Coach's Corner: Pape Lukk

Building More Than a Lacrosse Program: Coach Pape Lukk’s Vision at Colby-Sawyer

When Pape Lukk stepped into his role as the first head men’s lacrosse coach at Colby-Sawyer College, he wasn’t just taking on another coaching job—he was stepping into the challenge of building a program from the ground up. For Lukk, that opportunity was more than exciting; it was familiar.

As a former player at Frostburg State University, he was part of the program’s second-ever recruiting class. Those early years were filled with growing pains, but by the end of his career, Frostburg had transformed into a nationally ranked team. That experience left its mark.

“I lived that process as a player,” says Lukk. “From the tough early years to competing for conference championships. I know what it takes to build something from scratch, and I want to give our guys that same sense of ownership and pride.”

Now, with a decade of collegiate coaching experience, Lukk is bringing that builder’s mindset to Colby-Sawyer. His approach goes far beyond wins and losses. At the center of his philosophy is what he calls holistic development: helping student-athletes grow not only as lacrosse players, but also as students, leaders, and people.

“Being called a coach is one of the proudest titles I hold outside of being a husband and father,” he explains. “College athletics is a privilege, and my job is to put our players in a position to succeed—on the field, in the classroom, and later in life.”

That mindset shapes every part of his program. From asking recruits how they learn best, to encouraging players to embrace competition, Lukk wants each athlete to feel valued as an individual. “Everyone brings something different to the table,” he says. “Our culture is built on those differences. When you put it all together, that’s when you get something special.”

It’s also why he talks about culture long before results. In his eyes, performance always follows culture. “Culture precedes performance,” Lukk says. “If we do things the right way in the locker room, in the classroom, and in practice, the wins will come.”

The questions recruits and parents ask today reflect that vision too. While past generations focused on playing time or facilities, today’s athletes want to know about internships, career opportunities, and life after lacrosse. For Lukk, that’s a positive shift.

“College is a 40-year decision, not a four-year decision,” he emphasizes. “Lacrosse is the cherry on top. The degree, the network, and the personal growth—that’s what lasts.”

For Coach Lukk, building a program isn’t about inheriting tradition—it’s about creating it. And at Colby-Sawyer, he’s determined to do just that.

‍