Todd Francis was named coach in the fall and has been hard at work traveling around the country to recruit students. Having led teams at multiple levels, he’s excited for the challenge and the upcoming 2025-26 college season. He sat down with the College to discuss the sport.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Whittier College: What made you decide to come to Whittier?
Todd Francis: First off, I want to thank the alumni and friends of Whittier College who graciously donated to restore the men’s lacrosse program. That response was extremely encouraging. The continued support both financially and via making connections is deeply appreciated by myself, the Athletic Department, and the College as a whole.
In the early ’90s when I started playing box lacrosse, I played with and against quite a few players, mainly Canadians, who played at Whittier College. As New Englanders, we knew Whittier as a small private liberal arts school in Southern California that produced a lot of very talented players. In 2022 when I heard that they were dropping their program, I was admittedly upset and a bit nervous that this may become a trend in this size and category of school. Last spring when I was made aware that they were in search of a coach to bring back the program, I was immediately interested. After speaking with some of the alumni and understanding their vision of what they wanted for Whittier lacrosse, I knew I had to throw my hat in the ring. Whittier College deserves to have a top-level lacrosse program. I will also say that the opportunity to build a program the way I want it, with the right student-athletes, is very intriguing.
WC: What do you hope to achieve as coach?
TF: Ultimately, I want to bring Whittier lacrosse back to national prominence.
My father was a lifelong coach and athletic director at a small private school in New England. I saw how his mentorship developed hundreds and hundreds of successful leaders. Speaking with Whittier alums and people who are intimately familiar with the Whittier lacrosse program, they described this program as full of leaders in the Whittier College community, so I will be building this team with student-athletes who are leaders on campus and in the community.
WC: Are there specific attributes you look for when recruiting students?
TF: It’s really more of a feel I get from a player. I don't want to have one specific type of student-athlete. I want a little bit of everything. It’s also important to understand that people grow. The 17- or 18-year-old we are recruiting is significantly different from the 22-year-old who graduates. That time of transformation is critical in a young man’s life. I am looking for dedicated student-athletes who want to excel on the field, in the classroom, and make a difference here on campus. If that student-athlete can maintain that level of dedication for four years, he has a significantly better chance of becoming a successful man and leader.
WC: Building a team takes time. What would be a sign of success for you?
TF: Improvement every year. I want to be solidified as a contender in MCLA Division I every year. It could take three years or five, but I believe we will get there.
My goal for the first year is to recruit 20 students. However, I ideally would like to end up with 30-35. The Poet alumni network has been helping immensely. We’re getting the word out there. There's been an investment in the school itself, and these positive steps are adding up. Parents and players see that.
Students interested in playing lacrosse should fill out the College’s prospective student-athlete questionnaire. Coach Francis can be reached at cfranci1@whittier.edu. To further support men’s lacrosse, donate at Whittier.edu/giving/mlax.
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