Peter Toner enters his 12th season as a member of the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff and his eighth as the associate head coach in 2022. He has been with the program for the entirety of Jeff Tambroni's tenure as head coach.
With his efforts as the recruiting coordinator and the leader of the team's defense, Toner played a key role in the 2019 team achieving success unprecedented in program history. The team set school record for wins in a season (16), won its first-ever Big Ten regular season and tournament titles, posted its first-ever varsity win over Maryland, and advanced to the NCAA Semifinals for the first time. Toner was rewarded for his work by being names the Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) Assistant Coach of the Year. Under the guidance of Toner, defenseman Chris Sabia earned first team All-America recognition, was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and went on to be picked 10th overall by the Dallas Rattlers in the PLL Draft. Defenseman Nick Cardile, long stick midfielder Tommy Wright, and goalie Colby Kneese were all honorable mention All-America selections.
As the team’s defensive coach, in the 2018 season, Penn State save defenseman Chris Sabia and goalie Colby Kneese earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors, and Sabia earned USILA Honorable All-America honors. As a unit, the Nittany Lions caused 84 turnovers and held their opponents to just 10.69 goals per game.
In the 2017 campaign, the Nittany Lions were fourth in the Big Ten in scoring defense, and they were also second in saves per game. He also saw defender Chris Sabia earn second-team All-Big Ten honors, one of three PSU players to earn a postseason award.
Before Penn State, Toner spent three seasons as associate head coach at Bryant (2008-10), where he served as the team’s defensive coach and recruiting coordinator. He helped guide the Bulldogs through their transition to Division I as the team went a combined 22-10 during its first two seasons at the nation’s top level.
Before working at Bryant, Toner served as head coach at Wheaton College for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. During his first season, the Lyons enjoyed their best campaign in school history, going 10-6 en route to a berth in the ECAC Division II Championship game.
Toner, who earned his undergraduate degree in sports management from Springfield College in 2003, worked as a graduate assistant at his alma mater for two seasons (2004-05). As a player, he helped lead the Pride to three NCAA Tournament appearances. A two-time captain, Toner garnered All-New England honors and was one of two intercollegiate men’s lacrosse players to collect National Strength and Conditioning Association All-America recognition.
In May 2005, Toner earned his master’s degree from Springfield in physical education with a concentration in athletic administration. Toner and his wife, Mary, have three sons, Tripp, Campbell and Marcus, and currently reside in State College.
