Chris Diantgikis enters his eighth season with the Merrimack College men’s lacrosse coaching staff in 2024, continuing to work with the defensive unit as an assistant coach. His collaborative and focused approach has played an integral role in Merrimack’s development, particularly during the program’s transition to Division I competition.

The 2024 season was a pivotal moment for Merrimack, as the team advanced to its first-ever Division I postseason appearance, reaching the America East semifinals. This achievement showcased the team’s resilience and growth. The Warriors also earned a season-high 15-goal win against NJIT, highlighting both defensive stability and offensive progression.

In 2023, Merrimack posted a 7-7 record during its first season in the America East Conference, notching impressive victories over Hofstra, LIU, and Bryant. The team also maintained a 5-2 home record, demonstrating its ability to compete against strong opposition. This built on the 2022 season, where the Warriors achieved a 6-6 record and continued developing their presence at the Division I level.

During his time at Merrimack, Diantgikis has contributed to the development of several standout players, including 10 All-Americans, nine all-region First Team honorees, and four all-conference First Team selections. His efforts were crucial in two of the program’s most historic seasons. In 2018, Merrimack captured its first NCAA Division II national championship, powered by a dominant defense that allowed just 21 goals across three NCAA Tournament games. The following year, the Warriors secured back-to-back national titles, capping their run with a decisive win over Limestone in the championship game.

As a student-athlete, Diantgikis enjoyed a playing career at Dowling College, where he was a four-year member of the men’s lacrosse team. In 2012, he helped Dowling to its first NCAA Division II national championship. A two-time national semifinalist (2010, 2012), Diantgikis was named team captain as a senior in 2013 and earned the Dowling Lacrosse Coach’s Award for his leadership and contributions. He graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in business management and later earned a Master of Science in Business Administration, Management, and Operations (MSM) from Merrimack College in 2023.

Before joining Merrimack, Diantgikis began his coaching career in his hometown of Peabody, Massachusetts, where he led the boys’ lacrosse team for two seasons. He later served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator at Salem State University from 2016 to 2017.

Off the field, Chris resides in Wakefield with his wife, Nicole, and their daughter, Zoie. His family is deeply connected to the Merrimack community and embodies the spirit and dedication of the program. Chris remains committed to fostering a culture of growth and excellence at Merrimack while helping student-athletes reach their full potential.