Fairfield, Conn. - Fairfield University head men’s lacrosse coach Ted Spencer announced the hiring of Tony Vallance as an assistant coach.  With the Stags, Vallance will serve as the team’s defensive coordinator, work with the goalkeepers and assist in the day-to-day operations of the program.

“I am pleased to announce the addition of Tony to our staff,” said Spencer.  “He has a wide variety of experiences that will greatly benefit our program.”
 
Vallance comes to Fairfield from Bellarmine University where he has served as an assistant coach since Dec. 2003.  In that time he has worked with the goalkeepers, face-off men and defensive unit.  In addition, Vallance was responsible for recruiting efforts, strength and conditioning and opponent scouting.

Vallance began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Dean (MA) Junior College during the 2001 season, coaching the goalies and defensive unit.  He spent Oct. 2001 through May 2002 in the Republic of Kiribati with the US Peace Corps.  Upon his return to the States, Vallance was hired as an assistant coach at Muhlenburg in July 2002, working again, with the goalies and defensive unit.  He also handled recruiting, and scouting in that role, which he held until making the move to Bellarmine.

A native of Laurel, Md., Vallance was a goalkeeper for Penn State from 1995-97.  He earned his degree, B.S., in Labor and Industrial Relations, graduating in 1998, from the University Park, Pa., institution.

The Stags are entering their third season as a member of the ECAC Lacrosse League.  Fairfield has two NCAA Tournament berths in the last six seasons, advancing in 2002 and 2005.