Navy Men’s Lacrosse Announces Hiring of Ken Broschart

Ken Broschart was a leading candidate to become High Point’s head coach. He instead chose to take the offensive coordinator position at Navy rather than remain in the hiring process at the school where he had worked for seven years.

That strong desire to be at the academy is what separated Broschart in the mind of Navy head coach Joe Amplo.

“I wanted someone who appreciated the opportunity to work at this institution,” Amplo said. “Above all, this is what really sets Ken apart from the pack. He really, really wanted to be here.

Navy men’s lacrosse officially announced the hiring of Broschart as offensive coordinator Wednesday afternoon. The Capital Gazette reported last week that Broschart was set to replace Dave Cottle in the role. The 45-year-old becomes the fourth offensive coordinator in Amplo’s five-year tenure.

“Ken represented the complete package in terms of all the characteristics I was looking for. Number 1, we needed a great teacher – someone who could teach the game at a fundamental level,” Amplo said. “I was also looking for someone with a proven ability to develop players and Ken certainly ticks the box in that regard. High Point’s offensive players always got better and he was able to get the best out of each individual. He has also demonstrated that he is an outstanding talent evaluator.

Amplo received 50 applications with potential candidates ranging from a current Division I head coach to offensive coordinators at several Top 25 programs. He spoke to a dozen coaches on the phone and ended up interviewing five in person.

Amplo did not initially contact Broschart because he believed Broschart was likely to become High Point’s head coach. Broschart had been the Panthers’ offensive coordinator since 2019 and held the title of associate head coach.

Several close friends in the lacrosse coaching industry urged Amplo to contact Broschart, which he did.

“I called Ken on a whim and really enjoyed our first conversation. He became extremely enthusiastic about the position after our first phone call, which meant a lot to me,” Amplo said. “Ken expressed a sense of urgency to get in front of me and when he did, he was totally impressive.”

Broschart came to Annapolis, toured the Naval Academy and then sat in the men’s lacrosse conference room with Amplo and defensive coordinator John Orsen for nearly two hours. Amplo said he and Orsen put Broschart “through his paces” and asked a lot of very difficult questions.

Broschart described his offensive system as a half-and-half mix between NBA and NFL styles. He explained that the NFL side of the offense is more systemic with structured plays, while the NBA side is more fluid with lots of movement, read and react elements and six men playing positionless lacrosse.

“I’m confident Ken’s systems will work with the type of talent we attract. His high-level strategies became very simple when he explained them to me,” Amplo said. “I also felt like Ken could relate to our players. His coaching style is refreshing in terms of his ability to connect with players.

In Broschart’s first season leading the High Point offense, the program recorded points (354), goals (232), assists (122) and shooting percentage (.340). The Panthers set single-game records by scoring 22 goals and 37 points against UMBC.

High Point ranked 13th nationally in scoring offense last season, averaging 13.4 goals per game. Amplo witnessed Broschart’s plans as High Point defeated Navy, 14-13, in 2022 and 2023.

“John Orsen and I felt like High Point was an extremely difficult team to guard because Ken was so creative and made his players play with incredible pace and energy,” Amplo said.

Just one day on the Naval Academy campus convinced Broschart that “this opportunity would be a tremendous career move in every way.” He cited the history and tradition of men’s Navy lacrosse as well as the opportunity to mentor future officers.

“When you go to Annapolis and you step on the field and you see what it’s really about, it’s really special. That’s what won me over in many ways,” he said. “You have to appreciate the chance to rub shoulders with excellence every day. »

Broschart believes “100 percent” his attack will work in the Navy, although he acknowledges the need to adapt to available personnel. The Midshipmen had five of their top six point producers, but return several talented offensive players such as forwards Henry Tolker, Mac Haley and Carter Ash as well as midfielders Evan Conway and Paul Garza.

“I’m very confident in my ability to come in and do great things there. We will be able to attack in different ways and with different styles,” Broschart said. “We attack in all phases – starting in transition then during the substitution play, during six-on-six situations and even until the last 15 seconds. We will be in an attacking mentality at all times because I firmly believe in making defenses work throughout the possession.

Broschart also believes in giving players a certain sense of freedom and allowing them to be creative. He wants players to operate freely and not be afraid of making mistakes.

“Of course you have to instill certain principles and disciplines, but you can’t let guys play tight,” he said. “Offense is more about flow and rhythm. You can’t be too structured and let guys think too much and play tight.

Broschart didn’t know Amplo very well before the interview process began, but said the two Long Island natives hit it off immediately.

“I really admire Joe Amplo and what he has accomplished in his career. He’s done incredible things at Hofstra, Marquette and here at Navy,” Broschart said. “I love everything he believes in, especially his emphasis on people and relationships. He does a tremendous job of building great men.