Montreat College

Mario Moraga is the new Graduate Assistant lacrosse coach at Montreat.  Coach Moraga is a long time resident of the Asheville area, and a long time lacrosse enthusiast. Born in Chile, his family moved to New Jersey when he was in elementary school.  He started playing lacrosse as a junior high student in New Jersey.  After a one year stint at Syracuse, Coach Moraga played NCAA D2 college ball at Montclair State College.   

Coach Moraga has been a key figure in the growth of youth and high school lacrosse in the Asheville area for many years, and has coached at both the youth and high school level.  He has been involved with Asheville Empire lacrosse, and recently helped in the foundation of the Gladiators Lacrosse Club, also based in Asheville. 

Professionally, Coach Moraga serves as one of the most respected addiction counselors for the Hispanic community in Western North Carolina. Coach McMinn says regarding coach Moraga: “Coach Mario is a fine gentleman, whose focus is on supporting and developing the players as men.  He knows the game of lacrosse, and has an excellent demeanor which both supports and challenges our athletes. That makes him an excellent fit for Montreat College, and for our lacrosse program.”

Mario lives in Asheville with his wife Ruth and their six kids, four of whom play lacrosse.