Hampton Roads Academy said it is expanding its boys lacrosse program, upgrading last year’s junior-varsity team to varsity status for grades 8-12 and adding a middle-school team.

Erik Buckley will be the varsity head coach and will coordinate the program. After growing up in upstate New York, he played for Herkimer Community College and Ithaca College, gaining all-conference and Academic All-America honors for a team that reached the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Buckley has coached the Williamsburg Warriors’ youth program, the Richmond Hawks’ travel team and the Lafayette High club team.

“Our area is rich in talent, which positions HRA for success,” Buckley said in a release. “Our goal is to put a product on the field that the school, community and alumni can be proud of and continue to talk about for years to come.”

“Coach Buckley is an impressive leader, thinker and teacher of lacrosse,” Head of School Jay Lasley said in a release. “He is a champion of cultivating character through sports. Coach Buckley understands the demands and expectations of independent school students and the importance of blending academic and athletic responsibilities.”

Michael Hurley, who has coached the Warriors and Hawks, and Patrick Grizzle, a commissioned commander in the Coast Guard who has been on the staff of numerous teams, will assist Buckley.

“The Buckley era marks an exciting next chapter for our program, and I’m proud of the commitment shown by our current players, coaches, and families,” athletic director Laura Stoner said in a release. “Their dedication has laid the foundation for all we’re building.”

https://www.dailypress.com/2025/09/20/hampton-roads-academy-upgrades-boys-lacrosse-team-to-varsity/