Rico Silvera (left) is welcomed to the Tennessee Wesleyan University men’s lacrosse staff last week by Head Coach Kevin Parker.

Silvera excited to be joining TWU lacrosse

By Steve Williams

With boys’ lacrosse becoming a new sport in the TSSAA in 2024-25, that could be a boost for the Tennessee Wesleyan University program.

And Rico Silvera has become a part of it.

Silvera, who coached Webb School for 21 years and led the Spartans to their first state title in lacrosse last spring, was officially hired by Tennessee Wesleyan last week after not being retained at Webb.

“My paperwork has cleared HR (Human Resources),” said Silvera. “I am excited to announce that effective August 1st 2024 I will be joining Coach Kevin Parker’s staff on the men’s lacrosse team at Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens.

“My duties will include acting as Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for the program. I am incredibly grateful to Coach Parker for this opportunity and the new challenges it presents.

“I believe the Lord closes some doors and opens others. Life has taught me great opportunities are not just where you work but who you work for and who you work with. In that context I couldn’t ask for a better next chapter in my coaching journey.”

Tennessee Wesleyan has had a men’s lacrosse program since 2007-08. It’s roster this past season included freshman Torin Piper from CAK, a 6-5, 210-pound defender.

The Bulldogs’ record in 2024 was 5-9 overall and 3-6 in conference play. They played two of their matches at Knoxville Catholic and notched a 23-8 win over Missouri Baptist – their first win of the season.

TWU also traveled to West Palm Beach, Fla., for two conference games. The first was their Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) opener against the No. 1 team in the NAIA and defending National Champions, the Keiser University Seahawks, who won 26-5.

Tennessee Wesleyan also has a women’s lacrosse program.