WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Palm Beach Atlantic men's lacrosse head coach Jesse Vanatta announced that he has voluntarily resigned from the program to explore other opportunities outside collegiate athletics.
 
"My time at PBA has been an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with amazing memories and relationships that I'll carry with me forever," Vanatta said. "I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Debra Schwinn, Courtney Lovely Evans, and TJ Budd for their unwavering support and exceptional leadership. Their dedication has fostered a positive and dynamic environment for PBA's student-athletes and coaches. I'm grateful to all those I've had the pleasure to coach, those I've coached with, and the mentors God put in my life who gave me so much and prepared me for the opportunity to be the head coach at PBA. I also want to express my sincere thanks to the PBA lacrosse alumni, whose passion and commitment have helped build a rich legacy that I am honored to be a part of."
 
Vanatta has been a Sailfish lifer since being a PBA graduate in 2013. Vanatta was a three-year captain of the club team and was selected as an all-conference performer as a student-athlete. He helped guide the team to their first-ever conference championship appearance as a player in 2010 and their first national championship tournament appearance in 2013. After graduating, Vanatta served on staff as an assistant before elevating to head coach in 2022, where he served for three seasons.
 
"Most importantly, I'd like to thank my wife, Rachel, and our two children, Killian and Scout, whose unwavering support has been my foundation throughout this journey," Vanatta said. "Their love and encouragement are invaluable. As my family and I enter a new chapter, I am excited about the direction of this program and confident in its continued success moving forward. The future of PBA men's lacrosse is bright, and I'm eager to see the team reach new heights. Palm Beach Atlantic University and the men's lacrosse program will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to support and cheer for their success."
 
The program was coming off its best season in history, finishing with the highest winning percentage since becoming a varsity sport in 2018. PBA recorded its best Sunshine State Conference record in program history.
 
"I want to thank Jesse for accepting the call to lead our men's lacrosse program," PBA Director of Athletics Courtney Lovely Evans said. "I wish nothing but the best to him and his family as they follow the next step in what God has in store for them."