Conners named Bears men’s lacrosse coach
Potsdam Sports Information Department
POTSDAM, N.Y.— Potsdam Director of Athletics Mark Misiak has announced Gill Conners as the eighth head coach in SUNY Potsdam men's lacrosse history. Conners replaces Rick Berkman, who moves to an administrative role after leading the Bears for 30 seasons.
"Gill quickly rose to the top of a very talented pool of candidates," said Misiak. "His enthusiasm is infectious, and I'm convinced our current and future men's lacrosse student-athletes will love working with him. Though he's just beginning his journey with us, Gill already has a strong passion for SUNY Potsdam and our men's lacrosse program."
Conners comes to the North Country after six seasons at Division I St. Bonaventure University. He served in multiple roles for the Bonnies at both ends of the turf. Since 2020, he has been the associate head coach and offensive coordinator. Conners was the program's defensive coordinator from 2018-20 and has also been St. Bonaventure's goalie coach and recruiting coordinator each season. Conners was also deeply involved in the team's fundraising, budget, academics, strength and conditioning along with assisting in promotion through various social media platforms.
"I am honored to be named the next head men's lacrosse coach at Potsdam," said Conners. "I would like to thank Mark Misiak, Mike Busby and the rest of the search committee for this incredible opportunity. I would also like to thank Coach Mearns for taking a chance on me in 2018 and allowing me to be a part of the St. Bonaventure family for the last six years. None of this is possible without my wife and daughter and we could not be more excited to call Potsdam home. Go Bears!"
In 2022, Conners helped the Bonnies to a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) regular season title. He coached two first-team and two second team selections that season, including the MAAC Offensive Player of the Year. Conners also coached Premier Lacrosse League draft pick and Team Canada goalie Brett Dobson. The keeper was the MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and led the NCAA in save percentage in consecutive campaigns.
Prior to St. Bonaventure, Conners spent three seasons, 2015-2018, as an assistant coach with Siena College. With the Saints, he helped develop the defense and goalies as well as overseeing recruiting visits. He also organized Siena's lacrosse prospect and summer camps. Conners began his career as a volunteer assistant at Brown University during the 2014-15 academic year, helping the Bears to an Ivy League Title and an NCAA Tourney bid. He worked with the Bears' goalies and defense, handled game film and ran the program's Instagram page.
As a collegiate player, Conners was a talented goalie himself. He helped Onondaga Community College to back-to-back NJCAA National Championships and earned first team All-American honors in 2012. Conners then transferred to Division I Quinnipiac University for two seasons. In 2013, he finished fifth in the nation in saves-per-game and was named All-NEC and NEILA first team. The following year, he was fourth in saves-per-game and seventh in save percentage. Conners earned second team All-MAAC and NEILA honors to cap his career. He holds a communications degree from Quinnipiac.
Potsdam men's lacrosse earned varsity status in 1976. Peter Bence coached the Bears from 1976-79. Late Potsdam Hall of Famer Dr. Chip Hunter led the program from 1980-84. 13-time National Champion Jim Berkman helmed the Bears in 1985. Mike Branski coached the program from 1986-88. Mike Pounds led the team in 1989 and 1990. Jim Lyons guided the Bears from 1991-94. Four-time SUNYAC Coach of the Year Rick Berkman was head coach from 1995 through this spring, leading the Bears to the 2024 SUNYAC Championship game.
