Wagner begins his eighth season at the helm of the Gannon women’s lacrosse program in 2011. He is Gannon’s all-time winningest coach with 73 career victories, as well as the longest-tenured coach in program history.
Not only does Wagner top Gannon’s coaching charts, he also known as one of the best mentors nationally. Wagner enters the season sixth among all active NCAA Division II coaches in winning percentage (.664) and eighth in victories.
Wagner is in his second stint as Gannon head women's lacrosse coach. After a one-year hiatus as an assistant coach at NCAA Division I University of Connecticut, he returned to Gannon last season. Wagner immediately put his stamp on the program again, leading the Lady Knights to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Final Four. Gannon opened the post-season with a convincing 15-9 victory at rival Mercyhurst in the quarterfinals, before bowing at national finalist West Chester 19-18 in the semifinals. The squad was unable to maintain a three-goal advantage in the final seven minutes against the Golden Rams.
The Rochester, N.Y., native has been Gannon’s head coach for seven seasons between his two stints, compiling a 73-37 record. During his initial six-year stay, the Lady Knights posted a 61-30 record from 2003-08. Gannon has recorded a winning season every year with Wagner at the helm and has never had a losing season in the program’s 15-year history.
“This is a great opportunity for Gannon to have a veteran coach leading its women’s lacrosse program,” said Gannon Director of Athletics Mark Richard upon his re-hiring. “Our program was extremely successful and among the nation’s best during Steve’s previous tenure at Gannon. The student-athletes had a great track record in the classroom and on the field. We are excited to welcome Steve back.”
Wagner’s Gannon teams have averaged 10.4 victories per season and were nationally-ranked throughout his tenure. “I am glad to be back at Gannon and coaching at the NCAA Division II level,” said Wagner upon his re-hiring. “Gannon has always felt like home to me. The program has always been successful and I think we can continue that tradition. The most important thing is to continue providing our student-athletes with the best four-year experience possible as the Gannon women’s lacrosse tradition has always done. We want the student-athletes to continue doing well in the classroom and on the field.”
Gannon players have been awarded All-America honors 17 times and all-region accolades 25 times during Wagner’s seven seasons as head coach. In the classroom, Gannon has been just as good under Wagner. The program posted the highest team grade-point average in the country in 2006-07. Eleven Lady Knights were named PSAC Scholar-Athletes last season.
Wagner’s final season before leaving for UConn in 2008 proved to be one of the best in school history. The Lady Knights reached double digits in victories for the fourth consecutive season, finishing 11-4. The squad capped the season with a 13-11 come-from-behind victory against rival Mercyhurst after trailing 8-3 at halftime. The Lady Knights enter the 2011 campaign 6-3 all-time against the Lakers under Wagner.
Wagner initially came to Gannon after spending the 2002 season as the top assistant at St. Bonaventure in Olean, N.Y. Along with Atlantic-10 Head Coach of the Year Tony Zostant, Wagner helped guide the Bonnies to a 7-9 record in the program’s third season at the varsity level, including a 13-10 victory over Gannon on Oct. 5, 2002. St. Bonaventure’s seven victories set a school record for most victories in a season.
Wagner coached the defense and goalkeepers at St. Bonaventure. He was also responsible for calling the defensive plays and advance scouting. Under his direction, two Bonnies received major awards. Catherine Mellon earned Academic All-America status and Kelly Chevez was named Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year.
Prior to his stint at St. Bonaventure, Wagner spent the 2001 season at SUNY-Brockport. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Golden Eagles, who finished 19th nationally in goals allowed per match. SUNY-Brockport posted a 10-5 record and advanced to the SUNYAC semifinals.
Wagner’s coaching experience also included stops at St. John Fisher College, Nazareth College of Rochester and Brighton Central School District.
