Kean University

Lopes returns for his second season at the helm of the Cougars in 2026.

Coach Lopes Highlights 

Conference Tournament Appearances: 2025

Three All-American Selections

Two All-Region Selections

Four All-Conference Selections

One Senior All-Star Game Selection

Three CSC All-District Selections

Lopes made a big splash during his first season in Union, winning 14 games, finishing third in the CLC and reaching the CLC Tournament semifinals. The Cougars finished #28 in the new NPI rankings, just outside an at-large bit into the NCAA Tournament. Dylan Johnson (USILA - Third Team), Anton Updale (US Lacrosse Magazine - Hon. Mention) and Nick Thorne (US Lacrosse Magazine - Hon. Mention) were all named All-Americans. Johnson, Thorne and Updale were all named All-Conference selections by the CLC along with goalie Nick Paterno. 

The Kean University athletics department has announced the hiring of Alex Lopes as the head men's lacrosse coach ahead of the 2025 season.

"I cannot begin to describe how excited I am to be back at Kean", said Lopes. "I want to thank Mr. Williams and the search committee for allowing me the opportunity to lead this program".

The former Kean men's lacrosse assistant (2009-12, 2021) becomes the seventh coach in program history.

"I am very excited to have Alex Lopes as our new Head Men's Lacrosse Coach. As an offensive coordinator, Lopes was instrumental in leading our men's lacrosse team to a CSAC Championship and an NCAA appearance in 2021", said Director of Athletics Kelly Williams. "Coach Lopes is an unbelievable communicator, great recruiter and has outstanding leadership qualities. He has tremendous knowledge of the game and I know he will work tirelessly to bring a special environment to the lacrosse program!"

Lopes comes to Union after brief head coaching stints at the Hun School and Division II Caldwell University. At Caldwell, he increased the roster size by 50%, changed the program culture and had one All-Conference selection. His other stops include NJIT (2016-20), Jacksonville University (2014-16) and Fairfield University (2012-14). Alex served as the Offensive Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator at both NJIT and Jacksonville.

Lopes was a four-year letter winner at St. Joseph's University (Pa.) while playing attack and midfield.  At the conclusion of his career he ranked among the top 10 in career assists with the Hawks.

Lopes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from St. Joseph's in 2009 and his Masters of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Kean in 2012. His connection to Kean runs deep as he met and married his wife at Kean.

His wife (Olivia Triano) is a Kean grad and was inducted into the Kean Hall of Fame in 2019.

A former math and science teacher in the Glen Ridge School District and he was inducted to Glen Ridge High School Hall of Fame in 2016.

"I also want to thank Coach Sheiner, not only for building Kean Lacrosse to what it is, but for giving me my first opportunity to coach college lacrosse. The pieces are in place to compete in the CLC and the NCAA Tournament year in and year out".

Updated 6-23-25