High Point University Men's Lacrosse Head Coach
Jon Torpey announced the hiring of
James Chakey as the Panthers' newest assistant coach Wednesday, June 28th. Chakey will serve as the Panthers' defensive coordinator.
"We are very excited to welcome James Chakey to High Point," coach Torpey emphasized. "Having known James as both a player and as a coach, he is a competitor, an innovator, a winner, and someone who is a tireless worker. James has had some of the best coaches in the sport as mentors and I truly believe James is a rising star in the coaching ranks. Our staff and players are beyond thrilled to have him on board."
Chakey joins the HPU staff after spending the past two seasons at Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. He helped the Shoremen to a combined 12-19 record over the two seasons while guiding five players to All-Centennial conference honors.
"I have known James Chakey since the fifth grade. He was a three-sport athlete, quarterback on the football team, a two guard on the basketball team and he played ssdm and long pole for me at Haverford," Coach John Nostrant, head coach at Washington College stated. "James would have been an all-league and college baseball player, but I got a stick in his hands. When I got this Job he was my first call. Nobody more loyal or passionate about coaching. High Point is getting a great lacrosse coach, but they are getting so much more."
Prior to coaching at the collegiate level, Chakey spent time at Cary Academy as an assistant lacrosse coach while also helping train prospective student-athletes on the side reach their full potential.
Chakey was a four-year member of the Penn State lacrosse team (2013-2016), where he played under head coach Jeff Tambroni. Over his four years in the blue and white he played in 47 games, registering 66 ground balls and six caused turnovers. In his senior season he earned Penn State's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award and was named the recipient of Penn State's True Grit Award.
"I am thrilled for James in his recent move to High Point," Coach Tambroni exclaimed. "I am confident that he will compliment Coach Torpey and bring tremendous value to the High Point lacrosse program. James is an extremely hard-working young man, with high character. This is a home run hire."
Chakey's former teammate at Penn State and current PLL Archer, Grant Ament, also added, "High Point is getting a guy who works harder than just about anyone I know. Beyond being a hard worker, he always goes above and beyond when it comes to developing lasting relationships with his players."
A native of Havertown, Pennsylvania, Chakey helped lead The Haverford School to four Inter-Ac championships and the 2011 national championship with a 21-2 record in high school. He earned honorable mention All-Inter-Ac and the John Nostrant Lacrosse Award his senior year. Chakey also played varsity football for four seasons.
#GoHPU
