McDonogh lacrosse coach Andy Hilgartner is leaving the program after 17 seasons to become the new head coach at Georgetown Prep in North Bethesda, as first reported by Ty Xanders. The move marks the end of a highly successful era for Hilgartner at McDonogh and the beginning of a new chapter at one of the Washington DC area’s most prestigious lacrosse programs.
The End of a Championship Legacy at McDonogh
Andy Hilgartner’s departure comes after a historic run with the McDonogh Eagles. In his 17 seasons leading the team, he guided them to four MIAA A Conference titles. The MIAA A conference is widely considered one of the most competitive high school lacrosse leagues in the nation, making his success particularly notable. During his tenure, Hilgartner built the Eagles into a national powerhouse and cemented his status as one of the top high school coaches in the country.
In a statement to USA Lacrosse, Hilgartner expressed his gratitude for his time at McDonogh, which he called an “incredible school” and a “great community.” The decision to leave was a difficult one, as his three sons all played for and graduated from the school. Hilgartner will take over as the head lacrosse coach at Georgetown Prep, a school with a rich lacrosse tradition of its own. He is replacing Scott Urick, who departed from the school last month after leading the Little Hoyas to three Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC) championships in his nine seasons.
In taking the helm at Georgetown Prep, Hilgartner will lead a program that is a perennial power in the IAC. He expressed his excitement for the new opportunity, telling reporters that he is “beyond grateful” for the chance to contribute to the school’s legacy. This coaching change is a major shakeup in the high school lacrosse world and will be closely watched by fans in both the Baltimore and DC metro areas.
