After the 2024 season, Kyle Gardner, the winningest coach in Neumann men’s lacrosse history, ended his nine-year tenure with the program to pursue another professional opportunity.
Naturally, you’d hope the next hire would carry the torch and build on what Gardner established.
This team, however, wasn’t that lucky.
For the 2025 season, Neumann brought in Kyle Hofstaedter, who led the team to a 4–13 record.
The program once again found itself searching for a new head coach.
“Though opinions on former head coach Kyle Hofstaedter were mixed, I personally loved him and was devastated when he left,” said sophomore defenseman Bryan Avanzato.
Marc Poust was next in line for the job — or so it seemed.
Poust communicated with players and had practices scheduled, but when the time came, he wasn’t there.
He wasn’t simply blowing the team off.
Poust had been dealing with ongoing personal challenges and made the right decision to step away.
The offseason didn’t go as planned, but it wasn’t unproductive.
Women’s lacrosse assistant coach Macaul Mallor stepped in as an interim coach, with team chaplain Brian O’Doherty helping out, and the pair carried through with the previously scheduled practices.
“Without Macaul’s help, this would not be possible. She worked so hard to make our fall as easy and ‘normal’ as possible. Brian also stepped out of his comfort zone to help us, so all credit goes to them,” said Avanzato.
Neumann athletic director John Krimmel praised Macaul and O’Doherty for stepping up.
“Their leadership during a tough stretch showed exactly what makes Neumann special,” Krimmel said. “They provided the stability and encouragement the team needed.”
The team stuck together during a strange time, but their work in practice didn’t stop.
Despite the tumultuous offseason, the team pushed through and not only played in their scheduled scrimmage with Fairleigh Dickinson University but kept the game competitive.
Eventually, things got back on track.
Evan Bohner, former assistant coach at Arcadia University, is set to lead Neumann men’s lacrosse for the 2026 season.
“Obviously it wasn’t ideal to go through another coaching search, but we hit a home run with Evan,” Krimmel said. “He brings the passion and experience to take this program to new levels.”
Bohner has deep ties to the area, having grown up in the greater Philadelphia region and coached at Cardinal O’Hara and St. Joseph’s Prep. He’s familiar with Neumann’s strong lacrosse tradition under Kyle Gardner and knows what the team is capable of.
“I am most excited to get to know my players, build strong relationships with them and be a resource for them, not only during their time here at Neumann but after they graduate as well. Coaching isn’t just about X’s and O’s, it’s connections,” Bohner said.
He also wants to foster a positive, team-centered culture where players enjoy coming to all team activities, take pride in their work both in the classroom and through community service, and maintain connections beyond graduation.
Bohner emphasized his long-term commitment to the program: “I would like to spend my entire life in the greater Philadelphia area and believe Neumann University and its men’s lacrosse program would be an excellent place to plant my flag long term.”
“He’s been around the game for so long and has such a unique way of thinking about the schematic part of the game. So, I absolutely cannot wait to see where this goes!” said Avanzato.
After a year marked by coaching uncertainty, Neumann men’s lacrosse can be relieved to hear about Bohner’s dedication and long-term vision, signaling a stable path forward for the program.
Photo via Neumann University
