Matt Florio Joins Butler Staff as Graduate Assistant

Aug. 25, 2005

Butler head coach Stan Ross has tabbed a familiar face for his 2005-06 coaching staff, announcing former Towson University standout Matt Florio as the Bulldogs' graduate assistant Thursday (August 25). Florio helped the Tigers to a 40-21 record and three NCAA Tournament appearances while at Towson. Ross was Towson's top assistant all four seasons.

The 2004 graduate will be involved in all aspects of the Butler program, including recruiting and team travel, in addition to his on-field coaching responsibilities. He will work mainly with Butler's offensive unit.

"We're fortunate to add Matt to our staff," said Ross, who enters his second season at Butler. "He became a great player at Towson because of his work ethic and that will rub off on our players. His personality is well-suited to be a successful coach and our players will respond well to him."

Florio spent the last year in Manchester, England, working with the English Lacrosse Association. He coached the under-16 Heaton Mersey team to the British Junior Championship and an overall record of 14-2-1. Florio also played for Heaton Mersey in the English Premier League, helping the team to a second-place finish at the British National Championships. While in England, Florio also served as a liaison between the English Lacrosse Association and physical education teachers, helping to promote the sport.

Florio was a four-year player at Towson, including two seasons starting as a midfielder. Appearing in 50 games, Florio posted 28 goals and 10 assists during his career. As a senior, Florio scored 12 goals and added five assists to finish as the team's eighth-leading scorer.

During his four seasons, Towson also claimed three conference championships. In Florio's freshman campaign, the Tigers went 14-4 and advanced to the NCAA Tournament semifinals, falling 12-11 to eventual champion Princeton.

He graduated with a degree in mass communication in 2004. Florio arrived at Towson after a stellar prep career at Bethpage High School in Bethpage, N.Y.

Florio replaces another former Tiger as Butler's graduate assistant. Danny Cocchi served in the role during the 2004-05 academic year. Cocchi has accepted a teaching and coaching position at the high school level in Florida. Florio is the second addition to the Butler coaching staff for the upcoming season, joining Chris Gabrielli, who was named an assistant coach in July.

Butler posted a 5-7 record in 2005, Ross' first season with the Bulldogs. The team graduated just three seniors from last season's squad.