SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Texas State University men’s lacrosse program named Stephen Torkington as its new head coach on Thursday. Torkington replaces Kyle Saunders, who resigned at the end of the 2016 season.

“I couldn’t be more excited to take this position in my first role as a head coach,” Torkington said. “I would like to thank everyone with Texas State that was involved in this process. From the current players, assistant coaches, alums and former head coaches, I can tell how much they love Texas State University and this program. I'm excited to bring my knowledge and expertise to an already strong program and team culture.”

Torkington joins Texas State after a one-year stint as an assistant at the University of Michigan, where he worked with the goalies and ran the box.

“Steve has a great lacrosse mind and a passion for the game and for coaching,” said Michigan head coach John Paul. “I have no doubt he will help Texas State lacrosse reach their goals.”

Prior to joining Michigan, Torkington was an offensive assistant at Mercer (Ga.) University, helping the Bears win the Atlantic Sun Conference championship in 2014. He started his coaching career at Pfeiffer (N.C.), where he ran the Falcons’ offense, guiding them to a 43-25 record during his tenure.

Torkington earned his undergraduate degree from Wingate (N.C.), where he was a two-time all-conference selection and just the fourth player in program history to earn All-American accolades in 2008.

The Coronado, Calif., native earned a Master’s degree in higher education administration from Mercer.

Torkington will be taking the reins of a Texas State program that finished as the runner-up in the Lone Star Alliance tournament in 2016 with an 11-3 record. The Bobcats won the LSA title in 2010 and ’15, qualifying for the 16-team MCLA National Championships powered by Under Armour.