Bio

Chapman University is excited to announce Joel Kallas as the next Head Coach of the men’s lacrosse program. Kallas will officially begin on August 1 following the retirement of longtime Head Coach Dallas Hartley.

“It’s an honor and a dream come true to have been chosen as the next Head Coach of my alma mater,” commented Kallas. “This university is a wonderful institution, and the student-athletes who choose to pursue their academic and athletic careers here are outstanding individuals. I look forward to continuing to work with them”

Kallas brings both experience and consistency to the Chapman men’s lacrosse program, having been an assistant coach under Hartley for the last seven seasons.

“Chapman is making a very smart hire promoting Coach Joel Kallas to lead the Panthers into the future as our new head coach,” said Coach Hartley. “He is a proud alum and fantastic lacrosse coach that we look forward to supporting and seeing what new levels he can take our Panthers to.”

In addition to his coaching experience, Kallas’s Panther pride runs deep. He was a four-year starting long stick midfielder from 2003-2006, and he represented Chapman at the team’s first ever MCLA DI National Tournament appearance in 2003. Prior to coaching, he led the team as a captain in the ‘05 and ‘06 seasons, and he earned the Chapman Defender of the Year Award in 2006. He was also named to the Second Team All-WCLL in the same year.

Following college, Kallas began his coaching career working with high school, youth, and travel club programs. He was the Tesoro High School Varsity Defensive Coordinator from 2006-2011, Capistrano Valley High Head Coach from 2012-2013, and Beckman Defensive Coordinator from 2014-2016.

In 2017, he returned home to Chapman to coach under Hartley, and he is excited to continue his legacy. During Hartley’s 12-year tenure, he led the Panthers to an astonishing 250-48 record, four SLC Conference Championships (2011, 2016, 2018, and 2019), and an MCLA National Championship in 2016.

“Being on staff during the last seven seasons and being a part of the success we have had here, it definitely helps to make the transition more seamless,” said Kallas. “I gained so much knowledge and experience, and the momentum is in our favor. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and many more successful years to come.”