UMBC

UMBC has named Tony Giro and Amy Appelt as co-head coaches of the women’s lacrosse program, director of athletics Dr. Charles Brown announced on Jul;y 5, 2012.

“This is a unique situation, but Tony and Amy complement each other so well that I felt it was absolutely the right way to go,” Dr. Brown said.  “I see nothing but great things for this program as we move forward.  Our goal is to be a nationally-ranked program and one that competes for the America East title every year.”

Giro, who just completed his fourth season, was named assistant coach and defensive coordinator at UMBC in July 2009. In 2009, he assisted primarily on the defensive end, as well, developing game plans and schemes for practices and games. UMBC’s backfield led the America East and ranked 12th in the NCAA in caused turnovers per game (10.9) and ranked second in the conference in scoring defense with a 9.88 goals-against average, nearly a three-goal improvement from 2008.

Prior to UMBC, Giro was part of the coaching staff that led the Mt. Hebron High School girls’ lacrosse team to four consecutive Maryland State Championships and a No. 1 national ranking from 2003-06, and he served as the team’s defensive coordinator for two of the four seasons. The Vikings produced a 92-1 combined record during his five-year tenure.

Giro was also the defensive coordinator for the Under Armour All-America South Team in 2006 and 2007.

Giro was a four-year varsity letterwinner in baseball at High Point University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2000. He currently lives in Ellicott City, Md., with his wife, Rebecca, their three sons, Brooks (6), Jack (4) and Sam, who arrived in February of 2012.

"First and foremost, it is a great honor to work in the lacrosse capital of the universe, especially at UMBC,” Giro said.” To then be named 'co'- anything with Amy Appelt makes this opportunity even more amazing. Not only is Amy lacrosse royalty, but she is a tireless worker who gives her time and energy to this great game like no one else. Moreover, her commitment to the young women UMBC is unparalleled and she instills a sense of passion and pride in the team that cannot be measured.”