HAMPTON, VA- Duke Lacrosse standout JT Giles- Harris named HU Lacrosse Assistant Coach, JT joined the staff back in February of this year.

Giles-Harris is currently competing and training to clinch a roster spot on the USA Lacrosse Men's Senior National Team that will compete in the 2023 World Championships.

"I couldn't have been more proud and excited to accept the coaching job here at Hampton University," said assistant coach Giles-Harris."

"A school rich with tradition and history off the field, I am exuberant to be able to assist Coach Woodson and Coach Mondy in building the Hampton Men's Lacrosse program into a program people around the country hold in the highest regard. I understand and relish in the fact we will be able to assist in continuing to close the gap between culture and sport and Hampton University is the best place to do so. Go Pirates!"

During his five-year collegiate career as a Blue-Devil Giles-Harris was a two-time All-ACC selection and the 2019 ACC Defensive Player of the Year.  He holds Duke's record for caused turnovers with 89, while picking up 147 ground balls for his career.

Coach JT brings a passion for both athletic and academic excellence to the HU Athletic staff. He was a two-time All-ACC Academic Team selection and was named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll three times.

"Adding JT to our staff adds credibility to what we are building here at Hampton University," said head coach Chazz Woodson. "He finished his collegiate career, widely regarded as the best defenseman in the nation, and that sentiment was underscored by him being chosen 3rd overall in the Premier Lacrosse League draft last year. The same knowledge base and work ethic he brings to the field, he brings to our program. That he had multiple professional opportunities coming out of school and chose to join the Hampton lacrosse program, speaks highly of his commitment to giving back to the sport, and to the importance of Hampton University in the development and expansion of the sport across the Black community."

He played in 81 games with 80 starts at close defense for the Blue Devils and was a two-year team captain.  Giles-Harris was drafted third in the Premier Lacrosse League College Draft by Chrome LC.  He won the 2021 William F. Schmeisser Award winner as the nation's top defenseman and was a three-time All-American by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association earning first team in 2019 and 2021, while being named third team in 2018.

"I'm unbelievably grateful to our Athletic Director, Mr. Marshall, and our wonderful president Dr. Harvey for their support and commitment to the Men's lacrosse program. Strengthening our staff is critical, particularly as we look forward to joining the CAA next year."

Before Duke: Coach JT played for Andrew Decicco at Saint Joseph Regional High School where he was a four-year letter winner, corralling 511 ground balls as a defenseman, 21 goals, and 49 assists as a long pole during his scholastic career.In high-school he collected a plethora of accolades.

• A four-time all-league first team pick.
• 2016 Under Armour All-American pick.
• Named to USA Today All-American squad as a senior.
• Garnered first team all-county and All-North Jersey honors as a sophomore, junior and senior.
• First team all-state in 2015 and 2016.
• Had a career-best 144 ground balls with six goals and 20 assists his senior season.
• Amassed at least 100 ground balls in each of his four seasons.
• Lettered three years in football, named to first team all-state as a senior, first team all-league and all-county honors in 2015.

Hampton is honored to have a coach with Giles-Harris's experience and dedication on staff to develop a great group of student-athletes.

For more information about Hampton University athletics, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.