 Danny Cocchi |
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College:
Towson, '03
Seasons at Butler:
First Season
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Position:
Graduate Assistant
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First-year Butler lacrosse coach Stan Ross will have a familiar face on the sidelines this season after adding former Towson standout Danny Cocchi to his coaching staff as a graduate assistant. The three-time All-America selection and 2003 Towson graduate spent last season playing for the Baltimore Bayhawks of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Ross announced the hiring August 27.
Ross served as Towson's defensive coordinator during Cocchi's entire collegiate career. Both were part of Tiger teams that appeared in the NCAA Tournament in 2001 and 2003, while Ross also helped the team to a 2004 appearance. Cocchi will be involved in all aspects of the Bulldogs' lacrosse program and will begin his responsibilities immediately.
A four-year starter as a long-stick midfielder at Towson, Cocchi capped off his collegiate career by leading the Tigers to their first Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championship and earning conference "Defensive Player of the Year" honors in 2003. He finished his career with 283 groundballs, second on the school's all-time list.
"We are pleased to add Danny to our staff," said Ross. "His playing experience at Towson and the Baltimore Bayhawks, along with a great work ethic, positive attitude and most important leadership abilities give him the tools to become a great asset to our program and Butler University."
Cocchi was honored as an STX/USILA All-American on three occasions, earning a second team distinction in 2001 and honorable mention honors in both 2002 and 2003. In addition, he was named as a preseason second-team All-America pick by Inside Lacrosse and Face-off Yearbook prior to his senior season. The Hicksville, N.Y., native was the Tigers' captain as a senior.
The MLL's Bridgeport Barrage selected Cocchi in the fourth round of the 2003 Collegiate Draft with the 19th overall selection. He appeared in four games for the Barrage, recording four groundballs during the season. He spent the 2004 season with the Baltimore Bayhawks, helping the team to the playoffs. On the year, Cocchi had 19 groundballs and three assists, playing in the Baltimore midfield. The Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League also drafted Cocchi in 2003.
Cocchi graduated from Towson in December of 2003 with a physical education degree. In addition to his professional playing experience, he also served as a varsity assistant at North Shore High School in Long Island, N.Y., for the 2004 season.
