Aurora University Athletics

Phil Dodson joined the Spartan lacrosse staff for the 2014 season and has served as the defensive coordinator.

In his first two years he helped lead the team to consecutive Midwest Lacrosse Conference championships and sweet sixteen appearances of the NCAA tournament. In 2015 Dodson oversaw nine defensive players named MLC all-conference including the Defensive Player of the Year. In 2014 as defensive coordinator he led the Spartans ranked second nationally in goals against average and ranked third in scoring defense.

Prior to  joining the Spartan lacrosse staff Dodson spent the 2013 season at Carthage College as defensive coordinator. While at Carthage he helped lead the team to a 15-4 record, best in school history finishing second in the MLC and runner up in the conference tournament. As defensive coordinator he led the Red Men ranked 14th in scoring defense, 23rd in goals against average and 51st in man down defense.

Before his time at Carthage, Dodson spent three seasons as head coach of the University of Illinois where he compiled a 37-13 record. Two of the three seasons his Illini qualified for the national club tournament. Also while at Illinois Dodson produced 21 all conference players including 7 MCLA All-Americans and five MCLA Scholar Athletes.

As a player at Illinois Dodson was named MCLA All-American in 2008 and 2009 as a defenseman. He was also awarded the MCLA Scholar Athlete award in 2009.

Dodson graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s in classics.