Connor Samuelson was named assistant coach for the UMass Lowell men’s lacrosse team in August 2022 after five seasons with Williams College. An experienced defenseman, Samuelson brings his expertise to the River Hawks as the team’s defensive coordinator.
As the primary assistant for the Ephs, Samuelson served as the team’s goalie coach and oversaw all recruiting for defensive players. A finalist for the 2019 Mike Clear DIII Assistant Coach of the Year, Samuelson played a critical role in leading the Ephs to the NESCAC Finals in 2019 and 2021 as well as the team’s first Final Four appearance in 2019. Under his tutelage, the Ephs saw six USILA All-Americas, six All NESCAC selections, three All IMLCA honorees and six NEILA selections.
Samuelson kicked off his coaching career with the Hartford men’s lacrosse team in 2016, serving as a volunteer assistant coach. With the Hawks, Samuelson assisted the coaching staff in developing its defensive core and goalies, organized scouting reports, created off-season conditioning plans and coordinated team travel.
As a player, Samuelson was a decorated defenseman for the Springfield College men’s lacrosse team. A captain and four-year starter, Samuelson was a key contributor to the Pride’s four tournament appearances and four NEWMAC titles. During his time with the Pride, Samuelson earned All-New England, All IMLCA North Region and All-ECAC honors. He was also a two-time All-NEWMAC First Team selection and represented the Pride at the 75th Nike USILA North/South All-Star Game and NEILA East/West All-Star Game.
Samuelson earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a concentration in coaching and business from Springfield in 2016. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in organizational leadership from the University of Denver.