Phillylacrossecom, Posted 8/24/20
From Press Release
The Arcadia University Department of Athletics and Recreation has announced the hiring of Paul Mita (Conestoga) to lead the Knights’ men’s lacrosse program. Mita will assume his new role on Wednesday, August 26.
“I am honored for the opportunity to represent Arcadia University as the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach,” Mita said. “This institution has an outstanding academic reputation and a thriving athletic department that I am excited to join.”
“There is a rich history and tradition of high-level lacrosse in the Philadelphia area. As a Philadelphia-area native, I intend to draw from that winning attitude. I want to thank Executive Director of Athletics Brian Granata, Assistant Director of Athletics Brett Mariani, the entire search committee, and the Arcadia community for having trust in me to empower our student-athletes to reach their full potential as leaders, scholars, and lacrosse players.”
Mita arrives in Glenside after spending one season as the top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at NCAA Division III Dickinson College. The Red Devils played to a 3-2 record in the 2020 season prior to the season’s cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Prior to Dickinson, Mita spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Division III power Cabrini University, where he helped lead the Cavaliers to the 2019 NCAA Championship with a 16-12 victory over Amherst at Lincoln Financial Field. Additionally, the Cavaliers were named the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) Division III Mid-Atlantic Region Coaching Staff of the Year following the 22-2 season that culminated in the national title.
Paul Mita Announcement QuoteDuring his three seasons at Cabrini, the Cavaliers won three-straight conference championships and made three NCAA Tournament appearances while posting a combined record of 56-9. Mita developed and coached 24 USILA All-Americans as a member of Steve Colfer’s coaching staff – including a program-best 11 in 2019.
“We are very excited to welcome Coach Mita as the new head coach of the Arcadia men’s lacrosse program,” Executive Director of Athletics Brian Granata stated. “Paul is a tireless worker with deep connections to the Philadelphia lacrosse community and a number of quality mentors that have prepared him for this next step in his coaching career. He is committed to intentionally and sustainably building a championship-caliber program filled with student-athletes that are focused on making positive contributions on the lacrosse field and within our campus community. We look forward to the development of the program under his leadership.”
Mita began his coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach with Upper Merion High School, where he helped lead the Vikings to the 2010 Suburban One-American Conference Championship during his three seasons. He also served as an assistant with St. Joseph’s Prep, leading them to Catholic League and District 12 Championships in 2015, culminating in a PIAA State Championship berth. Mita continues to hold ties in youth lacrosse in the Philadelphia area, as he currently works with the Duke’s Lacrosse Club.
Mita was a four-year member of the Villanova Men’s Lacrosse program under head coach Mike Corrado, where he was a part of three nationally-ranked teams. He led the Wildcats to the program’s second NCAA Tournament appearance in 2011 and a Big East regular season title in 2013. Mita was also part of the 2012 and 2013 teams to advance to the second round of the Big East Tournament. He was also named to the 2012 Big East Academic All-Star Team.
Mita graduated from Villanova in 2013 as a double major in finance and marketing. He also completed his Master’s of Education from Cabrini in 2020.
Mita was an All-Phillylacrosse.com Honorable Mention pick in 2009 when he scored 53 goals and helped lead Conestoga to the Central League and District 1 championships and a berth in the first PIAA title game.
What they’re saying about Paul Mita:
“Arcadia University made a tremendous addition to their athletic department and their University community as a whole by hiring Paul Mita. Paul is a tremendously talented and hard-working coach who will do a wonderful job in leading the Knights’ lacrosse program. The entire Cabrini lacrosse program is not only excited, but proud, of Coach Mita for earning this much-deserved opportunity.”
Steve Colfer – Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Cabrini University
“I am so happy and excited for Paul. I’ve had the privilege to coach Paul and have enjoyed watching him transition into an outstanding coach at Cabrini University and Dickinson College. Arcadia has hired a dedicated and talented coach. Paul is ready for this opportunity and is going to accomplish great things. Nova Nation is proud and excited for Coach Mita.”
Mike Corrado – Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Villanova University