Coach Chris Panos spoke this week about his plans for building the first ever postgraduate lacrosse program at Fork Union Military Academy, set to begin play in the 2024-2025 academic year.

"I'm excited and blessed for my next challenge in building the first ever PG lacrosse program at Fork Union Military Academy," said Panos. "With many professional opportunities to choose from, FUMA really stuck out to me in the interview process for many reasons, including their prestigious reputation for outstanding academics, athletics, character development and college placement, as well as their core values of mind, body and spirit, all while educating, developing and inspiring young men, so for me personally growing up in a military family setting, this seemed  like a natural fit at the right time in my coaching career to build a new PG program, give back to the community and make my family proud in the process."

"My ultimate goal is to recruit the best possible players that truly want to be great in all areas," Panos explained, "that are fully invested in self-growth, maturity and improving all aspects of their life, not just lacrosse and high-level academics."

"I am eager to put together a strong national schedule to play the best teams that want to play FUMA anywhere at any time," Panos continued, "for the ability to showcase these exemplary young men that are looking to play at the highest level in college or university, all without using a year of NCAA eligibility in the postgraduate process which is awesome to utilize that crucial gap year to learn, grow and prosper to be the best version of themselves and make an immediate impact at the next level."

"The building blocks, structural foundation, and core culture of the program," Panos stated, "will be built around strong character, honor, respect, grit, resiliency, highly skilled and self-motivated players that compete everyday with tenacity and ferocity, all with a keen emphasis on self-discipline, laser focus, communication, accountability, mental and physical toughness, innate leadership traits and teamwork within a brotherhood built on strong relationships, that consistently support one another in a positive way  that will fully prepare them to compete anywhere they desire with integrity, and this will undoubtedly separate themselves from others which will ultimately enhance their recruiting opportunities from college scouts around the country."

"I look forward to welcoming the first FUMA PG class next fall 2024," Panos concluded. "This golden opportunity won't be for everyone, but it will certainly be worth it in the long run for those that do if you want to make sacrifices and limit outside distractions, with a grind now and shine later mentality. If you think you have what it takes, I look forward to hearing from you and seeing your film and invite you to a free prospect day to be considered for the Fork Union Military Academy PG Lacrosse team.  Go FUMA Blue Devils!"