The Michigan men’s lacrosse team has pegged Justin Turri to be its new assistant coach for the up-and-coming program.
For a team in the process of laying the foundation to become a powerhouse club, it all begins with personnel. Just a year ago, the Wolverines added head coach Kevin Conry to their roster, stealing him from Maryland where he served as the Terrapins’ defensive coordinator. Maryland, a consistent national title contender, has the pedigree of a program that means business.
At this point in the process, gaining the mindset of a title-contending program is the name of the game for Michigan. Once a solid coaching and recruiting core is established, top talent will follow. And with the hiring of Turri, the Wolverines are a step closer to reaching their goals.
“We are thrilled to welcome Justin to Michigan,” said Conry of Turri’s appointment. “Justin has an outstanding track record of success and is a true up and coming star in the coaching world.”
Last season, Turri worked as the offensive coordinator for Harvard, coaching elite collegiate talent such as All-American and All-Ivy League star Morgan Cheek. With such proximity to high-productivity players, Turri’s experience will greatly aid a young Michigan team.
Under Turri, the Crimson’s offense boasted the 28th-ranked scoring offense in the nation, scoring 10.85 goals per game. Harvard’s rank marks a 10 spot increase over the Wolverines’ offensive unit who comes in at 38 with 10.14 goals per game.
In addition, Turri looks to help a Michigan lacrosse team that went 8-6, 1-4 in Big Ten play and narrowly missed making the Big Ten Tournament. The Wolverines scored 142 goals on 485 shots on goal, good for a .293 shot percentage — second to last in the Big Ten. For a team that drastically needs to improve its offensive efficiency, Turri could prove to be a valued offseason acquisition.
Prior to joining the Crimson, Turri has worked to perfect the craft of coaching at Army West Point and Providence. With the Black Knights, Turri helped sharpen the team’s faceoff, offense and extra-man units and worked in a similar capacity with the Friars.
Turri’s collegiate lacrosse experience truly began as a player and four-year starter for Duke. Quickly emerging as a key member of the team, Turri led the Blue Devils to a national championship in 2010 and two ACC titles in 2009 and 2012.
Furthermore, Turri was named a two-time USILA All-American and finished a dream lacrosse career with 70 goals and 52 assists. Turri has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to offensive productivity as he can draw sage guidance from his days as a top-level player or coach.
After leaving Duke, Turri ascended to the pros where he continues to play at a high level with the Boston Cannons. After getting drafted by the Charlotte Hounds in 2012 and bouncing around a few teams in Major League Lacrosse, the midfielder has seemingly found a home in Boston since he was named the team’s MVP for the 2017 season, notching nine goals in eleven games.
While balancing a professional schedule and a prominent coaching position may seem like a daunting task, Turri has proved he is up to the challenge after carrying a similar load the past few seasons with Harvard and Army.
For a team with a young core and and an exciting new coach, Turri could prove to be the missing piece to finally get Michigan over the hump.