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Lacrosse

Ponsetti named VMI Lacrosse assistant coach

LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI lacrosse head coach James Purpura announced the hiring of Gage Ponsetti as an assistant coach to his staff for the upcoming 2024 season.

Ponsetti arrives in Lexington after spending the last year and a half as the defensive coordinator at Wheeling University in Wheeling, West Virginia. While at Wheeling, Ponsetti oversaw a defense that finished eighth in the nation in Division II in extra-man defense. Under his leadership, the Cardinals increased their win totals and all goalies on the roster finished at or above a 50 percent save percentage.

"I am excited to welcome Gage to the VMI family," Purpura said. "Gage is humble, hungry and is passionate about his craft. He's an outstanding relationship-builder with his athletes and will bring passion and energy both on and off the field. His goaltending and defensive background will add value to the program. I am excited to see the positive impact he has on our men."

Prior to coaching at Wheeling, Ponsetti spent a season as a graduate assistant coach at Alfred University in Alfred, New York, where he worked with the goalies. He also assisted the defense with player development, scouting and recruiting.
 
Before coaching, Ponsetti was a multi-year starting goalie at Alfred. During his time with the Saxons, Ponsetti played in 18 games and started in 17, finishing with a 47.6 save percentage. Prior to Alfred, Ponsetti began his career at Siena College where he played in 11 games with seven starts as a true freshman, posting a 46.8% save percentage.
 
Ponsetti played for Purpura when he was in high school when both were a part of the Sweetlax club organization.

The Penn Yan, New York, native graduated from Alfred in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He is expected to graduate in May with a master's degree in organization and leadership concentrated in athletics from Wheeling University.
 
"I am thrilled for the opportunity to become part of the VMI lacrosse program, a program that has a tremendous group of young men," said Ponsetti. "I'd like to thank Coach Purpura for his belief in me as a young coach and I can't wait to start working with the cadet-athletes at VMI."

Ponsetti will work with the Keydet goaltenders and assist with the defensive side of the ball. In addition to his on-field duties, he will also run the substitution box.





 
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