FERRUM, Virginia – Director of Athletics John Sutyak has announced that Michael Baggetta has stepped down from his position as Head Men's Lacrosse Coach at Ferrum College to accept the same position at Life University in Marietta, Georgia.

In July 2017, Baggetta joined the Ferrum staff as the third head men's lacrosse coach in program history. Over his five seasons at the helm of the Panther men's lacrosse program, he has coached 15 men who earned 21 academic all-conference honors, seven players who earned all-conference honors, two VaSID academic all state honorees and Ferrum's 2021 Presidents' Cup winner. Baggetta also oversaw Ferrum's transition into the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) from the USA-South Athletic Conference in 2018.

"I wish Coach Baggetta well as he transitions to his new coaching role in Georgia," stated Sutyak. "Michael worked very hard to continue building a positive lacrosse culture at Ferrum and I know that his experiences here will propel him to success in his new role as the inaugural head coach at Life University."

Prior to Ferrum, Baggetta spent a year as assistant coach at Bridgewater College in 2017 and four seasons on the staff at Salisbury University from 2013-2016. He served as head coach for the University of South Carolina's club lacrosse team in 2009 and was an assistant coach at Herndon High School from 2010-12, where he also served as strength coach for the Hornet football team.
 
"My time at Ferrum has been enjoyable and the decision to step away has not been easy for me," said Baggetta. "I want to start off by thanking former athletic director Abe Naff for taking a chance on me as a first-time head coach, the Manager of Athletics Administrative Operations Gail Holley for all she has done for me and her patience, and the administration along with the campus community for all the support they have shown the past five years. Most importantly I want to thank all the players, alumni, and parents that make up the Ferrum lacrosse family. As a program we have overcome many adversities, but together we have been able to persevere and continue to build upon the Ferrum lacrosse tradition. Lastly, to all the players who have played for me, remember one thing; What happened this morning? The Sun came up, and let's use yesterday's experiences as today's lesson. Focus on falling in love with the process and continue to grow!"

Baggetta will serve as the first head coach at Life University, which announced the addition of men's lacrosse on June 15, 2022. The Running Eagles are expected to begin official competition in the spring of 2024.