St. John Paul II High School has named Chris Smalkais as Head Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Coach, effective immediately. He succeeds Chris Harlow, who coached the Lions in 2019.
Smalkais is the longtime Head Coach at Fairfield College Preparatory School in Fairfield, CT, where he became only the fourth CIAC boys lacrosse coach to reach 400 career wins and finished with a career record of 404-156.
Smalkais led Fairfield Prep to six Class L titles, including four in a row from 2006-2009. Under Smalkais, the Jesuits won 12 Southern Connecticut Conference tournament titles.
“When you have the opportunity to bring in a leader of Coach Smalkais’ caliber, you jump on it. His experience, passion, and proven results promise to take our program to new levels,” said Rich Fazzi, JPII Athletic Director.
“Now that’ I’m moving to the Cape, I’ve learned about JPII’s athletic success and strong culture,” Smalkais said. “It’s exciting to see where we can take the program in the upcoming years.”
Said Principal Mona Lisa Valentino, “Coach Smalkais is passionate about lacrosse, but more importantly, he puts character, good conduct, and Catholic values front and center.”
Lions boys’ lacrosse team has qualified for the MIAA Tournament in each of the last four seasons.
