Paul McDermott

Induction Year: 2025

Location: Huntington

Category: Lacrosse and Coaching

Paul McDermott, a distinguished figure in the lacrosse community, has dedicated nearly five decades to the sport as a player, coach, and mentor. 

A 1980 graduate of Huntington High School, Paul excelled in both lacrosse and football. He continued his athletic and academic journey at CW Post College, where he played lacrosse under the great John Danowski, a legend who he credits with shaping his coaching philosophy and style. 

In 1986, Paul embarked on a remarkable 29-year coaching career at his alma mater, Huntington High School. 

As the head coach of the boys’ varsity lacrosse team from 1991 to 2014, he led the Blue Devils to an impressive 304 wins against 148 losses. Under his guidance, the team secured 19 league championships, three county titles, three Long Island championships, and two New York State championships. Notably, from 2005 to 2007, his teams achieved a 63-game winning streak, culminating in a No. 1 national ranking in 2007.

He has been honored with nine League/Division Coach of the Year awards, two Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association Coach of the Year awards, and the prestigious Newsday Long Island Coach of the Year award. In 2002, he was named the Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association “Man of the Year.”

Beyond the field, Coach McDermott was deeply committed to the growth and development of lacrosse in his local community. His leadership as the President of the Huntington High School Boys Lacrosse Alumni Association demonstrated his dedication to nurturing the sport at the grassroots level. He further contributed to the regional lacrosse landscape by serving as the

Suffolk County Lacrosse Association Vice President from 2000 to 2014, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s advancement in the region.

Coach McDermott’s commitment to charitable endeavors was exemplified through his fundraising efforts for Juvenile Type 1 diabetes from 2006 to the present. Inspired by his son Matthew’s diagnosis, he used lacrosse as a platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others, showcasing not only his coaching prowess but also his character and desire to give back.

In addition to his coaching roles, Coach McDermott remained actively involved in lacrosse organizations, becoming a member of LIMLF and NILCA in 2022.

His children, John, Makayla, and Matthew, were always there for support. His wife, Hilary, has inspired him to continue coaching and giving back to the game he loves. *His journey from a young boy discovering lacrosse to a seasoned coach and leader in the sport is a testament to his unwavering commitment. His parents, Mary and Jim, were not just spectators but unwavering pillars of support throughout his journey. 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport, Paul was inducted into the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame in January 2024. Later that year, in October 2024, he was further honored with induction into the National Interscholastic Lacrosse Coaches Association Hall of Fame.