Head Coach David Neff Concludes Historic Run at Carthage

Winningest Coach in Program History, Neff Steps Away After 18 Seasons

KENOSHA, Wis. – Carthage College Athletics announced today that Head Men's Lacrosse Coach David Neff is stepping away from his position after 18 seasons leading the men's lacrosse program.

"I am incredibly thankful for the past 18 years—building this program from the ground up, working with so many great young men, and the incredible support from the families," said David Neff. "I want to especially thank Val Gern for her unwavering support, Ryan Kane for his leadership and guidance, and all the assistant coaches who have contributed over the years—especially Danny Rossi for stepping up and carrying the team through this past season. I also want to recognize Dexter Molinaro in the strength and conditioning program, whose dedication made such a difference."

"But most importantly, I want to thank all the young men who have made up this lacrosse program over the years, and to those who will continue in the coming years to build on this great community and tradition, " added Neff.

"Thank you for the work you put in day after day, for the way you showed up for each other, and for the pride you carried in representing Carthage. You took the standards we set and made them real—on the field, in the classroom, and in how you handled the moments that don't always show up in box scores. I'll always remember the growth, the toughness, the belief, and the brotherhood you built together. Every win, every milestone, and every season shaped by your effort is something I'll be grateful for forever."

Under Neff's leadership, Carthage captured its first College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin championship in 2016 as conference tri-champions before winning the outright conference title in 2017 with an undefeated league record and a 16-5 overall mark. Carthage also earned three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances beginning in 2015 after winning the regular season crown, marking one of the most successful stretches in program history.

Throughout his career, Neff's teams consistently competed among the conference's best while producing numerous individual award winners. His student-athletes earned 36 CCIW First Team selections, 27 CCIW Second Team selections, three CCIW Defensive Player of the Year honors, one CCIW Newcomer of the Year award, and 18 IMLCA All-Region recognitions. During the program's years in the Midwest Lacrosse Conference, Neff coached a Newcomer of the Year, a Defensive Player of the Year, 13 First Team All-Conference selections, 16 Second Team selections, and seven honorable mention honorees. He was also recognized three times as the CCIW Coach of the Year.

On the national stage, Neff mentored multiple All-Americans, including two USILA All-America honorable mention selections and one USA Lacrosse Magazine All-America honorable mention recipient.

Neff's impact extended well beyond wins and losses. Several former student-athletes returned to Carthage as assistant coaches, including Danny Rossi, Noah Linder, Matt Torrence, and Jack Carter. Their return to the sidelines reflected the culture Neff fostered and the lasting connections he built with generations of student-athletes.

Among the many student-athletes who flourished under Neff's leadership was Danny Morse, who became the first men's lacrosse student-athlete inducted into the Carthage Athletics Hall of Fame. Morse earned Midwest Lacrosse Conference Newcomer of the Year honors and multiple first-team all-conference selections while helping lead Carthage to a 12-5 record in 2011 and a 15-4 mark in 2013. His success exemplified the development and excellence that became hallmarks of the program under Neff.

"David's impact on Carthage Men's Lacrosse reaches far beyond the nearly 200 victories and championships he helped bring to this institution," commented Athletic Director Ryan Kane.

"For nearly two decades, he invested in the development of young men, built lifelong relationships with alumni, and established a culture that will continue to shape this program for years to come. The greatest measure of his success isn't found in the record book; it's reflected in the countless former student-athletes who continue to speak about the influence he had on their lives. We are deeply grateful for David's service to Carthage College and wish him, Erin, and their entire family nothing but the very best as they begin this next chapter."

Over 18 seasons, Neff significantly contributed to building a program known for its competitive excellence, strong alumni engagement, and development of student-athletes. His legacy includes nearly 200 victories, championship success, national recognition, and, most importantly, the lasting impact he had on generations of Carthage men's lacrosse student-athletes. Under his leadership, the program became one of the most successful in the region, achieving 197 wins and finishing his career ranked 27th among active NCAA Division III men's lacrosse coaches in career victories.

Gallery: (6-26-2026) Coach Neff Through the Years

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