BIOgraphy

Andy Joly has been dedicated to growing the game of lacrosse in the St. Louis region for more than 20 years. As the Owner and Club Director of St. Louis Samurai Lacrosse Club, he oversees year-round programming that serves hundreds of athletes through beginner, recreational, travel, and select teams across multiple locations.

Before focusing full-time on Samurai, Andy spent 15 seasons as the Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach and Associate Director of Athletics at Missouri Baptist University. During his tenure, he built one of the NAIA’s premier programs, compiling a 110-78 career record while leading the Spartans to three conference championships, three national tournament appearances, and 14 conference tournament appearances. His student-athletes earned more than 40 All-American and Academic All-American honors, and he was recognized as Conference Coach of the Year three times. In 2012, he received the James “Ace” Adams Award as the NAIA District 7 Coach of the Year.

Coach Joly has also served in numerous leadership positions at the national and conference levels. He was President of the NAIA National Lacrosse Executive Board after previously serving as First Vice President, Second Vice President, and Past President. He also directed the NAIA National Coaches Poll and Ratings while serving on the Kansas City Athletic Conference Executive Board. Earlier in his career, he held several leadership roles within the Great Rivers Lacrosse Conference, including Vice Commissioner, Treasurer, and Tournament Director.

His commitment to serving the community extends beyond coaching. Andy has been a Board Member of the Michael Sennett “Count On Me” Memorial Foundation since 2016.

As a player, Andy competed collegiately at NCAA Division III Wittenberg University, where he finished as the team’s third-leading scorer during his freshman season. He also continued playing at a high level with the St. Louis Centurions, helping the club capture back-to-back IBLL Championships.

In recognition of his impact on growing the sport, Andy received the 2021 USA Lacrosse St. Louis Men’s Game Commitment Award.

Today, Andy’s mission remains the same: to provide exceptional coaching, create meaningful opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels, and continue growing the game of lacrosse throughout the St. Louis community.