Queens University of Charlotte Athletics

Purpura joins the Royals lacrosse coaching staff as the offensive coordinator for his first season in 2015-2016.

Purpura comes to Charlotte from Frostburg State University, where he was an assistant coach for one season.  While at Frostburg, the Bobcats were ranked as high as No. 17 in the USILA National Poll and finished 16-3. While an assistant, Purpura helped the Bobcats to the fewest turnovers per game in the nation. They also ranked sixth in goals against average, 21^st in goals scored per game, and fifth in clearing percentage. Purpura also helped lead Frostburg to a CAC Championship appearance for the first time in program history. Additionally, he helped coach and develop the first three Frostburg USILA All-Americans, as well as eight all-CAC players.

Prior to working at Frostburg, Purpura was an assistant coach and offensive coordinator at SUNY Brockport for a season. Under Purpura’s tutelage, the Golden Eagles increased goals scored per game, shooting percentage, and extra man offense. While at Brockport, Purpura helped coach and develop Brockport’s first USILA All-American and three All-SUNYAC selections.

Purpura also coached Sweetlax Lacrosse Club for three summers, and helped mentor and develop multiple high-school all-Americans.

A native of Pittsford, N.Y., Purpura was also a standout lacrosse player. He was named an Adidas All-American and represented the United States at the Brogden Cup. Purpura began his collegiate career at Mount Saint Mary’s University before transferring to SUNY Geneseo. While at Geneseo, Purpura helped the Knights reach a ranking as high as 12th in the nation according to the USILA Weekly Poll. Geneseo also made consecutive SUNYAC playoff appearances including a SUNYAC Championship appearance.

Purpura graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in 2013 after majoring in sociology and minoring in Geography. Purpura then completed his Masters of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in business and health and physical education from Frostburg State in 2015.