Chris Kivlen joins the Royals as the second coach in history to lead the program from Cornell University.
“We are confident that all of Chris' professional experiences have positioned him perfectly to be our next head coach at Queens,” said interim athletic director Cherie Swarthout. “With his experiences comes a wealth of success at the student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach levels that will raise the bar for Queens men’s lacrosse.”
Kivlen served as an assistant men’s lacrosse coach at Cornell during the 2015 and 2016 seasons assisting the staff on both ends of the field, playing an important role with the face off unit. The Big Red captured their 29th Ivy League title in 2015 after posting a 10-6 overall record going 4-2 in league play. With key victories over Princeton, Yale and Albany, Cornell ranked in the top 10 of the USILA Coaches Poll in 10-of-13 weeks during the season, rising as high as No. 7. They would go on to make their 27th NCAA Tournament appearance in program history.
Under Kivlen’s direction, Cornell had one of the top face-off units in the nation as one of his players broke the school record for face-off win percentage that stood for nearly 30 years. He also set the Cornell lacrosse records for ground balls and face-offs won.
"I couldn't be more excited to be named the head men’s lacrosse coach at Queens,” said Kivlen. “I have followed and respect the success of the program over the last 12 seasons and look forward to building upon a strong foundation."
Prior to joining the Big Red, Kivlen had a successful three year stint as head coach of the Montclair State University Red Hawks. Kivlen earned Skyline Conference Coach of the Year honors each year he was with the Red Hawks after leading Montclair State to a perfect 18-0 conference record, three league championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances. Montclair State posted a 41-13 overall record during Kivlen’s tenure.
In 2014, Kivlen helped Montclair earn its first USILA Top 10 ranking during the team’s best campaign in program history. The Red Hawks posted a 16-2 record which included the program’s first-ever wins over Dickinson, ranked sixth in the nation at the time, and St. Mary’s, ranked 16th. At the close of the season, Montclair State appeared in the top 10 in the nation for scoring offense, scoring margin, points per game, caused turnovers, clearing percentage and winning percentage.
Under Kivlen’s tutelage, the Red Hawks swept the Skyline Player and Rookie of the Year honors in each of his three seasons as he coached 30 all-conference selections and eight all-Americans.
Prior to his time at Montclair State, Kivlen spent six seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, the State University of New York at Albany. Kivlen coached 25 America East All-Conference selections, including 10 first-team selections and 14 all-rookie team picks, helping the Great Danes to become a perennial contender in the America East Conference as well as a fixture in the USILA Coaches’ Poll.
In 2007, Albany enjoyed their finest season in program history, winning its first 11 contests, including victories over four-ranked teams. They reached the No. 2 spot in the USILA poll remaining there for eight consecutive weeks. Albany would capture the America East title that season, advancing to the NCAA Tournament where they defeated Loyola in the opening round before falling to Cornell in the quarterfinal round.
Kivlen received a degree in communication with a minor in business administration from the State University of New York at Albany in 2005. During his time there, he also competed on the men’s lacrosse team helping them grab America East Championships in 2003, 2004 and 2005.
Kivlen added, "I would like to thank Cherie Swarthout, James Bullock and the entire search committee for this opportunity. I also want to thank Richard M. Moran Head Coach of Men’s Lacrosse, Matt Kerwick, and Meakem Smith Director of Athletics, Andy Noel, for the opportunity to be an assistant coach at Cornell the past two seasons. Their leadership has been invaluable."
