ASHKELON, ISRAEL — Israel Lacrosse announced today that Jordan Hirsch and Pete Ginnegar have been selected as assistant coaches for the Israel Men’s National Team that will compete at the 2016 ELF Men’s European Championship in Budapest, Hungary. They will join head coach Jeff Schwartz on the sideline to lead Team Israel in pursuit of Israel’s first medal.
“I am excited to welcome Pete and Jordan to our staff and to get started on our mission,” said Schwartz. “I’m confident that these men will make a direct and immediate impact on our players and help elevate our level of play to achieve our goal.”
Since graduating from Nazareth College in 2007, Hirsch has served as an assistant lacrosse coach for his alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College and Lynchburg College, gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience. As a captain during his senior campaign at Nazareth College, Hirsch was named Empire 8 Conference Sportsman of the Year while helping lead his team to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals. During his career, the Flyers also made an NCAA Final Four appearance in 2005 and National Championship appearance in 2004. Hirsch currently teaches Special Education and is currently in his sixth season as an assistant coach at Hendrick Hudson High School in Montrose, NY. Hirsch’s focus with Israel will be running the defense and coordinating special teams.
“Jordan is a guy who knows the game inside and out,” added Schwartz. “He’s had success as a player, as a coach and as a mentor and is a huge addition to our staff. I have a ton of respect for him and I know he is going to be a great coach for our guys.”
Ginnegar, who served Israeli program as an assistant coach since 2012, is in his 11th season as head coach at Claremont College and his 32nd year overall as a college lacrosse coach. Throughout his storied career, Ginnegar has led programs at many levels, from WCLL schools USCB, USC, and Loyola Marymount to Division I powerhouses Cornell, Ohio State, Gannon, and Mercyhurst. He has also coached athletes at the Division II and III level. In 2015 he led Barak Netanya LC to a championship in the inaugural season of the Israel Premier Lacrosse League. Ginnegar was a three-sport varsity athlete at Queens College in New York, where he participated in lacrosse, ice hockey, and soccer. In 2015, he was inducted into the Queens College Athletics Hall of Fame. Ginnegar will be charged with running the box and will lead scouting.
“Pete brings many years of coaching experience to the sideline,” noted Schwartz. “He is incredibly humble and positive and will do anything to help the guys prepare for what lies ahead. I trust Pete as someone who understands the importance of taking care of the little things so they add up to great results.”
Schwartz and Ginnegar will relocate to Israel in June to join Schwartz in preparing the National Team for the European Championship.
Photo Credit: Sportpic Israel