FORK UNION, VA – Fork Union Military Academy proudly announces that Chris Panos, Head Coach of the Postgraduate Lacrosse Program, has been named the Academy's 2025 Coach of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes Panos' outstanding leadership during the inaugural season of the PG Lacrosse team, which culminated in an impressive 17-10-2 record. 
 

Under Coach Panos' direction, the team achieved significant victories against a wide range of opponents, including six wins over NCAA Division III teams and two against NCAA Division II programs. The Blue Devils also showcased their offensive firepower by scoring a total of 332 goals throughout the season. 
 

Panos brings a wealth of experience to Fork Union, having previously served as the head coach at NCAA Division I Queens University of Charlotte. His professional playing career spans 12 years in the National Lacrosse League (NLL), where he was a first-round draft pick and ranks seventh all-time in goals scored by an American-born player. Additionally, he has represented Team USA in multiple international competitions and currently serves as the Head Coach for the Greece National Box Lacrosse Team. 
 

"Sometimes greatness is not measured by how you start, but by how you respond," said CAPT Mark E. Black, USN (Ret.), President of Fork Union Military Academy. "After a tough first loss, Coach Panos rallied his team and led them on an extraordinary journey, one that spanned fall, winter, and spring, culminating in an impressive 17-10-2 record in their inaugural season. But this season was about far more than wins and losses. It was about building something from the ground up and setting a benchmark for all future participants. From a simple idea to a fully recognized program, Coach Panos transformed our PG Lacrosse team from non-existence into one of the top 10 postgraduate teams in the nation. That kind of transformation takes vision, resiliency, grit, and an unshakable belief in your team. It is my absolute honor to recognize Coach Chris Panos as our 2025 Coach of the Year." 
 

Fork Union Military Academy, established in 1898, is a premier college preparatory military boarding school for young men in grades 7 through 12 and postgraduates. The Academy emphasizes the development of leadership, character, and academic excellence in a structured military environment. 
 

For more information about Fork Union Military Academy and PG Lacrosse, please visit forkunion.com.