Mike Bedford was named an assistant coach for the Rutgers women's lacrosse team by head coach Laura Brand Sias on July 11, 2018. Currently the head coach of the Philadelphia Force of the United Women's Lacrosse League (UWLX), Bedford serves as the defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator for the Scarlet Knights.
"Mike brings great experience to Rutgers in both the collegiate and professional ranks," Brand Sias said. "He has an undeniable work ethic and passion for lacrosse that comes through in all that he does. I am very excited to add him to our staff and look forward to his immediate impact on our Scarlet Knight family"
On the collegiate level, Bedford served as an assistant coach at Boston University during the 2018 season, helping the Terriers to 10 wins and an appearance in the Patriot League semifinals. Kailey Conry and Tonianne Magnelli were each named to the IWLCA All-Region Second Team as well as the All-Patriot League First Team, while Kaitlin Belval and Maria Guerra earned spots on the All-PL Second Team.
Bedford has also served as the head coach of the Philadelphia Force of the UWLX since 2017 and enters his second season at the helm of the program. The Force are currently 2-0 during the 2018 campaign.
Prior to his stint at BU, Bedford was an assistant coach at William & Mary from 2016-17. Working primarily with the Tribe's goalies, he guided the goal-keeping unit to lead the Colonial Athletic Association with a 9.18 saves per game average during the 2016 season.
Bedford was also an assistant coach at Hofstra for three seasons from 2013-15, where he helped the Pride to a 6-0 conference mark to secure the 2015 CAA regular season title. Bedford also has coaching experience with the Lenoir-Rhyne University men's program, as well as at Suffolk Community College.
Bedford played collegiately at Suffolk, where he was a member of the 2006 team that reached the NJCAA National Championship game. Bedford was a team captain in 2007 and earned second team All-America honors, as well as first team all-region designation.
Bedford graduated with a degree in physical education from LIU Post in 2010.
