Spencer Pickrell named new Gulf Breeze lacrosse coach
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Gulf Breeze boys lacrosse has found its next head coach.
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The school announced on July 14 that assistant head coach Spencer Pickrell has been promoted to head coach and will lead the program this spring.
"Spencer has demonstrated everything we look for in the leader of one of our athletic programs," Gulf Breeze athletic director Matt Alt wrote in a press release. "He is an exceptional teacher of the game, a proven developer of young men, and someone who leads with integrity, discipline, and humility. His commitment to Gulf Breeze Lacrosse, combined with his distinguished military service and passion for mentoring student-athletes, makes him the ideal person to lead our program into the future."
Pickrell coached under head coach Erik Liberatore last season, helping lead the Dolphins to a 12-8 record, the program's first ever regional final appearance and their third straight district title. Liberatore accepted a new job outside of last month and left the program after one season as head coach.
He's served the past three seasons as a varsity assistant coach, while his son Landon has played on the varsity lacrosse team. He also founded Blackwater Lacrosse in 2023, a local club organization that's quickly become one of the best in the panhandle, and has served as a Gulf Breeze area youth coach.
Pickrell played in high school at Watkins Mill in Gaithersburg, Maryland, one of the top lacrosse states in the country. There he was a four-year varsity starter and three-time captain. He went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 2003-08 and the Texas Air National Guard from 2008-13.
Pickrell will take over a program that graduates 12 seniors and loses five all-area players. However, the Dolphins will return three all-area players, led by Pickrell's son Landon, who recorded 63 goals and 18 assists during his junior season.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Spencer Pickrell named new Gulf Breeze lacrosse coach