AMHERST, Mass. – Amherst College head men's lacrosse coach Jon Thompson recently announced the addition of Joshua Hawkins to the coaching staff as an assistant coach starting on January 1, 2015.

"We couldn't be more thrilled with the addition of such a world class player and athlete to the coaching staff," Thompson said. "Josh has proven that he is hungry to coach, and we are thrilled to have him join our staff here at Amherst. His expertise at the midfield position will surely help us to continue to focus our efforts on playing 'the fastest game on two feet' just that way: FAST."

Hawkins, a 2013 graduate of NCAA Division I lacrosse powerhouse Loyola University in Maryland, was a standout midfielder for the Greyhounds from 2010-2013. Hawkins was a four-year starter, a two-time USILA All-American, was named to the 2012 NCAA All-Tournament team, and was a member of the ECAC championship and NCAA national championship team of 2012.

During the course of his four years at Loyola, Hawkins netted 26 goals, dished out nine assists (35 points), and collected 172 groundballs. The Greyhounds also recorded a 46-16 overall record during that span including an impressive 18-1 mark in 2012 en route to the national title, three NCAA postseason appearances, and a 22-4 overall mark in Patriot League action.

"Josh played for one of the brightest minds in the nation in Charley Toomey at Loyola, and we put a lot of stock in that pedigree," Thompson continued. "I am positive our young men will benefit greatly from his mentorship on and off the field."

Following his collegiate career, Hawkins transitioned to Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and was drafted fifth overall by the Hamilton Nationals in 2013 before being traded to the Charlotte Hounds. He appeared in 14 games in 2014 and scored six goals, notched two assists and registered 32 groundballs which was third best on the team.

In addition to his highly decorated playing career, Hawkins brings a variety of coaching experience to Amherst, including a stint as an assistant varsity coach at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, Calif. from September, 2013 until October, 2014. He also served as the head of the lacrosse department for Redline Athletics – a sports specific training facility developed to help young athletes become stronger, faster and more powerful. He has also worked as a camp counselor for various lacrosse camps.

An Amherst native, Hawkins previously held a position in the Amherst Admissions Office as an office assistant from the winter of 2008 to the winter of 2012.