FCA lacrosse ministry has honored Joe Breschi, head men’s lacrosse coach at the University of North Carolina, with the 2025 Peter Kohn Award. Breschi was presented with the award at the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) Summit in Orlando, Florida, on December 12.

The Peter Kohn Award is named after one of the most beloved and unique figures in the lacrosse world. Through his numerous accomplishments as a coach and his involvement with FCA Lacrosse, Kohn was connected to the sport for 50 years. He was, and still is, one of the most recognized figures in the game of lacrosse.

Each year, the Peter Kohn Award, established in 1998, is given to a member of the lacrosse community who best represents the verse, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends,” (John 15:13) and exemplifies the Christian principles of character, integrity, excellence and teamwork on and off the lacrosse field.

“Joe Breschi is a most deserving recipient of this year’s Peter Kohn Award, as he is a true example of the qualities this award recognizes,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “Having known Peter Kohn as a member of the U.S. National Lacrosse team in 1994 and 1998, Breschi had the privilege of seeing him love others by serving them, equipping Breschi to live out Peter’s legacy. Breschi is a role model for the 53 young men on his team, allowing them to see what it means to be a loving husband, devoted father and follower of Christ.”

“Peter’s passion and love for the players and game of lacrosse resonated through the dorms at tryouts for Team USA. His heart was full when he was around the game, and his genuine love for people was palpable. He was driven by one simple purpose: to make a positive impact on others whenever he could. He was kind, respected and loved by everyone in the lacrosse community. It’s truly an honor and privilege to be this year's recipient of the Peter Kohn Award. Peter was a servant leader who unconditionally loved others with a positivity that was unmatched,” said Breschi.

As the head coach of UNC men’s lacrosse for 17 seasons, Breschi has led the team to many accomplishments, including the NCAA D1 Men’s Lacrosse National Championship in 2016. He is a three-time ACC Coach of the Year and has also been named USILA Coach of the Year. Prior to coaching at UNC, he led Ohio State to its first-ever NCAA Tournament Game.

Among Breschi’s astounding accomplishments as a coach, his faith has consistently shaped his life, living out FCA’s core values of integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence. In 2004, Coach Breschi and his wife Julie's son Michael was hit by a car in his preschool parking lot. They have taken that tragedy and mentored and counseled couples who have also lost a child. Breschi is the same person with his wife and four daughters as he is with his players. He looks to serve when he can and encourages his team to do so as well. Every year, the men’s lacrosse team has more community service hours than any other team on campus. He equips his coaches by pouring into them and empowers them to lead. While Coach Breschi demands excellence from his staff and players, he cares about doing things in a way that shows people that there is something different about this man.

As a coach, Breschi lives out his commitment to biblical principles by valuing each person regardless of what they can do for him. He is a transformational coach who respects each person involved with the program, whether they are a player, coach or support staff member. Breschi demonstrates his Christian faith by encouraging team members to explore their faith and shares his faith when opportunities arise.

UNC Lacrosse Alumnus David Kelly shared, “As a teammate at UNC, Joe set the standard for commitment, selflessness and joy in competition. He was the kind of player you always wanted beside you—talented, accountable and devoted to elevating those around him. That same heart for others continues to define his life and coaching career.”

Breschi’s involvement with FCA includes speaking annually at UNC’s Campus Huddle, hosting the UNC Coaches’ Bible Study and encouraging team members to explore their faith. Breschi has also opened the UNC Men’s Lacrosse lobby to players for a player-led Bible study.

Breschi said, “FCA has impacted my life dramatically and continues to help me grow spiritually and personally through coaching. I do my very best to share my faith and family with my student athletes and coaches each day. I praise the vision of FCA to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. My favorite verse continues to be (Philippians 4:13) I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

-FCA-

Photos courtesy of Jeffrey A. Camarati/UNC Athletic Communications and Joe Caulfield