Program History

The Golden Flyers:
A Legacy of Excellence

From a 1985 Vision to National Dominance.
The Foundation: 1985 – 1991
01

The Foundation: 1985 – 1991

The program didn’t start in a vacuum; it started with a goal to disrupt the upstate New York lacrosse hierarchy. Established in the fall of 1985, the Golden Flyers spent their first few seasons finding their footing and building a culture of grit.

  • The Architect: Coach Scott Nelson took the reins and quickly turned a fledgling program into a contender.
  • The Turning Point: By the late 80s, Nazareth was no longer an easy out; they were a looming threat to the established powers.
The Dynasty Years: 1992 – 1997
02

The Dynasty Years: 1992 – 1997

This is the “Mount Rushmore” era of Nazareth Lacrosse. In just its seventh year of varsity existence, the program reached the pinnacle of the sport.

  • 1992: The Breakthrough. Nazareth captured its first NCAA Division III National Championship, proving the “new kids on the block” had arrived.
  • 1996 & 1997: The Back-to-Back. The mid-90s saw a level of dominance rarely seen in DIII. The Golden Flyers went back-to-back, cementing their status as a national powerhouse.

“During this stretch, Nazareth wasn’t just winning games; they were defining the standard of play for the entire country.”

03

Sustaining the Standard: 1998 – 2010s

While the rings are the headlines, the consistency is the story. Following the championship era, Nazareth transitioned into a perennial powerhouse within the Empire 8 Conference.

  • Tournament Mainstays: With nearly 20 NCAA Tournament appearances, the “Flying N” became a staple of the post-season bracket.
  • Conference Kings: The program became the team to beat in the Empire 8, racking up conference titles and producing a conveyor belt of All-Americans.
The Modern Era: Tradition Meets the Future
04

The Modern Era: Tradition Meets the Future

Today, Nazareth University continues to compete at the highest level, blending its rich history with a modern, fast-paced style of play.


  • The Culture: The focus remains on player development and high-level competition.

  • The Goal: Every season is a quest to return to the national stage and add a fourth star above the crest.

Nazareth Lacrosse by the Numbers

3

'92
'96
'97

National
Championship

19+

NCAA Tournament
Berths

100+

(Approximate)

All-Americans

Fall

1985

Founded

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