UNIONDALE, N.Y. — LIU lacrosse alum Paul McDermott is headed to the Long Island Metro Lacrosse Foundation Hall of Fame.

McDermott will be inducted as part of an 11-member class on Saturday night at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale.
 
He has been involved in lacrosse for 49 years as a player, coach and camp director, and his journey is a remarkable testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport.

McDermott began playing in 1975, when he joined the Huntington Boys Club as an eighth grader. Little did he know that this decision would set the stage for a lifelong affair with the game.

Despite facing adversity, including breaking his left collarbone as a freshman and his right collarbone as a JV player, his determination and passion for lacrosse never wavered. He continued to play, progressing from ninth grade all the way through to his senior year, always eager to learn and improve his skills as a player while diligently following his coaches' instructions.

One of the crowning achievements of his high school lacrosse career was winning the league championship under the guidance of coach Steve Davis. The title showcased his potential in lacrosse and ignited his ambition to contribute to the sport in more significant ways.

Initially enrolling at Cortland State, then transferring to Suffolk Community College, his determination led him to CW Post College, where he not only made the team but also honed his skills as both a player and a coach. It was here that he had the privilege of being coached by John Danowski.

Throughout his lacrosse journey, his parents, Mary and Jim, stood by his side as his most ardent supporters. Whether he was a player or a coach, they never missed a game and were his biggest fans. His transition from player to coach marked the beginning of a storied career as the boys lacrosse coach at Huntington High School.

His teams consistently asserted their dominance in the league, clinching an impressive total of 19 league, three county, three Long Island and 2 state championships — with 304 varsity career wins.

Huntington High School's extraordinary achievement of being ranked No. 1 in the nation in 2007, boasting an incredible streak of 63 consecutive wins, showcased his ability to inspire and lead young athletes.

This unparalleled success was a testament to his exceptional coaching abilities, which garnered him League/Division Coach of the Year awards nine times, two NILA Coach of the Year honors, and Newsday Long Island Coach of the Year awards.

His coaching prowess was further recognized when he was named the 2002 NILA "Man of the Year," a highly esteemed accolade that highlighted not only his coaching skills but also his character, leadership and contributions to the lacrosse community.

His reputation and expertise transcended local boundaries.

In 2007, he was selected as the head coach for the Under Armour All-American team, representing the North region. The appointment underscored his standing in the sport and solidified his place among lacrosse's elite coaches.

Beyond the field, he was deeply committed to the growth and development of lacrosse in his local community, regionally and nationally.

His leadership of the Huntington High School Boys Alumni Lacrosse Association, serving as the Suffolk County Lacrosse Association vice president from 2000 to 2014, and becoming a member of LIMLF from 2019 to the present and NILCA from 2022 to the present all underscore his ongoing dedication to the sport, ensuring its continued growth and success.

Furthermore, his commitment to charitable endeavors was exemplified through his fundraising efforts for Juvenile Type 1 diabetes from 2006 to 2023. Inspired by his son Matthew's diagnosis, he used lacrosse as a platform to make a positive impact on the lives of others, showcasing not only his coaching prowess but also his character and desire to give back.

After 38 years of teaching in the Half Hollow Hills School District, McDermott retired in June 2023.

He continues coaching JV football and varsity lacrosse at Cold Spring Harbor High School, adding two more state championships to his resume.

His children John, Makayla and Matthew were always there for support. His wife Hilary has inspired him to continue coaching and giving back to the game he loves.