SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Mike Pressler was convinced he’d never coach again after he was forced to resign from Duke University when three of his lacrosse players were accused of raping a stripper.

He was spurned by his college alma mater, denied interviews for high school positions and resorted to contacting former players for help getting work. His only offer came from a Division II program in northern Rhode Island far from the rarefied top-tier of college lacrosse occupied by Duke.

But three years later and with the rape allegations fully debunked, Pressler is relishing a resurgent career at Bryant University. Its lacrosse program is relatively new. It was formed in 2000.

The Bulldogs are playing their first season against Division I competition, marching through a bruising schedule of Virginia, Maryland, Brown and other elite teams. His focus on building Bryant’s program has helped raise the school’s profile – and helped Pressler move beyond his acrimonious departure from Duke.

“I always say to the guys, ‘Being at the top is great, but the journey’s a heck of a lot more fun,'” said Pressler, who was hired at Bryant in August 2006. “To take our team to Division I in our third season, open at Virginia … that’s thrilling stuff, that’s invigorating stuff.”.

Next year, Pressler will coach the U.S. team in the World Games in England.