(Photo by Robert White)

TUCSON, AZ – University of Arizona men's lacrosse announced Friday that Jay Mayes has been hired as an assistant coach for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Mayes comes to Arizona after most recently serving as head coach for the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minn. Prior to Northwestern, Mayes was the top assistant at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass.

"We are very fortunate to bring someone of Jay's caliber on board," said Arizona coach Matt Blamey. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and proven success at all levels as both a player and a coach. Jay's experience will be a valuable asset in every aspect of our program."

A 2004 graduate of Gettysburg College, Mayes was a four-year member of a Bullets program that was ranked No. 1 in the nation for two consecutive years, won three Centennial Conference championships and played in two national championship games (2001, 2002).

He captained the team his senior season while collecting All-Centennial Conference honors for his standout efforts in the Bullets' midfield.

Getting his start in lacrosse at The McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Md., Mayes helped lead the Eagles to an MIAA conference championship and No. 1 national ranking in 1999.

Following his graduation from Gettysburg, Mayes began a career in professional sports, working in the front offices of the Baltimore Ravens, Portland LumberJax, and Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. During that time he remained heavily involved in lacrosse, coaching for several development and club programs including Rhino Lacrosse (Portland, Ore.), Homegrown Lacrosse (Minneapolis, Minn.), and FCA Lacrosse.

Jay and his wife, Dr. Emily Mayes, reside in Tucson.