Read USA Lacrosse Press Release HERE.
Auburn Head Coach Ben Hunts receives the Gerald J. Carroll, Jr. Exemplary Coaching Award, established in memory of Gerry Carroll, given annually to one boys’ high school coach nationwide who reflects the attributes of the award’s namesake. Coach Carroll spent a good part of his brief 46 years playing, watching, and coaching lacrosse. Greater than his love for the sport, however, was his commitment to give back to young people some of the lifetime of lessons he himself took from the game.
Nominees for the Carroll Award, established in 1994, must demonstrate support and care for players in their growth and development as young adults and leaders on and off the playing field. Nominees must also be members in good standing of USA Lacrosse. The recipient is chosen by a committee comprised of Carroll friends and family.
WHO WAS GERRY CARROLL?
Gerry Carroll was an uncommon man: a community leader, Navy pilot and war hero, rugged individualist, devoted husband and father, loyal friend, and successful author. He died prematurely in 1993. Throughout his life, he developed and used his many talents with a sense of responsibility for the betterment of society and for the cultivation of virtue. Gerry exemplified the conviction that a life is only lived well when it is lived generously in the service of others.
Gerry played lacrosse at Baltimore’s Loyola High School and at Boston College, where he captained the team. He coached on both the collegiate level (U.S. Naval Academy, St. Mary’s College) and the high school level (U.S. Navy Prep School, St. Mary’s Ryken).