LEXINGTON, Va. – Washington and Lee University Head Men's Lacrosse Coach
Gene McCabe has announced that
Taylor Mendoza is stepping down as the Assistant Head Men's Lacrosse Coach to accept the Head Coach position at Virginia Military Institute.
"We are incredibly grateful for Coach Mendoza's leadership and dedication during his time with us," stated McCabe. "His contributions have helped our team achieve tremendous successes on the field while fostering a culture of excellence throughout our program. Becoming the next head coach at VMI is a terrific opportunity, and I am confident he will accomplish great things there. As he embarks on this exciting new chapter, we wish him and his family all the best."
Mendoza had worked four years on the W&L men's lacrosse coaching staff, serving the length of his tenure as the program's defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. Prior to the 2024 season, Mendoza was elevated to Assistant Head Coach while continuing to lead the program's defensive and recruiting efforts.
"I am incredibly grateful to the Washington and Lee community and lacrosse program," Mendoza commented. "Coach McCabe blessed me with an opportunity to join the program four years ago and I can say that decision was one of the best of my life. I will forever be impacted by the relationships that I have made and the growth that I experienced while at W&L. I am incredibly proud of the work so many players and coaches put in over the last four years and the success that the program has achieved. I was but a small part in that success and know that the best is yet to come. Thank you to [Michael F. Walsh Director of Athletics]
Jan Hathorn and Coach McCabe for believing in me and empowering me. It has been an honor and a privilege to represent Washington and Lee."
During Mendoza's time at W&L, the Generals put up an overall record of 63-22 and an ODAC mark of 36-2. The 63 wins are the most across any four-year span in program history, with each of the last three seasons being a Top-3 win total for a season in program history. The Generals went 9-0 or better in conference play in three of Mendoza's four seasons, won ODAC titles in 2023 and 2025, earned an NCAA quarterfinal berth in 2023 and an NCAA semifinal appearance in 2024.
Individually, Mendoza was recognized repeatedly for his coaching prowess throughout his time donning the Blue and White. He was named the IMLCA Division III Outstanding Assistant Coach in 2024 and was a finalist for the USILA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year award in 2022 and 2023. He has also been part of a coaching staff that has been named the top staff in Region 4 by the IMLCA three straight seasons.
A national search for the next W&L men's lacrosse defensive coach will begin immediately.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
