Matt Whitcher - Staff Directory - Dartmouth College Athletics

Staff Directory

Matt Whitcher

Title:
Assistant Coach
Email:

Matt Whitcher was named assistant coach and defensive coordinator in July of 2023 and begins his first season on the Dartmouth sidelines in 2024.

Whitcher comes to Dartmouth after five seasons as assistant coach and defensive coordinator for Division III York College in Pennsylvania, transitioning to coaching immediately after a standout four-year career for the Spartans. In Whitcher’s time as defensive coordinator, York posted a combined 74-16 record, reaching the national quarterfinals in 2019 and 2021, and semifinals in 2022. This past season, the Spartains advanced to the NCAA Tournament Third Round where they fell to No. 1 Tufts.

Whitcher’s defenses have impressed, allowing single-digit goals on average in all five of his seasons. In back-to-back seasons, York finished in the top 10 nationally — seventh in 2021 (6.33 goals per game) and fifth in 2022 (7.26). In his five seasons on the sidelines, Whitcher coached 19 USILA All-Americans on the defensive side of the ball. In his time at York, the Spartans were also near the top nationally in caused turnovers and man-down percentage.

“Dartmouth Lacrosse is very fortunate to add someone like Matt to our program,” said Kirwan. “First and foremost, Matt is a tremendous teacher of the game. His ability to take complex aspects of our sport and break it down into simple, digestible pieces is something that will be of huge benefit to our defense. Matt’s ability to teach and coach is fueled by his tremendous work ethic. A true student of the game, Matt is always looking to add to his skill set as a coach to help ensure his players are given the best opportunity to succeed.”

A standout student-athlete and 2018 York graduate, Whitcher was a two-way midfielder, who filled up the box score. He ended his career with 119 points via 86 goals and 33 assists, while picking up 125 groundballs and causing 48 turnovers. As a senior captain, he was named a first team USILA All-American, a Scholar All-American and first team All-CAC selection. Whitcher finished that season with 35 goals, 13 assists, 57 groundballs and 22 caused turnovers. The year prior, Whitcher was a second team All-CAC selection, posting 23 goals, 11 assists, 12 groundballs and 12 caused turnovers.

As a team, York advanced to three NCAA Tournament appearances in his four years as a player. During Whitcher’s sophomore season, the Spartans’ defense finished ninth nationally in allowing just 6.68 goals per game.

Whitcher’s playing career has continued post-graduation. He became the first player in York program history drafted professionally, when he was selected by the Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse. Whitcher is currently playing with the Waterdogs of the Premier Lacrosse League. In 2021, he helped the Waterdogs win the regular season championship. In 10 games in 2022, Whitcher recorded 13 groundballs and six caused turnovers. So far in 2023, he has seven groundballs, three caused turnovers and a pair of goals.

“I am so excited to join Coach Kirwan’s staff and be a part of this incredible program and school,” said Whitcher. “I have been so amazed by the strong tradition of Dartmouth College and the passion that both the current students and alumni have for this special place. It is truly an honor to be a part of it. I cannot wait to get started with the coaching staff and players, and work to accomplish something great!”