Gary Gait named to 2026 IWLCA Hall of Fame class
Former Syracuse women’s lacrosse head coach Gary Gait led the Orange to 12 NCAA Tournaments and claimed three conference titles from 2008-21. Leonardo Eriman | Photo Editor
Get the latest Syracuse news delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe to our sports newsletter here.
Former Syracuse women’s lacrosse head coach and current SU men’s head coach Gary Gait has been named to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2026, the association announced Friday. Gait helmed SU’s women’s program from 2008-21, finishing 214-75, before taking over the men’s team in 2022.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the IWLCA for this incredible honor. Over the past 25 years, coaching exceptional women who play this cherished game has been a true joy,” Gait said in a statement Friday. “I take immense pride in joining a distinguished group of coaches who have played a pivotal role in the growth of women’s lacrosse and created countless opportunities for young women to engage in the sport.”
Gait’s women’s coaching career began at Maryland in 1995. As an assistant coach, Gait helped the Terrapins to a staggering 164-16 record and seven straight national titles. He then had a two-year stint with the Colorado Mammoth of the NLL before returning to his alma mater, SU, for the 2008 season.
Gait delivered immediate success as the program’s second head coach. Syracuse reached the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals in Gait’s first three seasons before a rare setback in 2011.
The Orange then advanced to the next nine national tournaments before Gait transitioned to the men’s team. His tenure with SU’s women’s program included three national championship appearances (2012, 2014, 2021), three conference tournament titles and four Tewaaraton Award finalists (Katie Rowan, Michelle Tumolo, Alyssa Murray and Kayla Treanor).
Established in 2017, the IWLCA Hall of Fame will welcome Gait as part of its ninth class. The induction ceremony will take place in November 2026 during the IWLCA Convention, held at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida.
