Sacred Heart Preparatory Boys’ Lacrosse Coach Chris Rotelli Reaches 200 Career Wins

ATHERTON, Calif., May 6, 2026 — Sacred Heart Preparatory (SHP) recognizes Director of Boys’ Lacrosse Chris Rotelli for earning his 200th varsity win of a 13-year career as head of the program. The milestone, reached with a win over Archbishop Mitty and followed shortly thereafter by win No. 201, reflects sustained excellence and over a decade of leadership that has positioned SHP among the premier high school lacrosse programs in California.

Since taking over the program in 2013, Rotelli has built a consistent standard defined by discipline, preparation, and competitive accountability. Under his guidance, SHP has captured multiple league championships and two Central Coast Section titles, including most recently the 2025 California Central Coast Championship, reinforcing the program’s place among the region’s elite.

That success has extended beyond the section level. In recent years, SHP has consistently been recognized among the top teams in California and the West, earning national recognition for its sustained performance and competitive consistency.

While 200 wins is a significant benchmark, it ultimately reflects a culture that has been built over time. “Chris has built a program rooted in accountability, development, and competitive excellence,” said SHP Assistant Principal for Athletics Jason Armstrong. “Reaching 200 career wins speaks to the consistency of that standard over time. What stands out most is the way he develops young men - as competitors, as teammates, and as people. This milestone is representative of the impact he has had on our community.”

 

Rotelli’s approach to coaching is grounded in a long-term developmental mindset. His focus extends beyond systems and outcomes, emphasizing growth, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the game. Players within the program are challenged not only to perform, but to think, compete, and take ownership of their development, a philosophy that has shaped the identity of SHP lacrosse.

That philosophy is informed by one of the most accomplished playing careers in the sport. Rotelli was a three-time National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All-American, a two-time First Team All-American, and the recipient of the 2003 Tewaaraton Award, presented to the nation’s most outstanding collegiate lacrosse player. At the University of Virginia, he led his team to the NCAA Division I National Championship and was named Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year and ACC Male Athlete of the Year.

He was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 Major League Lacrosse (MLL) draft and went on to earn four MLL All-Star selections before transitioning into coaching and player development.

With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Rotelli has translated that background into a clear and consistent philosophy centered on development and mentorship. In addition to leading the SHP program, he is the founder and ceo of ADVNC Lacrosse, a premier club and training platform focused on player development and the college recruiting process.

That commitment to development is reflected in the trajectory of SHP student-athletes. Under Rotelli’s leadership, the program has consistently produced players who have gone on to compete at the highest levels of collegiate lacrosse, including Duke University, University of Notre Dame, Brown University, and University of North Carolina, among others.

Rotelli’s leadership has also been recognized through multiple coaching honors, including Peninsula Athletic League Coach of the Year, West Catholic Athletic League Coach of the Year, and California Coach of the Year.

Beyond wins and accolades, Rotelli has built a program centered on connection, accountability, and a shared standard of excellence. His ability to sustain success while continuing to evolve the program has made SHP Boys’ Lacrosse a cornerstone of the school’s athletic identity.

The 200-win milestone serves as both a recognition of what has been accomplished and a reflection of the foundation that continues to drive the program forward.

ABOUT SACRED HEART SCHOOLS, ATHERTON
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton (www.shschools.org) was founded in 1898 and is located on a 63-acre campus in Atherton, California. The Catholic, independent school is an accredited preschool through twelfth grade school, with a total enrollment of 1,185 students, and is a member of the International Network of Schools of the Sacred Heart.

 

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Nixon
SHS Director of Communications & PR
Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton
enixon@schools.org | 650-454-8363