(SAN DIEGO, May 1, 2018) – The San Diego Seals announced today that Josh Sanderson and Bill Greer will join Patrick Merrill on the team’s inaugural coaching staff. Sanderson is the Seals’ Director of Player Personnel and Offensive Coordinator and Greer is the Defensive Coordinator.
Sanderson, 40, joins the Seals after serving as the Assistant General Manager for the Toronto Rock for the past two seasons.
“I’m very excited to be part of San Diego Seals organization,” said Sanderson. “I’m looking forward to coaching with Pat and Bill, and I appreciate the opportunity.”
Undersized at just 5-feet 7-inches and 150 pounds, the Orangeville, Ontario native ranks second in National Lacrosse League history in assists (908), assists per game (3.39), and games played (268). A 19-year veteran who retired following the 2016 season, Sanderson set – and repeatedly broke – the League’s single-season assists record. His 83 helpers in 2015 are tied for the most in a year in NLL history.
Known by his peers and teammates as “Shooter,” Sanderson was a first-ballot NLL Hall of Fame inductee. He won two Champion’s Cups (2005 & 2009) and was a nine-time All-Pro. He recorded 60 or more points in every season from 2002 to 2015, including five 100-plus point campaigns which ranks tied for first in NLL history.
“He’s the ultimate competitor, a winner, and one of the smartest lacrosse minds in the game today,” said General Manager and Head Coach Patrick Merrill. “We are very fortunate to have him on our staff.”
Greer, 36, comes to San Diego after his 15-season tenure in the NLL. He currently serves as the Assistant Coach for the Six Nation Arrows and has won two Minto Cups (Canadian Junior ‘A’ national championship) in the last three seasons while coaching alongside Merrill.
“I couldn’t be more honored and grateful to be a member of the Seals,” said Greer. “I know the entire organization is committed to making this franchise a huge success. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be part of the coaching staff with Patrick and Josh. They are two of the fiercest competitors I have had the opportunity to play with, and they both know what it takes to win at this level. I can’t wait to get things started and do whatever it takes to help make this team successful.”
The Oshawa, Ontario native was the 9th overall pick in the 2001 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft. He played in 190 career games, registering 59 goals, 99 assists and 165 penalty minutes.
The savvy defenseman won a Champion’s Cup with Rochester in 2007 and scored the game-winning goal in the championship game. Greer captured a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.
“Bill brings an outstanding lacrosse resume and championship pedigree,” said Merrill. “He’s a character person, a natural leader and an exceptional teacher of the game. I couldn’t think of anyone better to mentor our players and lead our defense.”
In addition, the team has brought on Ryan Boyle as its US scout and Travis Gillespie as an international scout. The team has also announced the hiring of Simon Menard as the Assistant General Manager.
The expansion San Diego Seals will begin play in November at Pechanga Arena San Diego. Reserve your priority number today by placing a season ticket membership deposit at SealsLax.com.
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B-roll from Sanderson’s career can be viewed here.
