Staff

Coaching Staff

Matt Blamey

Head Coach

Coach Blamey was named Head Coach for the University of Arizona Men’s Program in June 2017. In only his second season with Arizona, Blamey was named Southwestern Lacrosse Conference's Division 1 Coach of the Year. Under his tenure, the Wildcats qualified for the 2022 MCLA National Tournament in Round Rock, TX. During the following 2023 season Arizona achieved a program high ranking of #5 in the country in the New Balance weekly national poll. In 2024 Arizona made it to the SLC title game for the first time in program history.

Previous to Arizona, Blamey headed up the team at Sierra Nevada College Men’s Lacrosse Program in Lake Tahoe. In his two seasons at SNC the Eagles finished with a combined record of 24-7, capturing two consecutive WCLL Championships. In 2017 Sierra Nevada achieved its highest national ranking ever as the No. 3 seed heading into the MCLA National Championship Tournament.

Prior to SNC Blamey served as Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach for Dominican University in San Rafael, CA. After a successful inaugural MCLA season with Dominican in 2015, Coach Blamey was named the WCLL Division 1 Coach of the Year. He also served as Defensive Coordinator at Sonoma State University for two years before Dominican.

Blamey was the founder and head coach of the Northern Virginia Community College Men’s Lacrosse Program (NOVA), the first NJCAA lacrosse program in the state. He also spent seven years as the Head Coach at South Lakes High School in Reston, VA., during which time he was recognized twice as the Liberty District Coach of the Year.

Growing up playing defense in Northern Virginia, Blamey earned multiple MVP honors as Captain for Gar-Field High School. A four-year varsity starter, he was selected First Team All-Conference three of those years, and was a two-time Virginia Commonwealth Games starter and an All-Met nominee his senior year. After graduating in 1996, he continued his playing career as a defender with the University of Mary Washington (NCAA D3) in Fredericksburg, VA.

Show less

Eric Bassett

Assistant Coach | Offense & Faceoffs

Coach Bassett grew up in Denver, Colorado attending Overland High School in Aurora where he was a 4-year varsity player. Bassett continued his lacrosse career at the University of Arizona where he was a 4-year WCLL all-star playing midfield his first two years, then transitioning to attack his junior and senior seasons.

As an attackman Bassett was the 1989 and 1990 leading scorer, voted outstanding attackman in '89, and team MVP of the 1990 WCLL Championship team. He also received the most League All-Star votes and was selected to represent the West Coast in the national North-South All-Star game at Johns Hopkins in 1990. Coach Bassett performed well in the nationally televised game earning him an invitation to play club lacrosse for Maryland's elite Mount Washington Tavern Lacrosse Club in addition to multiple pro box lacrosse tryout invitations. Bassett was also invited to play on the 1989 US National Team that traveled to England to play the England National team as a tune-up for the World Games.

Coach Bassett started his coaching career touring the country coaching lacrosse camps with North Carolina coach Richie Meade, among many others. He took his knowledge to the High School game in 2015 coaching a single season at Aliso Niguel HS in Laguna Niguel, CA before taking the Head Coaching position at Trabuco HIlls HS in Mission Viejo, CA. While at Trabuco Hills he won 102 games, 5 South Coast League Championships, and was selected the 2023 Coach of the Year by the Orange County Register. Bassett's HS teams earned a reputation of overachieving. As a UofA alumni, he brings the same intensity and championship mentality he experienced during his career.

Show less

Connor Griffin

Assistant Coach | Offense

Coach Griffin joins the Arizona Staff after completing his playing career in 2022 with the University of South Carolina. In his one year at USC as a graduate student he was an integral part of a national championship winning team at the midfield position where he earned 1st Team All-SELC and 1st Team All-America honors. Connor was also named the SELC Tournament MVP as well as named to the MCLA National Championship All-Tournament Team.

Prior to South Carolina he was a four year member of the NCAA Division III lacrosse team at SUNY Geneseo where he was a team captain in his junior and senior seasons. In his senior season at SUNY Geneseo he earned 1st Team All-SUNYAC and All-Region Honorable Mention honors. Connor grew up on Long Island where he was a standout student-athlete. He currently resides in Tucson, AZ.

Show less

Billy Shaffer

Assistant Coach, Defense & Substitutions

Billy Shaffer was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, where he played high school lacrosse for Catalina Foothills and Sabino High School. He began his coaching career in 2021 at Catalina Foothills and has since worked with various high school and middle school lacrosse programs in the greater Tucson area.

As a coach, Billy emphasizes intensity in every practice and game, believing in the importance of treating each day as if it could be your last opportunity to play competitively. As a player, he was a midfielder at NCAA Division III Whittier College, where he recorded 32 points in 15 games during his junior year. Unfortunately, his senior season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Show less

Markel Butcher

Strength & Performance Coach

Coach Markel Butcher brings a wealth of experience and a passion for athlete development to the University of Arizona men’s lacrosse program as the Strength and Performance Coach. With a strong background in strength and conditioning, Markel is dedicated to maximizing the performance and well-being of student-athletes through tailored training programs and evidence-based practices.

Originally a 3-star football recruit from Long Beach, CA, Coach Markel’s journey in sports performance began at Pima Community College, where he excelled as a wide receiver on the football team. His experience as a student-athlete instilled in him a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by young athletes, as well as the importance of teamwork and leadership. He demonstrated remarkable commitment and perseverance during his time as a preferred walk-on wide receiver at the University of Arizona.

Since beginning his coaching journey at the University of Arizona, Markel has made significant contributions to the Olympic Strength and Conditioning program. As an intern, he has designed and monitored strength training programs while assisting with over 200 student-athletes across various sports. His ability to demonstrate proper exercise techniques and ensure safe implementation reflects his commitment to athlete safety and performance efficiency.

Markel has honed his skills through internships with the Arizona football and basketball strength and conditioning programs. During his football internship, he played a crucial role in warm-up conditioning for over 100 athletes, providing motivation and support during lift and speed training sessions. His proficiency in utilizing advanced technologies such as VALD and GymAware has enabled him to measure and analyze athlete performance effectively, ensuring individualized training approaches that drive results.

As Coach Markel steps into his role with the University of Arizona men's lacrosse program, he brings not only expertise in strength and conditioning but also a genuine passion for helping athletes reach their full potential.

Show less

Media Team

Joshua DeGuzman

Media Coordinator

Joshua joins the program as the media coordinator, shooting video content for the Wildcat program to document the season and highlight the action of the games.

Originally from Austin, Texas; he played midfield for the Bowie High School Bulldogs during the earlier years of Texas lacrosse. He is an alumni of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado with a Marketing degree. As a Skyhawk he played midfield and served as the team’s vice president and two year captain.

Working in the real estate industry and with a passion for travel and the outdoors; he became pretty handy shooting content for social media.

Show less

Anthony Duong

Photographer / Videographer

Anthony is a current student at the University of Arizona and experienced sports photographer. He joined the program in 2024 and will be capturing special moments of your Wildcats in action.