COACHING STAFF
Pete Treppa
Head Coach
Timing. Peter has been the coach of the future for AQ men's lacrosse," stated Dr. Ronald D. Reeves, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Aquinas. "The program has seen Coach Treppa grow into the leader he strives to be and one of the best coaches in our region. From assistant coach, to interim, to the head coach, we are excited to see what the future holds for Aquinas men's lacrosse with Peter at the helm."
Treppa has primarily served as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Saints over the past six seasons. He has been the top assistant on the coaching staff and was the interim head coach during the 2021 campaign. Excluding the canceled 2020 season, coach Treppa helped coach Aquinas to national appearances in two of the last five seasons. AQ made a run to the national championship game in 2019, finishing as the national runner-up. Once again, Aquinas made it to the national tournament in 2022 before falling in the semifinals.
The Grand Valley State University alumni boasts a career record of 48-25 since 2019. The AQ men's lacrosse program has had a prolonged run of success, being nationally ranked every year since Treppa joined the program.
Individually, men's lacrosse athletes have garnered a significant number of accolades since Treppa joined the sidelines. AQ had boasted 18 First Team All-Conference players, 12 Second Team All-Conference athletes, the 2019 WHAC Offensive Player of the Year, and two WHAC Newcomers of the Year, including Cooper Nienhuis who claimed that prestigious award this past season. Aquinas has also had a healthy amount of national recognition with nine All-Americans over the past six years.
"I am honored to be named the next head coach of the Aquinas College Men's Lacrosse program," stated head coach Treppa. "The past six years as an assistant coach truly prepared me for this opportunity and I look forward to taking the next step with our program. I would like to thank Dr. Ronald Reeves, Deputy Athletic Director Claudette Charney, and Vice President of Enrollment Brian Matzke for the opportunity to lead the men's lacrosse program at Aquinas College."
"I would also like to express my gratitude to Doug Seites and Chris Klaiber for their leadership and guidance in preparing me for this opportunity. Lastly, thank you to my family for always supporting my love for the game of lacrosse and coaching."
In addition to being the AQ Defensive Coordinator, Treppa has coached for the Premier Lacrosse Group (PLG) since 2022. He coaches youth and high school travel teams for the club.
Prior to his time at Aquinas, Treppa served in a similar role at GVSU, working under head coach Tim Murray as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the Lakers from 2016 to 2018.
"The outpouring of support from past, present, and future Saints truly means the world," Treppa went on to exclaim. "I am grateful to lead such a great group of men and I look forward to supporting them in all aspects of their lives. Our roster is balanced with experience and young enthusiasm. Our institution hired an incredible Director of Intercollegiate Athletics that supports our vision. We absolutely have the pieces in place to continue our pursuit of a WHAC Championship and the NAIA National Championship."
Not only has Treppa experienced a healthy amount of success as a coach, but his success started as a player. He played 12 games as a freshman for the Adrian Bulldogs, helping the team to a MIAA conference championship and finishing the season as an NCAA Quarterfinalist.
He transferred to Grand Valley State University and went on a dominant run with the Lakers. He was named a three-time All-American and three-time All-Conference athlete for GVSU. Treppa helped GVSU to a national championship in 2014 and conference championships in both 2014 and 2015. He went on to be named the team captain in 2015 and 2016.