GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Dave Hoger has been named head men's lacrosse coach at Calvin College.

Hoger takes over the reins of a Calvin men's lacrosse program that is heading into its fifth year as a varsity program and is coming off a school record six victories this past spring.  Hoger is making his debut as a head college lacrosse coach after spending the last four years as an assistant coach at the collegiate level.

A 2012 graduate of Eastern University (Pa.), Hoger served as the defensive coordinator of the Frostburg State (Md.) men's lacrosse team during the 2015-16 season, helping the Bobcats gain a national ranking and post an overall record of 15-4.

Prior to his term at Frostburg State, Hoger spent three years as an assistant men's lacrosse coach at his alma mater Eastern University, coaching the goalies and assisting with the defense. Hoger helped Eastern earn two trips to the NCAA III Tournament as an assistant coach. During that three-year span, he also served as an admissions counselor for Eastern.

Hoger is eager to begin his work at Calvin College. "I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to be a head men's lacrosse coach at Calvin," said Hoger. "I am excited to get there and meet the players. I also look forward to recruiting student-athletes and building the blocks to continue to move the program in the right direction. The game of lacrosse is growing rapidly in the Midwest and I look forward to being a part of that growth at Calvin College."

Jim Timmer, Calvin's co-director of athletics "I am very pleased to welcome Dave Hoger to the Calvin family," said Jim Timmer, Calvin's co-director of athletics. "He has a strong grasp of Calvin's mission as a Christ-centered institution and he places a high value on academics. He is a rising young coach who I feel will continue to build momentum with our men's lacrosse program. "

Nancy Meyer, Calvin's co-director of athletics shares Timmer's optimism on Hoger's appointment. "We feel blessed to have a person with Dave's enthusiasm, Christian commitment and understanding of Division III athletics," said Meyer. "We feel that he will be a great fit in our athletics program and at Calvin College as a whole."

A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, Hoger was a four-year goalie for the Eastern men's lacrosse team. As a senior in 2012, he served as a team captain and led the Eagles to their first-ever NCAA III Tournament appearance.

Hoger graduated from Eastern University with a degree in Mathematics with a Concentration in Secondary Education. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in business administration at Frostburg State.

Hoger began playing lacrosse as a student at Sussex Central High School in Delaware. "I fell in love with the sport moment I stepped in," said Hoger. "I started out playing football but gravitated to lacrosse. I found lacrosse to be a physical sport that also takes finesse and skill."

According to Hoger, lacrosse has also given him the opportunity to use his math skills as a player and a coach. "Mathematics is a discipline that involves problem solving," he said. "As a coach and a player, you're constantly trying to find solutions for problems.  That's where math and analytical thinking come into play. It's definitely something I enjoy."

Story provided by Jeffrey Febus, Calvin College.