NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Andy Shay, who as an assistant coach helped guide the University of Massachusetts to the NCAA quarterfinals in each of the last two years, has been named the head coach of men's lacrosse at Yale, Athletic Director Tom Beckett announced today.

Shay spent four years as an assistant to Greg Cannella at UMass. During his tenure, the Minutemen won two ECAC championships and three New England titles. UMass posted an impressive 37-9 overall record in his last three seasons.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity," Shay said. "Yale is one of the top universities in the world and one with a strong athletic tradition. I can't wait to get started and continue the great tradition of Yale lacrosse."

Shay served as the recruiting and defensive coordinator for the Minutemen. In each of the last two seasons, his defensive unit allowed under 10 goals a game and ranked third in nation in scoring margin. The 2001 squad led Division I in man-down defense, allowing opponents only 11 goals in 80 chances (.138).

Prior to joining UMass' staff, Shay was an assistant coach at Delaware, where in 1999 he helped the Blue Hens capture the America East title with a 14-3 record and advance to the NCAA Tournament for only the second time in school history.

In June of 1999, Shay was selected to join Delaware head coach Bob Shillinglaw on the coaching staff of Team USA for the inaugural World Cup of Lacrosse. Team USA defeated Team Canada in a best-of-three series at John Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Shay began his coaching career as the head coach at Morrisville (N.Y.) Junior College, and he compiled a 20-17 record in three years. His 1995 team established a school record with a 10-4 mark, qualified for the regional playoffs and was ranked No. 5 in the final national poll.

Shay is a 1994 graduate of LeMoyne College where he was a four-year starting defenseman and served as team captain for two years. He was an All- Empire League selection as a senior when he led the team to a league title.