Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/11/25 – From Press Releases
Kyle Sweeney (Springfield-Delco) and Malvern Prep head coach Matt Mackrides (Malvern rep/Penn State) have joined the Carolina Chaos staff as assistant coaches, the Premier Lacrosse League announced this week.
Sweeney was inducted into the Pro Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2024 after a 15-year professional career. He was teammates with Chaos head coach Roy Colsey on the Philadelphia Barrage and later played for the Boston Cannons, winning MLL championships with both teams.
During his playing career, Sweeney won four MLL titles (2004, 2006, 2007, 2011) — the first three with Colsey — and was named an All-Pro four times. He’s sixth all-time in career points scored by a long pole (72), ninth in ground balls (529) and second in games played (183). The former defenseman will oversee a Carolina defense that allowed the fewest scores in the PLL last season.
Mackrides – in his third season as head coach at Malvern Prep – played six seasons in the MLL with the Chesapeake Bayhawks and Atlanta Blaze. New Chaos general manager Spencer Ford drafted him to the Bayhawks, with whom he won two championships (2012, 2013).
When Ford took over the Blaze, he traded for Mackrides, who had 146 career points (86G, 2T, 58A). He’ll be tasked with reviving a Chaos offense that was the league’s worst in 2024.
After careful consideration with his family and Malvern Prep administrators, Mackrides looks forward to the opportunity as a chance for professional growth. “My primary focus will always be Malvern Prep,” he emphasizes. “However, coaching in the PLL will allow me to expand my knowledge of the game, bringing fresh insights and strategies back to our program. My goal is to share what I learn with our players, helping them develop at the highest level for years to come.”
“Matt is a valued member of the Malvern Community who was a standout lacrosse player during his time at Malvern Prep, Penn State, and professionally,” said Mr. Jim Stewart Jr. ’86, Head of Athletics at Malvern Prep. “I am excited for him to grow in his coaching career and share what he learns with our student-athletes.”
