Joe Spallina was named just the second head coach in Adelphi University women's lacrosse history in June, 2007. This season marks the third season as head coach.

In his second year as head coach, Spallina managed to top last year's very successful squad by recording a perfect 18-0 season, capped off with a national championship, the third in the program's history. The IWLCA and ECC Coach of the Year won the ECC Championship over cross-town rivals, C.W. Post and placed nine on the All-Conference teams while capturing the Player, Rookie and Goalie of the Year spots. Under his direction, there were six All-Region selections and two participants in the North-South game in which Spallina coached. He also had the IWLCA Goalie of the Year in Caitlin Fitzpatrick, six All-Americans, the NCAA Tournament MVP, four All-Tournament honorees as well as a CoSida Academic All-District honoree.

In just his first year, Spallina has proven he can keep Adelphi lacrosse at the top of Division II. He led the Panthers to a near perfect season with a 16-1 record. The Panthers won 16 consecutive games, including capturing the ECC Tournament, and were ranked #1 heading into the NCAA Tournament. He produced seven All-Conference players including the ECC Rookie of the Year, five IWLCA All-Region Honorees, three All-Americans, an NCAA Statistical Leader and two ECAC All-Stars.

Spallina inherits an Adelphi program that has made three NCAA Tournament appearances in the last four years, including two National Championships (2004, 2006). "Our goal as a program is to be a powerhouse team every season," Spallina said. "Anything short of a Division II national championship is a failure."

Spallina, a 1996 graduate of Adelphi, joins the Panther staff after a successful 10 year run as the head girl's lacrosse coach at Rocky Point High School. At Rocky Point, he led the team to five county finals, including three consecutive county titles in the last three years, compiling an impressive 87-9 overall record. Spallina, who also served as the girl's soccer coach, will continue to teach physical education for Rocky Point.

Spallina attended Adelphi from 1992-96 and earned a B.A. in physical education. He was a four-year starter on the men's lacrosse team. During his four seasons as a midfielder for the Panthers, he helped the team to a 38-14 overall record and two National Championships in 1993 and 1995. Spallina also lettered two years on the men's soccer team.

A graduate of Rocky Point High School, Spallina was an all-conference selection and team captain in lacrosse. He also played soccer, being named to the all-county and all-league teams.

Spallina resides in Rocky Point with his wife, Marybeth, and their four children.