Dom Starsia

Nedrow, NY –– For more than three decades, Dom Starsia stood at the center of American lacrosse not merely as a coach, but as an advocate of the game's deeper meaning.

As the longtime head coach of the University of Virginia, Starsia helped define an era marked by excellence and a reverence for lacrosse as more than competition alone.

Starsia's journey to lacrosse was anything but conventional. A football player from Long Island, he arrived at Brown University with no prior exposure to the game. That changed when he met Dave White, a Mohawk lacrosse player who placed a stick in his hands and introduced him to a sport with far deeper roots than Starsia had imagined.

When he held his first stick, he immediately knew this was going to be his life's work.

Starsia played lacrosse at the collegiate level, internationally, and professionally, while developing as a coach.

Under his leadership, the Cavaliers captured four NCAA national championships. Starsia was honored three times as National Coach of the Year, firmly dispelling the notion---common at the time---that "nice guys don't win championships."

His philosophy rejected rigid systems that suppressed individual creativity. His teams were fast paced and effective. At Virginia, he actively recruited Native American players, most notably Zed Williams, affirming through action that the future of the game must remain connected to the people who created it.

Starsia's impact extended beyond trophies and records. He has been a strong voice promoting the game's Haudenosaunee roots as well as bringing lacrosse into the inner city through his affiliation with Harlem Lacrosse.

"Alfie was one of the most humble humans that I've had the luck to know in this life, and Coach Dom Starsia is from that same thread," said Justin Giles, both an Award Board Member and Virginia graduate.

Starsia reflected on his journey and philosophy in his book, I Hope You Will Be Very Happy; Leadership Lessons From a Lifetime in Lacrosse.

Through intensity balanced with humility, and success grounded in cultural respect, Dom Starsia exemplifies the spirit of stewardship, curiosity, and continuity that this award seeks to recognize.

"Both are great students and educators of the game and coach Starsia is a most fitting selection," added Giles.

Dom Starsia is a member of the third class of Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award winners. He is joined by Mike Mitchell, Akwesasne Faithkeeper and lacrosse legend, and Michael Kennedy of Ireland Lacrosse.

The 2026 Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award ceremony will be held in Syracuse, New York, on September 11. Visit www.alfieaward.com for more information.