SALISBURY, Md. – A new chapter begins for one of the most decorated programs in collegiate lacrosse as Director of Athletics and Campus Recreation Monica Polizzi has named Justin Axel '03, M '05 the eighth head coach of the Sea Gull men's lacrosse team on Tuesday.
"It is a true honor to build upon the incredible legacy of Coach Jim Berkman and Salisbury Men's Lacrosse," Axel said. "I am extremely excited about the future of this program and the opportunities that lie ahead. I want to thank President Lepre and Athletic Director Monica Polizzi for this incredible opportunity. Coach Berkman has been an instrumental figure in my life, and I cannot thank him enough for his support, guidance, and friendship over the last 25 years. I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my wife, Meaghan, and my daughter, Sloan—coaching is a family endeavor, and their love and understanding mean everything. I am truly honored to lead this program forward."
Axel succeeds Hall of Fame head coach Jim Berkman, who announced his retirement after 38 seasons in a career that helped turn SU into a national standard-bearer in Division III men's lacrosse.
"This is a special moment for Salisbury men's lacrosse, and Justin is the right person to lead the program forward," Polizzi said. "He understands what makes Sea Gull lacrosse different because he has helped build its championship tradition for more than a decade. Justin brings championship experience, proven leadership and a deep commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field. We are confident he will continue the standard of excellence that has made SU one of the premier programs in collegiate lacrosse."
The appointment keeps the program's leadership within the Sea Gull family, with Axel bringing experience as a Salisbury alumnus, former assistant coach, recruiter, and championship staff member. Across his two tenures with the program, he has been part of seven national championship teams and some of the most dominant stretches in NCAA Division III men's lacrosse history.
"Salisbury men's lacrosse is one of the great points of pride for our University, and Justin Axel represents the excellence, loyalty, and competitive spirit that define this program," said Salisbury University President Carolyn Lepre. "As an alum, educator, and championship coach, Justin knows what this program means to our students, alumni, and community of supporters. I am excited to see him lead the Sea Gulls into this next chapter."
Axel, a native of Columbia, Maryland, has spent two stints on the sidelines for the Sea Gulls, first serving as an assistant coach from 2002 to 2007 and helping SU capture four national titles in 2003, '04, '05 and '07. In that time, Axel also contributed to one of the most dominant stretches in college lacrosse history, by recording 69 consecutive wins from April 17, 2003 to May 21, 2006.
In August 2007, Axel became the head coach at Eastern Connecticut State, recording an 81-42 ledger and leading the program to four Little East Conference (LEC) Championships in 2008, '09, '12 and '13.
Axel led the Warriors to the third round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament, marking the program's deepest postseason run. In his seven seasons with ECSU, Axel coached seven All-Americans and 42 all-conference players, while earning LEC Coach of the Year in 2012 and the Ace Adams Sportsmanship Award in 2013.
Axel made a return to the Eastern Shore in 2014, becoming the recruiting director and assistant coach in his second tenure on Berkman's staff. He helped lead the Maroon and Gold back to the pinnacle of Division III Men's Lacrosse in 2016, '17 and '23. After the Sea Gulls earned their 13th ring in 2023, Axel was named the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) Division III Assistant Coach of the Year.
"Congratulations to Coach Axel," Berkman said. "His experience with the game, his connection to our alumni, and his understanding of the traditions of this program make him a perfect fit. I wish him the very best as he leads Salisbury lacrosse into the future."
Axel earned his Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science in 2003 and earned his Master of Arts in Teaching, Physical Education in 2005 at SU. He resides in Salisbury with his wife, Meaghan, and daughter, Sloan.
Axel will head into the 2027 season after the Sea Gulls went 17-4 in 2026 and won its 28th conference title in program history.
Salisbury University is a proud member of NCAA Division III with primary membership in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, along with affiliate membership in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (football, men's & women's swimming), Coastal Lacrosse Conference (men's lacrosse), State University of New York Athletic Conference (field hockey), and Colonial Women's Golf Conference (women's golf). With over 500 student-athletes in 23 varsity sports, SU is recognized as one of the nation's most competitive intercollegiate athletics programs regardless of division, featuring dedicated coaches and staff that foster excellence on and off the field. The Sea Gulls have won a combined 23 team national championships, 26 individual national championships, and 211 conference championships, and have produced 54 Academic All-Americans.
To Make Tomorrow Yours at Salisbury University, and learn more about Sea Gull Athletics' tradition of excellence, visit SUSeaGulls.com or follow on social media @SUSeaGulls.
