Jay Sothoron, a member of the St. Mary’s Ryken Class of 1996, is returning to his alma mater as head boys lacrosse coach. Sothoron brings more than 20 years of coaching experience at the high school and NCAA Division I and II levels, with a proven track record of building championship programs.
Most recently, Sothoron served as program director and head coach at the Episcopal School of Dallas for eight seasons. Under his leadership, the team captured two Texas State Championships (2019 and 2024), six SPC Conference Championships and consistently ranked among the nation’s top programs. His teams finished in the USA Lacrosse Southwest Top 10 five times in seven seasons and defeated nationally ranked Landon and Bullis in 2026 before finishing No. 40 nationally according to LaxNumbers. He became the winningest coach in Episcopal School of Dallas history and was named the 2024 Texas State Coach of the Year.
Before his time in Dallas, Sothoron spent five seasons at Bellarmine University as offensive and defensive coordinator. His defense ranked No. 3 nationally in man-down defense in 2018 and finished among national leaders in goals allowed and caused turnovers. Bellarmine earned its first Southern Conference Tournament berth and recorded its first victory over a nationally ranked opponent during his tenure.
Sothoron also served as the first assistant coach and defensive coordinator at Robert Morris University, where his defense ranked third nationally in caused turnovers. He coached multiple All-Conference defenders, including the nation’s leader in caused turnovers.
At Wheeling Jesuit University, Sothoron guided the program through a conference transition and led one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Division II lacrosse. In 2012, the Cardinals were recognized as the NCAA Division II Most Improved Program after improving from 4-8 to 11-6, including wins over nationally ranked opponents.
Sothoron’s deep connection to St. Mary’s Ryken began as a student-athlete. From 2003 to 2008, he served as assistant athletic director and varsity assistant coach, helping lead the Knights to a 71-22 record, the program’s first national ranking and the 2007 WCAC Championship. He was named the 2006 U.S. Lacrosse National Assistant Coach of the Year for secondary schools and was promoted to associate head coach. He began his coaching career at Greensboro College before returning to St. Mary’s Ryken.
Sothoron follows in the footsteps of his father, Coach John Sothoron, the founding coach of St. Mary’s Ryken boys lacrosse and a member of the school’s Hall of Fame.
Sothoron will assume his new role the first week of August 2026. The Knights have a strong lacrosse tradition, and his return is expected to build on that foundation with a focus on developing competitive, well-rounded student-athletes.
For more information about the St. Mary’s Ryken boys lacrosse program, contact athletics@smrhs.org. Details about the school’s athletics program are available at www.smrhs.org/athletics.
