Tom Prior
VARSITY HEAD COACH
A seasoned coach with decades of success and leadership at the high school, collegiate, and international levels, Coach Prior brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence to the Rams' program.
Coach Prior's lacrosse coaching career spans over three decades, with a resume that highlights his commitment to building winning teams and developing student-athletes both on and off the field. Coach Prior served as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator at Don Bosco Preparatory School and, most recently, Bergen Catholic High School, where he led the teams to three consecutive Bergen County Championships from 2021 to 2023.
Under his guidance, Don Bosco also won the prestigious 2021 Tournament of Champions with a perfect 18-0 season, earning him the title of New Jersey Assistant Coach of the Year.
Coach Prior's accolades extend beyond the high school level. He has coached at the collegiate ranks, including stints at Manhattan College and Dominican College. Internationally, he served as the Head Coach of the Ireland National Lacrosse Team, where he led the team in multiple World Games, including the U-19 and U-21 World Championships. His experience brings a unique perspective and vision to Fordham Prep's program, as he continues to help athletes achieve their dreams both in high school and beyond.
Throughout his career, Coach Prior has demonstrated a deep commitment to the development of his players, helping many of them advance to the collegiate level. His extensive network with college coaches will be a valuable asset for Fordham Prep athletes aspiring to play at the next level.
In addition to his coaching experience, Coach Prior is also an accomplished educator. He has served as a physical education teacher in the Yonkers Public Schools for over 20 years, where he currently holds the roles of Department Chair and Athletic Coordinator.
Connor Brown ‘09
VARSITY ASSISTANT COACH
A native of Pleasantville, at the Prep Connor was a three year varsity letter-winner and was named team Captain, as well as team MVP, during both his Junior and Senior seasons. Throughout his playing career, he was named All-Conference Second Team once, All-Conference First Team and All-Metro 2x as well as All-League 3x. He was also selected to the 20-man roster for the 2008 Hudson Valley Empire State Games where his team placed 3rd, earning a bronze medal. Connor finished his Fordham Prep lacrosse career with a total of 198 points including 110 goals and 88 assists. His 198 points were ranked 4th all-time in the program’s history when he was inducted.
After Fordham Prep, he went on to play for Colgate University. During his Junior campaign in 2012, he helped the Raiders earn an at large bid to the NCAA tournament, defeating nationally ranked #1 UMass in the first round before ultimately falling to Duke in the NCAA Quarterfinals. Colgate finished that season ranked 8th nationally. Connor returned to the Prep in 2022 as the Assistant Dean of Students.
Paul McQuade
JUNIOR VARSITY HEAD COACH
A native of Somers, Coach McQuade brings over 15 years of experience to the Rams. After a playing career between the pipes for both the Tuskers and Division I Siena Saints, his professional work brought him out to the Bay Area. Not being able to stay away from the game, he joined the staff at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, CA for three seasons as an Assistant Coach and Defensive Coordinator; followed by one season as Goalie Coordinator at De La Salle High School in Concord, CA.
After moving back to the East Coast, Coach McQuade spent four seasons as Head Coach in Edgemont, NY. He then moved on to take the helm for the Eastchester Blue Devils, where he was fortunate enough to lead them to five consecutive winning seasons.
His emphasis on player development and character building has proven to resonate throughout the region. A number of his former Blue Devils players are currently thriving on both Varsity and JV at the Prep.