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VMI Lacrosse Coaching Staff Announced

LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI Lacrosse head coach James Purpura has announced his coaching staff for the 2021 season.
 
Mike Herring was retained as the program's offensive coordinator while Kevin Doherty will serve as the new defensive coordinator. Mark Cameron '95 will serve as a volunteer assistant and work with the goalies, face off midfielders and run the substitution box.
 
Doherty arrives in Lexington after spending the last year as an assistant coach under Purpura at Arcadia working with the defense. In his first season with Arcadia, the Knights got off to a great start with five wins in their first seven games - three of which they scored 20 or more goals, while holding opponents to just 9.4 goals per game.
 
Prior to Arcadia, Doherty came from Wagner College where he was a starting defenseman and team captain. Prior to transferring to Wagner, Doherty attended Essex Community College in Baltimore, Maryland, where he was a two-time captain of a program that finished in the top three in the NJCAA national rankings.
 
A first team all-state selection in high school, he helped lead Chantilly High School to a Virginia state championship and was a team captain during his senior year.
 
Doherty also has experience coaching club lacrosse with both Virginia Elite Lacrosse and the Maryland Wolf Pack.
 
A native of Chantilly, Virginia, he graduated from Wagner in 2019 with a B.A. in business administration.
 
"I would like to thank Dr. Diles, Coach Purpura and the administration at VMI for giving me this tremendous opportunity," Doherty said. "I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful. I'm excited to keep building with Coach Purpura as our vision, philosophy and values are completely aligned."
 
Herring enters his second season with the program after being retained. Serving as the Keydets' offensive coordinator, Herring came to VMI after a stellar playing career at the University of Virginia.  As a senior, the Cavaliers went on to win an ACC championship, their first since 2010, en route to claiming the national title over Yale for their first national championship since 2011. During Herring's time at UVA he accumulated 80 points, 34 goals and 46 assists. In 2018, he was second on the team in assists with 18. He also was awarded the Class of 1986 Unsung Hero Award for the 2018 season.
 
Herring also has professional playing experience most recently with Boston Cannons of the MLL. Herring was drafted 34th overall in the MLL Supplemental Draft and suited up with the Cannons in 2019. Herring was also drafted 75th overall by the Georgia Swarm in the 2019 NLL Draft.
 
The Dedham, Massachusetts, native earned a bachelor's degree in history from the Virginia in 2019.
 
"I want to thank Dr. Diles, Coach Purpura, and the administration for the opportunity to stay on staff and for another year at the Institute," Herring said. "Coach Purpura has a tremendous vision for this program and I look forward to the new direction this program is heading under his guidance."
 
Cameron, a 1995 graduate of the Institute, returns to Lexington in the role of volunteer assistant coach. Cameron comes to VMI after serving as an assistant coach at Mount Saint Mary's College where he worked with goalies and assisted with the defense. Prior to Mount Saint Mary's, Cameron spent one season at Arcadia University as an assistant coach under Purpura in 2019. Cameron's goaltenders set new program records in fewest goals against (108), save percentage (.592) and saves (261) while backstopping Arcadia to a program-record nine wins and their first MAC Commonwealth playoff appearance in program history. 
 
Prior to Arcadia, Cameron coached for two seasons at Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey.  At Bergen Catholic, he was in charge of goalies and assisted with the defense. Cameron also served as director and program goalie specialist for Central Bergen Lacrosse Club. Additionally, he also has experience coaching with Bill Pilat's Goalie School.
 
Cameron was a four-year letterman at VMI, where he still ranks ninth all-time in single season saves (172 in 1993).  After college, Cameron played with both the Beck's and Harpoon Lacrosse Clubs in 1996-1997, and then with the U.S. Marine Corps Men's Lacrosse Club from 1999-2001.
 
Cameron is a retired Marine Infantry Officer and commanded at the platoon, company, and task force levels. A former Commander of Marine Corps Security Forces in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Cameron is a decorated combat veteran having served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
 
"I am honored and privileged for the opportunity to return and represent VMI Lacrosse as a member of Coach Purpura's staff," Cameron said. "I look forward to supporting Coach Purpura's vision and ensuring our cadet-athletes are physically, mentally and spiritually prepared for the challenges we will face during the next campaign."
 
A native of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Cameron graduated from VMI in 1995 with a B.A. in history.  He is married to his wife, Suzanne, and is the proud father of three children and three step-children.
 
"My intention coming in was to put together a great staff for VMI and I firmly believe we have done that," said Purpura. "It was crucial to get a passionate, loyal and committed staff together quickly so we can hit the ground running. We have a vision for the program and this group will help allow us to accomplish those goals. All of these coaches have diverse backgrounds and help bring unique perspectives to the staff and program. They are excited to build relationships with our players and to start the next chapter of Keydet lacrosse."
 
 
Coach Purpura on his coaching staff:
 
On Mikey Herring:
"I am excited to promote Mikey Herring as our offensive coordinator. Mikey has an impressive background as a national champion, and has been around some great mentors. What was most impressive was his character and alignment with our vision and core values."
 
On Kevin Doherty:
"Kevin did an exceptional job for us at Arcadia and his familiarity with our systems and organizational structure will allow a smooth transition. Kevin is a Virginia native and former high school state champion at Chantilly. He is passionate and knowledgeable and I look forward to him working with our defense.
 
On Mark Cameron
"MC is one of the most loyal people I know. As a former VMI goalie, MC is passionate about VMI Lacrosse. A decorated combat veteran, he will be a great resource and mentor for our cadet-athletes."



 
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