Men's Lacrosse Coaching Staff
Curtis Gilbert, Head Coach
Head Coach Curtis Gilbert enters his third season at the helm of the Pilgrims. In 2009 Gilbert led the Pilgrims to an overall record of 10-8, the most single-season wins since 2002. Gilbert led the Pilgrims to The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) Semifinals and earned the program a bid to the ECAC New England Tournament. Over his two seasons Gilbert has led the Pilgrims to an overall record of 14-20 and a conference record of 7-10.
Prior to New England College Gilbert was an assistant lacrosse coach at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. While at Denison Gilbert led the Big Red to an impressive 20 wins and two NCAA Tournament appearances. Prior to Denison Gilbert had stints as the head assistant lacrosse coach at both and Whittier College and Washington College. Over two seasons at Whittier College Gilbert led the Poets to a record of 21-3 and two national tournament appearances. While at Washington College Gilbert led the Shoreman to a record of 28-8 and a school-record 15 game winning streak.
In addition to collegiate coaching, Gilbert has served as an instructor at various lacrosse camps and was the head coach for the Texas Development Team.
Gilbert is a graduate of Washington College where he was a four-year member of the men’s lacrosse team. While at Washington College Gilbert was a member of the 1998 NCAA Division III championship team and was named 2nd team All-Conference in 2001.
Chris Beede, Assistant Coach
Chris Beede will enter his second season with the Pilgrims in 2009. Coach Beede was a two year standout player, before being sidelined by an injury. Beede worked primarily with the face-off units along with game day preparation and running the box. Prior to his one year stint with the Denison University coaching staff, he then helped coach New Albany High School in their inaugural season. His impact was felt immediately as they earned a berth to the Division II State Championship. Coach Beede was a Psychology major at Denison University and played his high school lacrosse at Brooks School in Mass. He currently resides in Hillsborough, N.H. and works at Wediko Childrens’ Services.
Tucker Prudden, Assistant Coach
Tucker Prudden will be joining the 2009 Pilgrim coaching staff and will
be working primarily with the offense and the man-up units. Prudden graduated from Division I Quinnipiac
University in Bristol, Conn. in 2007 with a degree in
Communications. During his time at Quinnipiac,
Prudden was a three-year starter at the attack position and recorded 93 points
during those years thriving at the lefty position and man-up situations. Prudden was an all-conference selection in
his senior year in the highly competitive Great Western Lacrosse League
Conference.
After his graduation, Prudden coached in Manchester, UK with the Cheadle Lacrosse Association. During his tenure in the U.K., he worked with lacrosse players of all ages and skill levels. He was the head coach of the U12, U14, U16 teams and was an associate head coach of the Senior Men’s Elite Teams. It was during these experiences that Prudden was able to spread his wings and develop his own successful coaching style.
Coach Prudden played at the prestigious Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass. and was a High-School All-American. He was also selected to the NEILA North/South All-star game in his senior season and garnered MVP accolades for this performance in the game. Tucker’s older brother, Tyler, was a starting Goalie on New England College’s last Conference Championship and NCAA playoff team in 2002. His ties to NEC and its rich tradition are strong and he brings a wealth of knowledge to the offensive end. Prudden is currently taking graduate classes towards his Masters Degree in Education at New England College.
Mike Hadley, Assistant Coach
Mike Hadley is the most recent addition to the men’s lacrosse coaching staff and will be working primarily with the offensive midfielders. Mike is a recent graduate of Roanoke College where he was a four-year varsity member. Mike was a “utility” man in the midfield for the Maroons and spent time as both an offensive and defensive midfielder before being asked to play long stick midfielder his junior year due to injury. Coach Hadley’s expertise is “in between the lines” and will prove to be a valuable asset to our midfielders. While at Roanoke, Hadley and his team excelled in the post season playing in a NCAA quarterfinal and two semifinal games.
Mike is a New Hampshire native and was a three sport high school athlete at Kimball Union Academy. He was the captain of his football team while also wrestling and playing varsity lacrosse all four years. Hadley was a dean’s list student who is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Social Work here at New England College. Mike also works in the admissions office and resides here in Henniker, N.H.
