Head Coach James Fritz

Coach Jim Fritz Brings Legendary Experience and Vision to the Myrtle Beach area. 

Coach Jim Fritz, one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in Division II lacrosse history, continues his mission to grow the game across the Southeast, now setting his sights on the Grand Strand.

Fritz finished his career among the top ten coaches in Division II history in both wins and winning percentage, compiling 214 career victories. Over 26 years, he founded three lacrosse programs—including two highly successful high school programs—rebuilt two others, and led teams to seven conference championships and multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.

His impact on the sport is nationally recognized. Fritz has developed 33 All-Americans, six Academic All-Americans, 110 All-Conference selections, 26 All-Tournament honorees, two Conference Players of the Year, four NCAA record holders, four World Team players, and 11 North-South selections. Four of his players were drafted into the National Lacrosse League, including an All-Pro, Rookie of the Year, and NLL Champion. He was named Conference Coach of the Year six times and was selected twice to coach in the Division II North-South Game. He also played a key role in helping Queens University transition from Division II to Division I.

Fritz’s leadership extends beyond the field. He served on the US Lacrosse Executive Committee and the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships Committee, helping move the national championship game to a professional venue. He was a founding board member of the Charlotte Lacrosse Boosters and has served on the board of Youth Lacrosse USA. He also launched a national campaign to support the victims of Sandy Hook.

Internationally, Fritz has worked with the English Lacrosse Union, hosted England’s World Team prior to the World Games, and helped place former players and assistants in overseas and national team coaching roles. He has been a featured speaker at NCAA YES Clinics and the National Lacrosse Coaches Convention and has been published in Inside Lacrosse, Charlotte Lacrosse News, and on uslaxcamps.com.

Fritz was inducted into the Pfeiffer University Hall of Fame and the Montclair State University Hall of Fame, Fritz holds school records for career coaching victories at Pfeiffer and Queens, as well as in the Deep South Conference. His coaching tree includes 12 former assistants now coaching at the Division I or professional level and 20 former players coaching across the sport.

Currently, Fritz is the varsity head coach at Carolina Forest in Myrtle Beach. By joining the Myrtle Beach Lightning Program as the boys head coach and director of college recruiting, he is looking forward to growing the game on the Grand Strand and helping the next generation of boys lacrosse players develop for the next level. 

“I look forward to seeing the same growth of lacrosse here on the SC and helping grow the game in Myrtle Beach area.  By joining an already successful club program, I can add experience in both coaching and recruiting for its boys travel team” said Fritz.

With an unmatched résumé and a passion for developing players, coaches, and communities, Coach Jim Fritz continues to shape the future of lacrosse—locally, nationally, and globally.

“We are excited to add such an accomplished coach to our program. His credentials are unmatched in this area, and he brings valuable experience and knowledge to our players. Coach Fritz’s philosophy aligns perfectly with our mission to develop athletes, prepare them for the next level, and build a strong competitive culture.” - Coach Brian, Club Director