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Chakey Accepts Head Coaching Position at Mercer
7/24/2026 2:00:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Class of 1995 Assistant Coaching Chair for Men's Lacrosse James Chakey has accepted the position of Head Coach at Mercer, the University announced on Friday.
"We are happy for James and his family as he takes over the Head Coaching position at Mercer University," Rothman Head Coaching Chair for Men's Lacrosse Jon Torpey said. "James has been a tremendous assistant on our staff here at Brown the last two seasons and his impact both on the field and the relationships he has built with staff, alumni, administration, and our student-athletes is nothing short of remarkable."
Prior to his two-year stint with the Bears, Chakey was an Assistant Coach under Torpey at High Point, Chakey helped the Panthers to a 9-7 overall record in 2024 and guided a defense that ranked in the top half of the NCAA.Â
Under Chakey's guidance, Marcus Wertheim was selected 26th overall in the PLL College Draft by the California Redwoods in April, becoming the second player in program history to be selected by the PLL franchise. Wertheim was also named First Team All-Ivy, a USA Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American, an Inside Lacrosse Third Team All-American, a USILA Third Team All-American, and NEILA First Team All-New England.
Along with Wertheim, Henry Brayer and Trey Taylor were named Honorable Mention All-Ivy and Ben Scandone was named Academic All-Ivy. Taylor was named an Inside Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American. Brayer was named NEILA Second Team All-New England while Charlie Cave was named NEILA First Team All-New England.
In Chakey's first season in 2025, Charlie Cave earned Inside Lacrosse Third Team All-America honors along with Second Team All-Ivy recognition. Aidan McLane joined Cave on the Second Team All-Ivy. The program continued to excel in the classroom and earned the highest GPA in the country with the USILA Academic Team Award, the Bears achieved the top GPA in the nation in both seasons Chakey was on the staff.
"We are going to miss James immensely but anyone that knows him, knows that he was built to lead a program at the Division I level," Torpey added. "We wish James, Meg, and JT nothing but success on this new journey."
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BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
"We are happy for James and his family as he takes over the Head Coaching position at Mercer University," Rothman Head Coaching Chair for Men's Lacrosse Jon Torpey said. "James has been a tremendous assistant on our staff here at Brown the last two seasons and his impact both on the field and the relationships he has built with staff, alumni, administration, and our student-athletes is nothing short of remarkable."
Prior to his two-year stint with the Bears, Chakey was an Assistant Coach under Torpey at High Point, Chakey helped the Panthers to a 9-7 overall record in 2024 and guided a defense that ranked in the top half of the NCAA.Â
Under Chakey's guidance, Marcus Wertheim was selected 26th overall in the PLL College Draft by the California Redwoods in April, becoming the second player in program history to be selected by the PLL franchise. Wertheim was also named First Team All-Ivy, a USA Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American, an Inside Lacrosse Third Team All-American, a USILA Third Team All-American, and NEILA First Team All-New England.
Along with Wertheim, Henry Brayer and Trey Taylor were named Honorable Mention All-Ivy and Ben Scandone was named Academic All-Ivy. Taylor was named an Inside Lacrosse Honorable Mention All-American. Brayer was named NEILA Second Team All-New England while Charlie Cave was named NEILA First Team All-New England.
In Chakey's first season in 2025, Charlie Cave earned Inside Lacrosse Third Team All-America honors along with Second Team All-Ivy recognition. Aidan McLane joined Cave on the Second Team All-Ivy. The program continued to excel in the classroom and earned the highest GPA in the country with the USILA Academic Team Award, the Bears achieved the top GPA in the nation in both seasons Chakey was on the staff.
"We are going to miss James immensely but anyone that knows him, knows that he was built to lead a program at the Division I level," Torpey added. "We wish James, Meg, and JT nothing but success on this new journey."
Â
BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION
The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today's Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's LacrosseThursday, April 23
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Wednesday, April 15
