Bob Leary

Email:

learyrt@herkimer.edu
Year:

4th
Title:

Head Coach
Phone:

(315) 601-1980

Bio

Head Coach: Bob Leary

Men’s Lacrosse | 4th Season

Bob Leary, a 1985 graduate of Herkimer College, returned to lead the men’s lacrosse program as head coach in August 2021. With over three decades of collegiate coaching experience and two NJCAA National Championships to his name, Leary brings a proven track record of success and leadership to the Generals.

In his first three seasons back at Herkimer, Leary has steadily improved the program, posting an 18–17 overall record and increasing the team’s win total each year. His focus on player development, discipline, and competitive culture continues to push the program forward.

Leary began his coaching career at Herkimer in 1988 as an assistant—and made an immediate impact, helping the Generals win both the Region III and NJCAA National Championships in his first season on staff. Over the next 30+ years, he has held head coaching roles at Marian University, SUNY Delhi, and SUNY Poly, and served as an assistant coach at three additional colleges. In 2018, he was part of another NJCAA National Championship run as an assistant at Onondaga Community College.

Coaching Timeline:

• 1988–1989: Assistant Coach – Herkimer College (NJCAA National Champions)

• 1989–1990: Assistant Coach – Elmira College

• 1996–2002: Head Coach – SUNY Poly

• 2002–2016: Head Coach – SUNY Delhi

• 2018: Assistant Coach – Onondaga CC (NJCAA National Champions)

• 2018–2021: Head Coach – Marian University

• 2021–Present: Head Coach – Herkimer College

Coaching Honors:

• NJCAA Region III Coach of the Year – 2012

• Mountain Valley Conference Coach of the Year – 2005, 2010, 2013, 2014

Leary also served five years as president of both the Region III Lacrosse Coaches Association and the NJCAA Lacrosse Coaches Association, demonstrating leadership and advocacy for the sport at the national level.

International Coaching Experience:

• 2008: Assistant Coach, Iroquois Nationals U19 – Bronze Medal, World Championships (Coquitlam, BC, Canada)

• 2019: Head Coach, American Pride – Gold Medal, Maverik Cup (Melbourne, Australia)

Coach Leary’s extensive background, both at home and internationally, offers Herkimer student-athletes an experienced mentor who knows how to build winners—and develop players for the next level.