One of the fastest growing sports in America will be coming to College of DuPage.
 
Director of Athletics and Recreation Ryan Kaiser has named long-time Chicagoland lacrosse prep coach Bill Sanford as the Chaps' men's head coach.
 
The sport begins play in 2023-24, allowing Sanford a full year to recruit the sport.
 
"We're thrilled to have Bill lead our efforts as we begin the process of building the men's lacrosse program here at COD,'' Kaiser said. "It was very clear from the beginning that Bill understands our vision. He wants to win and that vision mirrors one another in making COD the preeminent power in junior college men's lacrosse.''
 
Sanford previously spent 12 seasons leading Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights to nine conference titles, seven IHSLA quarterfinal appearances and four Final Four appearances. More than 20 of his players advanced their athletic careers into NCAA Division I, III, III programs including seven that eventually captained their college teams.
 
"To have the opportunity to coach at COD and be a leader in growing lacrosse at the junior college level carries a personal meaning to me,'' Sanford said. "I spent two years at a community college in New Jersey and that experience would have been enhanced had I been able to continue my playing career. There are a lot of high school and club players in this area, and in the Midwest, that will benefit tremendously from the growth of junior college lacrosse. I am thrilled to contribute to the growth of lacrosse in our region."
 
That college lacrosse holds growing interest is an understatement. The NCAA announced in a study earlier this year that men's and women's lacrosse were named the fastest growing sports in America over the past 15 years and has been the focus of substantial investment at all levels.
 
"Bill's been at the forefront of all levels of lacrosse,'' Kaiser said. "He's as dialed-in to the sport as anyone in the greater Chicago area.''
 
Sanford is the manager of alumni engagement at Benet Academy. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in English from Dayton and his master of education Alliance in Education degree from Notre Dame.

He and his family make their home in Glen Ellyn.

For those who are interested in attending COD and playing men's lacrosse, please click on the link for an athletic questionnaire.