University of Delaware Athletics
Photo by: Mikey Reeves
Ben DeLuca Extended Through 2031 Season
2/5/2025 2:40:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
NEWARK, Del. – The University of Delaware and Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Ben DeLuca have agreed upon a contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the program through the 2031 season, Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak announced Wednesday.
"Ben has done an excellent job leading our men's lacrosse program and continuing to elevate our program nationally," Rawak said. "I'm excited to continue to watch our program flourish under his guidance in this final season of CAA competition and into the new era in the Atlantic 10."
DeLuca was named Delaware's head coach in 2017, leading the Blue Hens to tremendous success over the past seven seasons. The Blue & Gold have gone 65-34 under DeLuca, including leading them to four double-digit win seasons in his first five full seasons, making him the first head coach in the history of the program to accomplish that feat.
"Our staff is grateful for the opportunity to serve this program, the University, and the State of Delaware," DeLuca said. "The Board of Trustees, President Dennis Assanis and Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak have repeatedly demonstrated an immense commitment to the sport of lacrosse here at the University of Delaware. We are sincerely grateful for this phenomenal support and remain committed to leading a program in the constant pursuit of excellence in competition, in the classroom, and within the community. We are proud of what we've accomplished together thus far, and will continue to work diligently to represent the 302 in the best possible manner. Laurie and I look forward to continuing our life's work at this amazing place, where we are given the opportunity each and every day to interact with a group of remarkable student-athletes, exceptional coaches, and an outstanding support staff representing the best alumni and fans in the nation."
On the national scene, DeLuca has brought a spotlight upon Newark, leading the Hens to back-to-back CAA Championships and NCAA tournament appearances in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the Blue & Gold posted a cinderella-run with a historic upset over Georgetown, the number two team in the country, that propelled UD to a NCAA Quarterfinals appearance. It was UD's longest run in the tournament since making the semifinals in 2007.
DeLuca boasts a 3-2 record in the NCAA Tournament with the Blue Hens, and has a 6-4 NCAA Tournament record all-time as a head coach. He was named the CAA Coach of the Year in 2023, joining the program's all-time winningest coach, Bob Shillinglaw, as the only other coach in program history to earn a conference Coach of the Year award.
Additionally, he's led the Blue Hens to six-straight CAA Tournament appearances and six-consecutive winning seasons at Delaware. Entering the 2025 campaign, DeLuca's 65 wins at UD tie him with Mickey Heinecken for second-most all-time in program history.
Since taking over the program, DeLuca has coached 34 All-CAA performers and seven major conference award winners. UD has claimed the CAA Defensive Player of the Year award in each of the past four seasons. Nine Blue Hens have also earned USILA All-American honors.
DeLuca's impact on the academic achievement of his student-athletes has been equally impressive, resulting in program records for highest overall semester, year, and cumulative team grade point average, while producing two USILA Scholar All-America selections.
During his tenure in the 302, DeLuca has been adept at setting his athletes up for success at the next level, placing 10 players into the professional ranks of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and National Lacrosse League (NLL).
TICKET INFORMATION
Get ready for an unforgettable season of action-packed lacrosse at Delaware Stadium! With eight exciting home games, this is your chance to catch all the thrills and excitement of the Delaware men's lacrosse team in action. For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2025 season, click here!
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware men's lacrosse, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
"Ben has done an excellent job leading our men's lacrosse program and continuing to elevate our program nationally," Rawak said. "I'm excited to continue to watch our program flourish under his guidance in this final season of CAA competition and into the new era in the Atlantic 10."
DeLuca was named Delaware's head coach in 2017, leading the Blue Hens to tremendous success over the past seven seasons. The Blue & Gold have gone 65-34 under DeLuca, including leading them to four double-digit win seasons in his first five full seasons, making him the first head coach in the history of the program to accomplish that feat.
"Our staff is grateful for the opportunity to serve this program, the University, and the State of Delaware," DeLuca said. "The Board of Trustees, President Dennis Assanis and Director of Athletics, Community, and Campus Recreation Chrissi Rawak have repeatedly demonstrated an immense commitment to the sport of lacrosse here at the University of Delaware. We are sincerely grateful for this phenomenal support and remain committed to leading a program in the constant pursuit of excellence in competition, in the classroom, and within the community. We are proud of what we've accomplished together thus far, and will continue to work diligently to represent the 302 in the best possible manner. Laurie and I look forward to continuing our life's work at this amazing place, where we are given the opportunity each and every day to interact with a group of remarkable student-athletes, exceptional coaches, and an outstanding support staff representing the best alumni and fans in the nation."
On the national scene, DeLuca has brought a spotlight upon Newark, leading the Hens to back-to-back CAA Championships and NCAA tournament appearances in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, the Blue & Gold posted a cinderella-run with a historic upset over Georgetown, the number two team in the country, that propelled UD to a NCAA Quarterfinals appearance. It was UD's longest run in the tournament since making the semifinals in 2007.
DeLuca boasts a 3-2 record in the NCAA Tournament with the Blue Hens, and has a 6-4 NCAA Tournament record all-time as a head coach. He was named the CAA Coach of the Year in 2023, joining the program's all-time winningest coach, Bob Shillinglaw, as the only other coach in program history to earn a conference Coach of the Year award.
Additionally, he's led the Blue Hens to six-straight CAA Tournament appearances and six-consecutive winning seasons at Delaware. Entering the 2025 campaign, DeLuca's 65 wins at UD tie him with Mickey Heinecken for second-most all-time in program history.
Since taking over the program, DeLuca has coached 34 All-CAA performers and seven major conference award winners. UD has claimed the CAA Defensive Player of the Year award in each of the past four seasons. Nine Blue Hens have also earned USILA All-American honors.
DeLuca's impact on the academic achievement of his student-athletes has been equally impressive, resulting in program records for highest overall semester, year, and cumulative team grade point average, while producing two USILA Scholar All-America selections.
During his tenure in the 302, DeLuca has been adept at setting his athletes up for success at the next level, placing 10 players into the professional ranks of the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) and National Lacrosse League (NLL).
TICKET INFORMATION
Get ready for an unforgettable season of action-packed lacrosse at Delaware Stadium! With eight exciting home games, this is your chance to catch all the thrills and excitement of the Delaware men's lacrosse team in action. For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2025 season, click here!
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Delaware men's lacrosse, follow the Blue Hens on X, Instagram, and like on Facebook.
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