment in the program and is a powerful recruiting tool, signaling the university's dedication to maintaining its elite status in Division III athletics.

Key Players and Emerging Entities to Watch

The success of the program relies on the next generation stepping up to fill the shoes of players like Luke Fisher. The 2025 roster, which included players like Collin Murphy and goaltender Brant Satterly, suggests that the Big Red have the depth required to continue their NCAC streak. The coaching staff's ability to integrate new players and maintain a high standard of play is critical for the upcoming 2026 season. Denison’s consistent presence in the national rankings, coupled with the new facilities and a championship culture, ensures that the Big Red will remain a dominant force. Fans and opponents alike can expect the team to be a serious contender for the NCAC title and a deep NCAA Tournament run for years to come. The goal is always to compete for the national title, and every season, the Big Red are positioned to do just that.

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