Ex-Duke lacrosse coach finds success at RI program

Bryant+University+lacrosse+coach+Mike+Pressler+presides+over+the+teams+practice+on+campus+in+Smithfield%2C+R.I.+Thursday%2C+Feb.+26%2C+2009.+Pressler+was+convinced+hed+never+coach+again+after+he+was+forced+to+resign+from+Duke+University%2C+when+three+of+his+lacrosse+players+were+accused+of+raping+a+stripper.+But+three+years+later%2C+with+allegations+debunked%2C+Pressler+is+relishing+a+resurgent+career+at+Bryant+University.+%28AP+Photo%2FElise+Amendola%29%0A

AP

Bryant University lacrosse coach Mike Pressler presides over the team’s practice on campus in Smithfield, R.I. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009. 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. But three years later, with allegations debunked, Pressler is relishing a resurgent career at Bryant University. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

By Eric Tucker

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.”.

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