Pratt, CA Veteran, to Lead Boys Lacrosse Program

As he takes the helm of Colorado Academy’s Boys Lacrosse program at the start of the 2026–2027 school year, Dan Pratt, a 17-year veteran Assistant Coach and a beloved Lower School Physical Education teacher, is already working to bring together a group of student-athletes who won’t compete until the spring. His aim, he says, is “growing good people—the lacrosse will take care of itself.”

A nationally recognized legend of the sport and member of the Colorado Lacrosse Hall of Fame, Pratt sees the game of lacrosse as a powerful vehicle for mentorship. In his view, lacrosse is not limited to the elite athlete; it is a space where student-athletes learn to appreciate life’s most valuable lessons, experience personal growth, and build deep connections.

Through individual and team meetings at the start of this year, as well as regular check-ins with Upper School faculty and administrators, Pratt has already impressed on his players the essentials of this philosophy. “I want these guys to be the ‘good kids’ on campus—opening doors for people, saying hello in the hallway. We hold each other accountable for how we represent CA and the program.”

Says Director of Athletics Jon Hill, who announced the coaching news to CA Lacrosse families in early September, “We are fortunate to have Dan in this new role; I am confident he will take our program to the next level. We can’t wait to see all the great things ‘DP’ will accomplish here and for the sport of lacrosse in Colorado.”

A native of New York, Pratt earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Syracuse University before building a legendary career in the lacrosse world. His remarkable achievements as an elite competitor and leader include:

• High school and college All-American honors
• Two-time National Championship appearances with Syracuse University
• Professional player and champion with the Detroit Turbos (MILL) 
• NLL champion and defensive coach with the Colorado Mammoth (including their 2026 League Championship)
• Three-time CHSAA Assistant Coach of the Year
• Extensive elite coaching experience in lacrosse clubs, lacrosse networks, and prominent local and national camps and clinics
• Inductee into three Halls of Fame

Of finally throwing his hat into the ring to serve as Head of Program after coaching and mentoring generations of CA student-athletes, Pratt says simply, “I’ve always been happy here, but this time, I just felt like I wanted to do more for the kids on campus.” With numerous stories of students he’s met in First or Second Grade and then seen rise to a spot on his Varsity Lacrosse squad, Pratt explains, “The energy I see in these kids, all the way from Lower School to Upper School, is really what brings a smile to my face.”

Plenty of Mustang Lacrosse alumni have come back to campus over the years to visit with Pratt and see that smile once more; all thank him for the many years and many lessons he shared with them.

“Don’t get me wrong—lacrosse is and always has been a huge part of my life. But right now, it might be hard for the kids to see it’s about more than wins and losses. Later on, they realize this sport has so much to do with being successful in life.”