"Cole is a home run hire for our program," Carrington said. "Throughout the interview process, I kept hearing about Cole's incredible character. He has captained teams his entire life, and he has been recognized as a league's top teammate at the highest level of field lacrosse. Our student-athletes will greatly benefit from Cole's lacrosse knowledge and infectious energy. We are very fortunate to land the perfect person to enhance our program and advance our mission of leadership development."
"I am beyond excited to join Haverford College and the men's lacrosse program as an assistant coach," Kirst said. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of an institution that is deeply committed to academic excellence and the development of its student-athletes.
"Coach Carrington's energy and the program's commitment to leadership development have created a culture that I'm thrilled to join. I look forward to helping elevate the student-athlete experience while upholding Haverford's values of mutual trust, concern, integrity, and respect. I'm excited to contribute to the continued success of this program and can't wait to get to work. Go Fords!"
Kirst joins the Haverford coaching staff following a professional playing career that included time with the California Redwoods of the Premier Lacrosse League and the Halifax Thunderbirds of the National Lacrosse League. Competing as a midfielder in the outdoor game and a forward indoors, Kirst played alongside some of the sport's top athletes while earning recognition for both his ability and leadership.
Kirst received the PLL's Jimmy Regan Teammate of the Year Award in 2023, an honor recognizing the player who best exemplifies selflessness, leadership, and dedication to his teammates. He was also selected as the Halifax Thunderbirds' Teammate of the Year in both 2023 and 2024.
On the international stage, Kirst captained the United States U21 Men's National Team to a gold medal at the 2022 World Lacrosse Men's U21 Championship in Limerick, Ireland. His extensive leadership experience also includes serving as a team captain during his collegiate playing career at both Lehigh University and Syracuse University.
Kirst spent four seasons at Lehigh before concluding his collegiate career at Syracuse. He was named a team captain during his final season with each program, leading Lehigh in 2022 and the Orange in 2023.
In addition to his playing career, Kirst has developed extensive experience coaching and mentoring young athletes. He has served as an assistant varsity boys' lacrosse coach at Verona High School since April 2026, helping foster a team culture centered on sportsmanship and personal development.
Kirst is also a co-founder and director of Kirst Brothers Lacrosse, a training organization he established with his four brothers in 2022. Through camps, clinics, and private lessons, the organization provides skill development and mentorship to youth and high school players throughout the Northeast.
Also a journalist and broadcaster, Kirst earned a master's degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse in 2023. He previously graduated from Lehigh in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in economics.
While at Lehigh, Kirst worked as a sports reporter for The Brown and White, covering the university's athletic programs for the student newspaper.
