Welcoming Tom Prior as Head Lacrosse Coach, Meredith McGurk as Dir. of Operations
/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORDHAM PREPARATORY SCHOOL WELCOMES TOM PRIOR AS HEAD LACROSSE COACH, MEREDITH MCGURK AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Bronx, New York, October 16, 2024 – Fordham Preparatory School is thrilled to announce the hiring of Tom Prior as the next head coach of its varsity lacrosse program. 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.
"We are beyond excited to welcome Coach Prior to the Fordham Prep family," said Fordham Prep Athletic Director Sal Annunziata ‘11. "Tom's extensive experience, passion for the sport, and commitment to student-athlete development make him the ideal leader to guide our lacrosse program into the future."
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 Irish 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.
"I am honored and excited to join the Fordham Prep community," said Coach Prior. "I look forward to building upon the strong foundation of this program and leading these young men to success both on the field and in life. Together, we will pursue excellence, cultivate teamwork, and bring pride to the Fordham Prep family."
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.
The Fordham Prep community eagerly anticipates the new era of Rams lacrosse under the leadership of Coach Tom Prior. His commitment to excellence, dedication to player development, and passion for the sport make him the perfect fit to take Fordham Prep lacrosse to new heights.
Fordham Prep is also excited to welcome Meredith McGurk as its new Director of Operations. McGurk, a resident of Harrison, New York, brings extensive experience in operations management and a long-standing commitment to youth athletics and education. A graduate of The Ursuline School and Manhattan College, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and Elementary & Secondary Education and a Master of Science in Special Education, McGurk has spent over 15 years involved in youth sports administration. She currently serves as Registrar for Harrison Youth Soccer Club and Scheduler & Registrar for Rye Youth Lacrosse. McGurk has also contributed to the administration of several other programs, including Predators Lacrosse, Rye Garnets Ice Hockey, and Briarcliff Youth Lacrosse.
In addition to her professional roles, McGurk has been a dedicated volunteer in the Harrison Schools’ PTA, holding various leadership positions over the past decade, and has coached youth soccer for nine years. Her commitment to community involvement extends to her work at St. Gregory the Great, where she volunteered for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) basketball program and at the preschool as a substitute teacher. McGurk’s broad experience in both operations and volunteerism makes her a valuable addition to Fordham Prep's lacrosse program.