Jesse Bernhardt - Men's Lacrosse Coach - Rutgers University Athletics

Jesse Bernhardt

Title:
Assistant Coach

Jesse Bernhardt enters his second season with the Scarlet Knights in 2015. He will be the team's defensive coordinator and oversee the faceoff unit for the upcoming season. In his first season at RU, he oversaw an offense that scored 155 goals and totaled 239 points. He also mentored All-American Joe Nardella who went 223-of-333 (.670) on faceoffs and led the team with 125 ground balls, ranking top-five in the nation in both categories.

Bernhardt joined the Scarlet Knights after a highly decorated playing career, and previously was a volunteer assistant coach at the University of Maryland.

Bernhardt spent 2014 with the University of Maryland, working with the defensive unit as a volunteer assistant. Bernhardt assisted with defensive game planning, the man-down unit, wings of faceoffs, ran the substitution box, worked on scouting reports and game film, and assisted with summer tournaments and camps. With Bernhardt on staff, the Terrapins went 13-4 in 2014 and advanced to the NCAA Semifinals.

Bernhardt also brings a variety of coaching experience at the high school and youth level. He previously was the Defensive Coordinator for Windermere Prep School in Orlando, Florida, while also being the Co-Head Coach of the Lacrosse Club of Orlando. Additionally, Bernhardt was a camp coach at No-Limit Lacrosse Camp, Nike Blue Chip, and Bernhardt Lacrosse Camps.

As a player, Bernhardt enjoyed extraordinary success both on the collegiate and professional level. Playing for Maryland, Bernhardt was a two-time captain and All-American. As a junior in 2012 he was All-ACC, ACC Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Tewaarton Trophy Nominee, and USILA Second Team All-American and Scholar All-American as he helped Maryland to the NCAA Championship game. His senior season in 2013 Bernhardt again was All-ACC and a Tewaarton Trophy Nominee, as well as a USIAL First Team All-American and Scholar All-American.

After his dynamic collegiate career, Bernhardt was the number four overall selection in the Major League Lacrosse Draft by the Chesapeake Bayhawks. In his first season, he aided the Bayhawks as they won the MLL Championship. He was also on the 23-man roster for Team USA which competed in the World Games. In 2014 he was named to the MLL All-Star Game.