Nassau Community College Names National Champion and Division I Veteran J.P. Brazel Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
Nassau Community College Names National Champion and Division I Veteran J.P. Brazel
Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
GARDEN CITY, NY, July 8, 2026 — Nassau Community College is proud to announce the
appointment of J.P. Brazel as Head Coach of the Lions Men's Lacrosse program, bringing
home one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in the sport to lead the next
chapter of Nassau's storied lacrosse tradition.
Brazel enters his 24th season in collegiate coaching in 2026, including 18 seasons
at the NCAA Division I level. Throughout his distinguished career, he has earned a
reputation as one of the game's premier recruiters, player developers, and program
builders, serving in leadership roles that have included Associate Head Coach, Offensive
Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, NCAA Compliance Liaison,
and Goaltenders Coach.
Most recently, Brazel served as Associate Head Coach at Stony Brook University from
2019–2025, where he helped establish the Seawolves as one of the CAA’s premier defensive
programs. Under his leadership, Stony Brook’s defensive units consistently ranked
among the nation’s top third, highlighted by the nation’s No. 1 man-down defense in
2023. Throughout his tenure, he helped develop multiple All-CAA selections, National
Players of the Week, and numerous professional-caliber student-athletes while contributing
to multiple CAA Tournament appearances.
Prior to Stony Brook, Brazel spent eight successful seasons at Hofstra University,
where he served as Offensive Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, Goaltenders Coach,
and Co-Defensive Coordinator. During his time with the Pride, Hofstra earned six Colonial
Athletic Association Tournament appearances, rose as high as No. 2 in the national
rankings, and produced four USILA All-Americans, 46 All-CAA selections, three CAA
Players of the Year, and numerous professional players.
His coaching résumé also includes successful stops at the University of Delaware,
Sacred Heart University, and Manhattan College. At Delaware, he helped guide the Blue
Hens to the 2011 CAA Championship and an NCAA Tournament appearance. At Sacred Heart,
he contributed to one of the most successful seasons in program history while developing
nationally ranked goaltenders.
For Nassau, this appointment represents more than the hiring of an accomplished coach;
it marks the return of one of its own.
Brazel began his collegiate coaching career at Nassau Community College, helping lead
the Lions to three NJCAA Final Four appearances and multiple regional championships
while developing numerous All-American and All-Region players. He was also a standout
student-athlete at Nassau, helping the Lions capture the 1999 NJCAA National Championship
before completing his collegiate playing career at Hofstra University.
"Coach Brazel's return to Nassau has generated tremendous excitement throughout our
proud Men's Lacrosse alumni family, and for good reason," said Kerri-Ann McTiernan,
AVP of Athletics. "As a Nassau alumnus, he understands the tradition, pride, and responsibility
that come with this program. Beyond his championship pedigree and coaching accomplishments,
J.P. is a proven leader of young men who is deeply committed to helping student-athletes
grow as competitors, students, and people. We are thrilled to welcome him home to
carry on the legacy of Nassau Men's Lacrosse while inspiring and transforming the
lives of the next generation of Lions."
In addition to his collegiate coaching accomplishments, Brazel is the Founder and
Director of BrazLax, one of Long Island's premier player development organizations.
Through BrazLax, he has mentored hundreds of athletes while overseeing all aspects
of organizational leadership, curriculum development, recruiting, and business operations.
Brazel's coaching philosophy is built on accountability, discipline, relationships,
and continuous improvement. His programs emphasize athletic excellence, academic achievement,
character development, and preparing student-athletes for success long after their
playing careers have ended.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank Dr. Conzatti and Ms. Kerri McTiernan for entrusting
me with the opportunity to lead the Nassau Community College men’s lacrosse program.
I’m deeply grateful to my family, mentors, former players, colleagues, and everyone
who has helped shape my journey over the past 24 years. Your belief, guidance, and
support have made this moment possible. It is truly an honor to return to the place
where my coaching career began. I’m excited for the opportunity to serve our student-athletes,
build a championship culture, and represent Nassau Community College with pride, Brazel
said.”
With the appointment of J.P. Brazel, Nassau Community College reaffirms its commitment
to excellence and to building a men's lacrosse program that reflects the proud tradition
of Lions athletics.
About Nassau Community College
Nassau Community College (NCC), a campus of the State University of New York (SUNY),
provides a comprehensive public college experience designed to prepare students to
start, and continue, their successful journeys through higher education. Serving more
than 17,000 full-time and part-time students annually, NCC offers 70 degree and certificate
programs. Through on-campus and online offerings, the College educates local and international
students and boasts more than 164,000 alumni. Situated on 225 acres in Garden City,
Long Island, NCC is located in historic Nassau County, one of the most desirable locations
to live in the United States and an epicenter for business and careers. Since 1959,
the College has earned a nationwide reputation for academic excellence, affordability,
and ease of transferability to four-year schools.
