Aurora University head men's lacrosse coach Kylor Berkman announced he will step down from his position at the helm of the Spartan program after seven years.

In his seven seasons at AU, Berkman built the Spartans into a dominant force in the Midwest lacrosse world. The seven seasons saw AU post a 113-28 overall record and 56-2 in the Midwest Lacrosse Conference with six regular season and tournament championships. The 2013 Spartans were the first men's lacrosse team in the state of Illinois to appear and win a NCAA contest. AU advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 and repeated that appearance in 2014, 2015 and 2016 as well. In 2017 AU hosted the program's first NCAA Tournament game. The 2018 Spartans became the sixth AU team to play in the NCAA second round while winning a school record 19 games (19-2).

"It is with a heavy heart that I step down as the the head men's lacrosse coach at Aurora University. It has been a tremendous ride and I am grateful for every moment," said Berkman. "The players in the program have built it to the point where I am confident in what they will continue to achieve success for years to come. I would like to thank Brendan Dawson and Jay Owen for their guidance and mentoring early on in my career. I would not have had this opportunity, if not for their leadership. I would like to thank Mark Walsh, Dr. Lora deLacey, and President Sherrick for giving me the opportunity and entrusting me at such a young age to lead a young program. I would also like to thank the current Athletic Director, Jim Hamad, for his guidance, leadership, and really taking AU Athletics to the next level. From my vantage point, AU Athletics and the Men's Lacrosse program have much to be thankful for and are poised for success for years to come." 

Four times in his seven seasons Berkman was named the MLC Coach of the Year and he led 73 Spartans to earn all-conference honors, over 60 academic all-conference recipients and seven conference players of the year. Five times Spartans were recognized as USILA All-Americans and five were named USILA Scholar All-Americans.

"The way in which Kylor built the program into a nationally-recognized brand through hard work and successful recruiting has been a joy to watch," said AU Director of Athletics Jim Hamad. "He has certainly left AU a better place from when he arrived years ago and he will be missed. We wish Kylor the best and expect that he will continue to find success in his future endeavors."

Berkman became head coach of the Spartan men's lacrosse program in the fall of 2011 after joining the Spartan staff in the fall of 2010 prior to AU's first varsity season of competition as a graduate assistant. 

A national search for the next head coach of the men's lacrosse program at Aurora University is underway.