KENOSHA, Wis. — Carthage College has announced the hiring of
Joe Turner as the second head coach in the history of the Firebirds men's lacrosse program.
Turner brings more than 14 years of collegiate coaching experience to Carthage, including three seasons at the Division I level with Queens University of Charlotte and nine seasons at the Division II level. He also brings two seasons of head coaching experience at Mars Hill University, where he led the Lions from 2021-23.
"Coach Turner stood out throughout this process because of his experience, his ability to build relationships, and his clear vision for developing a championship-level program," said Carthage Director of Athletics Ryan Kane. "He understands that success at Carthage is about more than what happens on the field. It is about recruiting and developing great student-athletes, building a strong culture, and creating an experience our alumni and community can be proud of. We're excited to welcome Coach Turner and Mackenzie to Carthage and look forward to the leadership and energy he will bring to our men's lacrosse program."
Turner most recently served as the associate head coach and offensive coordinator at NCAA Division I Queens University of Charlotte. He joined the Royals in 2023 as offensive coordinator before being promoted to associate head coach following his first season.
During his three seasons at Queens, Turner helped the program continue to improve its win total each year. In 2026, the Royals recorded their most victories at the Division I level with four wins. Turner oversaw the offense, including extra-man offense, riding, clearing, and substitution strategies, while also serving as the program's recruiting coordinator.
Under Turner's direction, the Queens offense ranked as high as seventh nationally in shooting percentage and 15th nationally in offensive efficiency. He also helped develop nine All-Conference players and three players who were drafted to play professionally in the National Lacrosse League.
Before his time at Queens, Turner served as the head men's lacrosse coach at NCAA Division II Mars Hill University from 2021-23. In two seasons, Turner guided the Lions to their most single-season wins in back-to-back seasons since 2016. He developed two All-Conference players and one USILA All-South Region selection, while one of his players was drafted to play professionally in the National Lacrosse League.
Turner also made a significant impact academically at Mars Hill. He inherited a program with a 1.86 team grade-point average and helped increase the team's GPA to 2.97 in four semesters.
Before becoming a head coach, Turner spent the 2020-21 season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at NCAA Division II University of Alabama in Huntsville. Serving as the offensive and recruiting coordinator, Turner helped lead the Chargers to their first conference tournament appearance, first conference tournament win, and first conference tournament championship appearance. He also helped develop five All-Conference selections, three All-Conference Tournament selections, and the Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year.
Turner spent four seasons at NCAA Division II Wingate University from 2016-20, helping the Bulldogs win three consecutive South Atlantic Conference championships in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Wingate advanced to the NCAA Tournament in 2017 and 2019 during Turner's tenure. He helped develop five USILA All-Americans, 29 All-Conference selections, and one South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year.
His collegiate coaching career began at Dowling College, where he served as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator from 2014-16. Turner helped the program improve from five wins in 2015 to 10 wins in 2016 while developing one USILA All-American, nine All-Conference selections, and the East Coast Conference Offensive Player of the Year.
Turner also spent two seasons as an offensive assistant at the University of St. Thomas from 2012-14. He helped the Tommies win two conference championships and make two appearances at the MCLA National Tournament. In 2013, St. Thomas captured the MCLA Division II National Championship after completing an undefeated 17-0 season.
Turner's playing career included a national championship of his own. A four-year attackman and midfielder at Dowling College, Turner served as team captain in 2012 and helped lead the Golden Lions to the NCAA Division II National Championship. He finished his collegiate playing career with a 43-13 team record and two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Turner earned his bachelor's degree in business management and leadership from Dowling College in 2012.
"I couldn't be more excited and grateful for this opportunity. I am honored to be the next Head Coach of Men's Lacrosse at Carthage College," said Joe Turner. "Thank you to President John Swallow, Athletic Director Ryan Kane, the search committee, and the Carthage Lacrosse Alumni for placing their trust and confidence in me to coach, teach, and mentor the men of Carthage Lacrosse. My wife, Mackenzie, and I are excited to get going and become a part of the fabric of the Carthage and Kenosha community."
"The opportunity to lead such a proud program is an incredible honor. This program has passionate alumni, great families, and tremendous support from the Carthage Athletics Department. There is exceptional talent in the locker room, and I am excited to develop these student-athletes on the field, in the classroom, and as leaders in the community. I look forward to hitting the ground running and showing the country what Carthage Lacrosse is all about!"
Carthage began men's lacrosse competition in 2027. The Firebirds compete in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW).