SALEM, Va. --- Grant Zimmerman, formerly the head coach at Centre College (Ky.), was named the Roanoke College head men's lacrosse coach Wednesday after a nationwide search.
Zimmerman becomes just the sixth head men's lacrosse coach in program history. Zimmerman will take over the RC men's lacrosse program on July 14.
"I am excited and honored to serve as the head men's lacrosse coach at Roanoke College," said Zimmerman. "I would like to thank the Director of Athletics, Curtis Campbell, along with the entire search committee for giving me this incredible opportunity to lead this storied program. Roanoke lacrosse has a rich history and tradition of success most recently under the stewardship of legendary coach Bill Pilat. I am humbled by the opportunity to follow his legacy and lead this program into its next chapter. I look forward to building a relationship with the Roanoke lacrosse family of players, alums, and friends as well as the greater Roanoke community. I want to thank my loving wife Mattie and daughter Caroline for their support in this process, and we are excited to make our new home in Salem."
Zimmerman became the Centre head men's lacrosse coach in the summer of 2018. He has posted a career record of 69-31 in seven seasons in Danville.
His 2024 team went 14-4 and won the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) regular season and tournament championships. The Colonels fell just 13-12 to Pfeiffer in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Centre went 9-7 in 2025, dropping five games by three goals or less.
In the 2023 season, Zimmerman guided the Colonels to a 13-4 record and the SAA co-regular season title and tournament crown. In the first round of the NCAA Tournament Centre took down Pfeiffer and advanced to the second round.
In 2021, Zimmerman led the Colonels to a 12-2 record that included SAA regular season and tournament championships, and the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. Centre defeated then-No. 14 Denison, 12-11 in the opening round of the national tournament, sending the Colonels to the "Sweet 16" for the first time ever. He was named SAA Coach of the Year for the second time in his three seasons in 2021.
Zimmerman made an impact right away for the Colonels during his inaugural season in 2019, guiding the team to a 10-5 overall record and the two seed in the SAA Tournament, earning SAA Coach of the Year honors.
Prior to arriving at Centre, Zimmerman spent three seasons as the assistant coach at Denison. During his three seasons with Denison, Zimmerman helped the Big Red reach three NCAA Tournaments, including a national semifinal appearance in 2017. The Big Red won the NCAC Tournament each of his three seasons and was a mainstay in the top 25.
A defensive coordinator and goalie coach, Zimmerman helped Denison finish with a top-eight goals-against average twice. In 2016, the Big Red had a Division III-best 6.29 adjusted goals-against average.
Zimmerman was a four-year starter between the pipes for the University of North Carolina from 2006-09. As a junior, he was named a USILA All-American and was included on the Tewaarton Trophy watch list (awarded annually to the top player in college lacrosse).
In 2009, Zimmerman was the team captain and a Lowes Senior Class Award finalist. He was named to the ACC Lacrosse All-Academic team for the second time and was the winner of the Davy Award for senior leadership. Prior to graduation, Zimmerman was named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the men's lacrosse program.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts at UNC, Zimmerman played internationally as a member of the Netherlands men's national team. He played in two European Lacrosse Championships (2008, 2012) and was the team captain of the Netherlands at the World Lacrosse Championships in 2010.
His early coaching experience includes work at The Gilman School in Baltimore, three seasons at Susquehannock High School in Glen Rock, Pa., and a season at John Carroll, where he was an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Blue Streaks.
"I am thrilled to announce the hiring of Grant Zimmerman as the new head coach of our men's lacrosse program," said Roanoke College Director of Athletics Curtis Campbell. "After a comprehensive national search, it was clear that Grant has the leadership, experience, and passion needed to take our program to the next level. Coach Zimmerman brings an impressive background to us, including 15 years of collegiate coaching experience, with eight years as a head coach. Grant's vision for our lacrosse program aligns with our department's core values of excellence, integrity, and student success. We are confident that under his guidance, our student-athletes will thrive, competing at a high level, growing as individuals, and representing our college with pride. I want to thank the members of the search committee and everyone involved in this process for their dedication and insight."
Zimmerman and his wife Mattie have one daughter, Caroline.
What they are saying about Zimmerman:
"Grant is an outstanding hire for Roanoke College and for their men's lacrosse program. It is difficult to describe the level of character and commitment that he will bring to Salem. I have had the privilege of sharing the sideline with Grant during our time together at Denison University and there is not a coach I respect more in the game. He brings an unmatched competitive spirit and urgency, an ability to develop meaningful personal relationships, and a commitment to mentorship of his men beyond the field. Roanoke College is a better place now that it has added Grant, his wonderful wife Mattie and their daughter Caroline." – Adam Stewart, Capital University head men's lacrosse coach
"Roanoke College is very, very smart to hire him! He is a top-notch person, a very hard worker and true professional too! Not many in my long time in lacrosse are as impressive as Grant is as a person, coach, and colleague!" – Mike Caravana, former Denison head men's lacrosse coach
"Roanoke is fortunate to have Grant succeed Billy Pilat," said Will Benassi '84, search committee member. "I was immediately impressed with him in the interviewing process. While Grant's resume speaks for itself, it became evident he is a tireless, shrewd worker. He arrived completely prepared, knew Roanoke College and our program inside and out, intent on recruiting high-quality players by leveraging his existing network, Roanoke's academic programs, athletic facilities, deep lacrosse tradition and our alumni. His vision for success revolves around the successful outcomes his players experience as a result of his leadership. While he's a polished and poised professional, he has succeeded because of his work ethic and focus on his guys' well-being. We are blessed to have him lead Roanoke Lacrosse."