UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State men's lacrosse announced on Tuesday the hiring of Lance Basler as the team's director of operations. Basler comes to Happy Valley after working as the assistant general manager and director of lacrosse operations for the New York Riptide of the National Lacrosse League.
While with the Riptide, Basler oversaw all lacrosse operations during the inaugural season of the expansion franchise.
Basler brings five years of experience working with lacrosse programs. Prior to his time with the Riptide, he spent nearly four years working with USA Lacrosse in Sparks, Maryland. He led the administration and operations of the National Teams program, which included both men's and women's senior and under-19 teams, and the men's indoor team. During his tenure at USA Lacrosse, Basler managed three world championship teams, including the U.S. Men's National Team in 2018 that Penn State assistant coach John Haus played on.
Beyond his time working with lacrosse programs, Basler has plenty of additional experience working in the athletics operations field. He spent two seasons as the director of player personnel for the Middle Tennessee State football team and followed that with a year as the director of football operations at Louisiana Tech. Additionally, he completed operations internships with the New England Patriots, the Missouri football team, and the San Diego State football team.
"Our staff is thrilled to welcome Lance Basler to Happy Valley," said Penn State head coach Jeff Tambroni. "His passion for lacrosse and his experience working with our nation's top teams will have an immediate and positive impact on the Penn State men's lacrosse program."
Basler has two degrees, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a master's degree in sports business management from San Diego State University.