For the past 10 seasons, the Juan Diego Catholic High School boys lacrosse program has been assisted by former Soaring Eagle and First Team All-State player Brad Tack. This year, some reshuffling on the coaching staff has put Tack in charge.

“Brad is an alumni of JD and is heavily involved in our youth program as well. He has basically been the co-head coach over the last few years so it’s a natural transition,” said Athletic Director Danny Larson, nothing that fellow alum Ryan Baker will now be the associate head coach. “We are excited to see where they take the program.”

“It’s really a three-headed monster on the field with my goalie coach Greg Stamatov, who was our prior head coach, and my defensive coordinator Ryan Baker,” Tack said. “Off the field we couldn’t get anything done without my brother Nathan Tack who is our program director and an assistant principal at the school. Being an alumni of JD and having won three state championships, I take a great deal of pride in coaching for them and there’s no group I’d rather be around at the end of a long work day than my squad. They are family.”

Tack, who played for JDCHS from 2006 to 2009 before playing at Westminster for the next five seasons, began assisting with the Soaring Eagle program in 2011 during his college days. Within three years, he became the offensive coordinator and was there until now taking over the reins. He’s also coached various clubs as well as a short stint at Judge Memorial over that time.

“I went into coaching because I love the game and think it’s an incredible sport and community,” Tack said. “I want to help grow the game and keep raising the bar for Utah lacrosse.”

The Tack family has been a mainstay in the Juan Diego community for years, beginning with Brad and then Nathan – who graduated in 2011 – and their sister Ashley, who’s a 2014 alum. “Ashley, who is now coaching at Westminster, coached the girls team in the past,” Tack said. “My wonderful mother Michelle has also been a team parent and lead supporter since 2005.”

The Draper resident said that his coaching philosophy is focused on a love for the sport and development on and off the playing field. 

“I’m all about growth over results, better people making better teammates and sharing this passion and community that lasts a lifetime,” Tack said. “I also have a passion for helping kids with the recruiting process, finding them a home to be successful both on and off the field at the next level. At the end of the day, we are trying to mold them into successful college students and give them skills to be successful in life.” λ