Batten University Names Zachary Thomas Next Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach

8/20/2026 2:00:00 PM

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Batten University Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brandon Elliott has announced the hiring of Zachary Thomas as the new head coach of the Marlins men's lacrosse program.

Thomas brings 16 years of collegiate coaching experience to Batten, including 13 seasons as Assistant Head Coach at Christopher Newport University, where he helped establish a highly competitive NCAA Division III program. During his time with the Captains, he helped establish a 161-56 program record, two NCAA Final Four appearances and six consecutive NCAA Elite Eight appearances as well as wins over No. 1-ranked opponents.

"From the start of this process, we identified Zach as someone who would be a tremendous hire," said Brandon Elliott, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. "Zach is widely regarded as one of the brightest and most innovative minds in college lacrosse. He is the right leader at the right time for our men's lacrosse program. His hiring is a major win for Marlin Athletics, and we are fired up for our student-athletes and the future of our men's lacrosse program."

With the Captains, Thomas also played a key role in the development of 25 USILA All-Americans. His efforts helped to earn IMLCA Division III Region 3 Coaching Staff of the Year honors in 2021 and 2022, as well as C2C Coaching Staff of the Year recognition in 2021, 2022 and 2026.

"I am extremely excited and honored to join Batten University and become the head coach of the Marlins men's lacrosse program," said Thomas. "I am incredibly grateful to President (Scott) Miller and Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Brandon Elliott for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead this program. Batten University is a special place with a tremendous community, a strong commitment to its student-athletes, and an outstanding coastal location that makes it an incredible place to live and work.

"I look forward to building strong relationships with our student-athletes, developing them on and off the field, and building a program that reflects the values of Batten University. My goal is to establish a program that our student-athletes, alumni, families, and the entire Batten community can be proud of."

Earlier in his career, Thomas spent three seasons at Roanoke College, serving as an assistant coach, offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. During his time with the Maroons, he helped the program win three ODAC Championships, reach the 2011 NCAA Final Four and produce a nationally ranked top-five offense.

Thomas also brings an accomplished playing career to Batten. A 2009 graduate of Roanoke College, Thomas was a four-year attackman from 2005-09, earning USILA First Team All-American honors in 2009 and additional USILA All-American recognition in 2007. He helped the Maroons win ODAC Championships in 2006 and 2007 and finished his career with 61 victories, the most in program history at the time. Thomas was inducted into the Roanoke Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.

Thomas takes over the Batten men's lacrosse program with extensive experience in recruiting, player development, offensive system development, program leadership and championship-level competition. He now begins the next chapter of his coaching career with the Marlins as Batten prepares for the future of its men's lacrosse program.

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