Massapequa, N.Y. - After seven years on the sidelines as an assistant coach at Adelphi, Michael Draper is departing to return to his high school alma mater, Massapequa, in the role of head coach of the boys' varsity lacrosse program. 

"First, I want to thank everyone at Adelphi University for the wonderful opportunity bestowed upon me seven years ago," Draper said.

"I have created and fostered meaningful relationships with many in the athletic department and the members of the lacrosse coaching staff have been instrumental in both my personal and professional growth." 

Draper has been a member of the Adelphi men's lacrosse staff since 2014, seeing four NCAA tournament appearances, two NE10 regular-season titles and an NE10 Tournament Championship crown. His responsibilities on the field included assisting the offense, coaching the goaltenders and running the substitution box on gameday.  Administratively, he writes the scouting reports and recruits potential student-athletes to don the Brown and Gold. 

"Since joining us, he helped create and foster a winning team atmosphere that led to winning seasons, playoff appearances, and championships," said Head Coach Gordon Purdie. 

Prior to Adelphi, Draper led the Chiefs to a NYS Class A Championship in 2014. During his tenure, the Chiefs posted a record of 90-28, won four consecutive Nassau County Conference A Championships, were two-time Nassau County Champions and three-time Nassau County finalists. Over the course of his coaching career, Draper has mentored numerous collegiate All-Americans, high school All-Americans and All-County student-athletes. 

Draper brought a wealth of playing and coaching experience to Adelphi after competing for four years at SUNY Cortland. As a senior in 2003, he was awarded the Red Letter for men's lacrosse. The Red Letter honor is the highest at Cortland and is given to the student-athlete in each sport who distinguishes themselves as the most valuable asset, both on and off the field. In 2012, he was named Cortland's Distinguished Young Alumnus for creating and implementing a cross-age peer-mentoring program at Massapequa High School. 

"I would also like to thank Director of Athletics, Danny McCabe, for his guidance and trust in me throughout my tenure at Adelphi University. It is an institution that will always hold a special place in my heart."

He has been teaching health education at Massapequa since 2005. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education from SUNY Cortland in 2003, Draper went on to earn his Master of Science in Education from Hofstra University in 2007, and possesses an Advanced Certificate in School District and Building Leadership from Stony Brook University.

"While we are sad to lose Coach Draper, we are excited to see him take the reins of his alma mater, and we wish him all the best!"