Jim Berkman announces retirement after 38 seasons, 13 NCAA Championships with Salisbury men’s lacrosse

SALISBURY, Md. – Jim Berkman, the 13-time national championship-winning head coach of Salisbury University men’s lacrosse, announced Tuesday that he is stepping down from his role at the head of the team.

In a statement from the university, Berkman said: “It has been a great run. Jenn and I are very thankful for Dr. Bellavance bringing us to Salisbury, every president’s tremendous support, and our current president Dr. Lepre’s commitment to our student-athletes. We will forever be grateful for the opportunity that presented itself here.”

Berkman finished his career as the winningest head coach in NCAA lacrosse history, with an overall record of 669-69 (.907) in 38 seasons at Salisbury. His 678 wins–including his one season at SUNY Potsdam in 1985–set him far beyond any other college coach in the history of the sport; no other coach across any division has even 500 victories to their name.

In his nearly four decades at the helm, Berkman coached 310 All-Americans and 72 National Players/Positional Players of the Year.

Berkman was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2013, and the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Hall of Fame in 2023.

Justin Axel has been named the interim Head Coach of the Salisbury University men’s lacrosse team. Axel has served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Sea Gulls since 2014 and has been a part of seven national championship appearances.