Emmanuel Athletics is thrilled to welcome Mark Destro as the new Head Coach for the Emmanuel Men's Lacrosse program.

Originally from Arlington, VA Destro didn't start playing lacrosse until the 7^th grade. After trying out every position on the field, he found his home as a goalie in high school, and his career took off from there.
After spending a season at Jacksonville University, where he was a part of the first Division I program in the state of Florida, Destro transferred to Manhattan College for his sophomore season. He finished out his playing career at The Catholic University of American where he earned a degree in History in 2014. 

It was during his senior year of college that he discovered a passion for coaching.

"A family friend, John Torpey (Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Brown University), he suggested I think about it," Destro remembers. "He got me in touch with the right people, and everything clicked. Going into coaching for me was an opportunity to stay involved in the sport I wasn't ready to give up on yet." 

Overall, Destro boasts seven seasons of collegiate coaching experience. He began his coaching career as the Assistant Men's Lacrosse Coach for Sewanee from 2014-16 before moving to the University of Mount Union in 2017. He then spent two seasons as the Assistant Coach for Methodist University before landing at Piedmont University where he spent the 2023-24 season as the program's Assistant Coach. During his time at Sewanee, Destro helped the Tigers to two consecutive SAA Conference Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. 

For Destro, the biggest lesson he's learned during his coaching tenure is that everyone learns differently. 

"Some players can pick things up quickly by you just telling them once what to do," he said. Others may need it drawn out, where others may need a combination of both. Your job as coach is to adjust your coaching style to how everyone learns."
What does Destro want his players and recruits to know about him?

"I'm going to push them to achieve their full potential, but it's coming from a place of love," he said. "I want them to know if I'm pushing them hard on the field, I'm also pushing them hard in the classroom which will prepare them for life after college."

Welcome to the Lions Den, Coach Destro!