KINGS POINT, N.Y. (May 26, 2026) – USMMA men's lacrosse head coach Dan Paccione was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Coach of the Year for the 2026 season, the league announced recently. It's the first major regional recognition for the fifth-year bench boss, after earning Skyline coaching accolades each of the past three seasons.
 
Paccione led the Mariners to an 11-6 overall record, including a 6-1 mark in Skyline Conference action. The squad was the #1 seed in the Skyline Tournament, and went on to host the championship game.
 
As a team, Merchant Marine ranked high in the NCAA Division III statistical rankings, coming in at first in the nation in Opponent Clear Percentage, 14th in assists per game, 15th in turnovers per game, 18th in scoring defense, scoring offense and scoring margin, and 19th in points per game.
 
For the complete release from the ECAC, click here.
 
Paccione mentored his second All-American selection in 2026 in senior William Badeer (Pittsburgh, Pa.), while Badeer and fellow seniors Michael Hofstetter (Deer Park, N.Y.) and Michael Valentine IV (Massapequa Park, N.Y.) were selected to represent Kings Point on the North All-Star Team at the annual USILA Senior All-Star Game this past Friday. At the game, Badeer had one assist, one ground ball and one caused turnovers, Hofstetter added a helper and Valentine caused two turnovers and picked up three ground balls.
 
Follow this link to view the Mariners' full NCAA national statistical rankings.
 
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