John Odierna – Manhattan College Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach

John Odierna is the new head coach of Manhattan College men’s lacrosse. He replaces Drew Kelleher, who was named head coach of UMass Lowell last week.

Prior to his tenure at Manhattan, Odierna served as an assistant coach at Stevens Institute of Technology for two seasons, compiling scouting reports, creating game plans and organizing offseason workout programs. While there, his teams went on to win three games against nationally-ranked opponents and make two appearances in the Empire 8 Tournament.

Early Life and Education

John Odierna’s early life was heavily shaped by his family’s involvement in the military. Born in Torreon, Mexico and raised on various bases throughout North and South America, he experienced firsthand what it meant to serve our country.

His education was guided by the Salesian model of religious education, which included primary instruction at home and secondary schooling at Salesian schools. In October 1953 he earned his doctorate in canon law from the Salesian Athenaeum in Turin, Italy under Father Alfons Maria Stickler S.D.B. – later to be known as cardinal!

He served as an assistant coach at Stevens Institute of Technology for two seasons, creating scouting reports and implementing game plans that led the Ducks to three victories over nationally-ranked opponents and two appearances in the Empire Eight Tournament. Additionally, he was defensive coordinator, designing and executing their defensive strategies. A renowned clinician, he organized and developed events such as Hoboken Shootout, FLG Premier and FLG Legit 120 showcases.

Professional Career

John Odierna joined Manhattan College’s coaching staff in 2023 after serving seven seasons as their defensive coordinator. During that time, he helped craft one of the top defenses in the MAAC, featuring two All-MAAC selections on the back end this season in Luke Pacher and Christina Clifford.

His coaching career has encompassed all facets of the game, from scouting and developing a program’s defensive strategy to organizing offseason workout programs. Furthermore, as assistant coach at Stevens Institute of Technology he was instrumental in three wins against nationally-ranked opponents as well as two appearances in the Empire 8 Tournament.

Former Colby College and Gettysburg College standout, he earned USILA Honorable Mention All-American honors as a senior in 2011 before earning his degree in business management. An esteemed clinician, he organized and developed the Hoboken Shootout, FLG Premier, and FLG Legit 120 showcases.

Achievements and Honors

John Odierna is a seasoned lacrosse coach, having served the last 7 seasons as Manhattan’s defensive coordinator and three as their associate head coach. His influence over one of the MAAC’s top defenses has been immense; he mentored several all-stars along the way including First Team All-MAAC players Luke Pacher, Christina Clifford, and Blake Lothian this past season.

This weekend, the Manhattan Jaspers are looking to cement themselves as one of the MAAC’s elite teams with two matches against Navy and Princeton. Led by Odierna at the helm, Manhattan hopes to secure its first-ever collegiate victory against these fierce competitors. With a strong foundation already established, they’re eager to take on any competition that comes their way.

Personal Life

John Odierna was an exemplary father, hardworking and dedicated to his family’s needs. As a pharmacist, he gave of himself freely to support them in their daily struggles.

He is survived by his wife, Tricia Odierna; eight children; and 11 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Abraham and Eugenie Shalhoub.

Odierna, a retired transit officer and his wife Tricia adopted seven-year-old twins Alicia and Jake after their sister passed away. Additionally they took in her nephews aged 7, 13, and 16 as foster children.

Odierna has been part of the Manhattan staff for seven years, serving as defensive coordinator and associate head coach. Under his guidance, the Jaspers’ defense has blossomed into one of the nation’s premier units – led by three All-MAAC selections this season: Luke Pacher, Christina Clifford and Blake Lothian.