Release courtesy of Washington College Athletic Communications

CHESTERTOWN, Md. - - - Washington College Head Men's Lacrosse Coach/Assistant Athletic Director, Jeff Shirk, has announced today that he will be leaving his position on May 31st to become the Athletic Director at The Pine School in Hobe Sound, Florida. Shirk will remain on the sidelines to coach the Shoremen through the remainder of the 2021 campaign.

"I am so thankful and appreciative of my time in Chestertown and at Washington College," Shirk stated. "The people, the memories, the experiences have all had such a positive impact on my life. The decision to make this move was not easy, but in the end, it is the best decision for my family. The ability to be an Athletic Director in an environment that allows more time to see my children grow is an opportunity I could not let pass. I will always have much love for the Washington College community, my current and former players, and the entire WAC lacrosse family."

"Jeff has given so much to the entire Washington College community over the course of his career and we will forever be grateful," said Director of Athletics Thad Moore. "While we are saddened to see Jeff and his family leave the College, we wish them nothing but the best of luck in the next chapter of their lives."

Shirk was named Washington College's 11th men's lacrosse coach during the summer of 2010 and has since left an indelible mark on the program's illustrious history.

In his first season, Shirk guided a young Shoremen team to its first win over a nationally-ranked opponent in nearly three years. The following season, Shirk was named the Centennial Conference Coach of the Year, guiding the Shoremen to a first-place finish in the Centennial Conference regular season for the first time since 2004 and landing them a spot in both the Centennial Conference Championship game and the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time since 2008.

In 2013, Shirk again led the Shoremen to an NCAA Division III Tournament appearance as they won an NCAA Tournament game for the first time since 2008 and were ranked as high as fifth in the nation for the first time since 2008. Shirk also led the Shoremen to their first Charles B. Clark Cup victory as they defeated rival Salisbury for the first time since 2002.

Shirk was again named the Centennial Conference Coach of the Year in 2014 as the Shoremen went 18-2 (tying the team's single-season win mark and posting its second-highest ever winning percentage), went a perfect 8-0 in Centennial Conference regular season play, won the Centennial Conference Championship for the first time since 2003, and reached the NCAA Division III Semifinals for the first time since 2004. Following the season, he was named the NCAA Division III Men's Lacrosse Coach of the Year by CaptainU.

A native of Mountain Lakes, NJ, Shirk and his wife Elizabeth have two daughters, Emily and Anna, and a son, Garrett.

A national search will be conducted to fill Shirk's vacated position at the completion of the season.