By Chris Goldberg
Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 11/18/21
Paul McGovern, who has been a head coach and an assistant at the scholastic and college level for two decades, has been named head boys’ lacrosse coach at Archbishop Wood.
McGovern served as an assistant at Gwynedd Mercy University from 2015-21 and was the Defensive Coordinator for CB East from 2010 to 2014. McGovern was the head coach at CR South from 2006-2010, and previously coached at West Chester East, which captured the state title in 1988. McGovern is also a co-founder of Bucks Select travel program.
He was the captain of the 1986 and 1987 West Chester University Men’s Lacrosse teams. The 1987 squad was ranked as high as 11th nationally, finishing the season ranked 17th in the nation among Division III schools.
McGovern is a 1983 Lower Merion High School graduate, where he was captain of the football team.
McGovern has a degree in Exercise Physiology and is a Certified Personal Trainer with over 30 years of health and fitness experience. He began his career as an exercise physiologist working for Pat Croce and is now a Master Trainer.
McGovern answered these questions about his new position:
Why did you take the job and what positives do you see in the program?
McGovern: “I wanted to be a Head Coach again, and Archbishop Wood was the right fit for me. I’ve had the chance to coach more than a few Archbishop Wood players over the years of coaching at Bucks Select Lacrosse Club. The boys have always been high character and hardworking young men.”
What goals do you have for Wood lax? Short-term and long-term?
McGovern: “The number one goal is to build back the culture of lacrosse within the school and community. A short-term goal is to reestablish Wood as a highly competitive team in the Catholic League. A long-term goal is to consistently play at a high level in the State Playoffs.”
What is your general coaching philosophy?
McGovern: “Lacrosse is a great vehicle for teaching life sessions you can’t learn in the classroom. Leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork and community are practiced every day on the lacrosse field. I try to help young men become ‘Students of the Game.’ Hopefully the lessons learned and the friendships made, will help them for a lifetime.”
What did you gain from your coaching experience in college?
McGovern: “It was a great group of men and I learned a lot about coaching the details of the game.”
