LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Bellarmine University lacrosse team has announced the hiring of two new coaches to its staff for the 2016-17 season.  Bill Tully has come on board and will assume the role of offensive coordinator, and former Knight Stephen Soriano has been added as a volunteer assistant and will oversee the faceoff unit. Current assistant coach Jay Sothoron will assume the role of Defensive Coordinator.

Tully comes to Bellarmine after spending the last four seasons at Quinnipiac University, where he directed the Bobcats' offense and helped lead the team to an undefeated season in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and an NCAA Tournament berth last season.

"I'm excited to have Bill join our staff," said Bellarmine Head Coach Kevin Burns.  "He has the experience and has shown a sharp offensive acumen that will help us continue our improvement as a team and achieve our goals of winning a Southern Conference championship and competing in the NCAA Tournament."

Qunnipiac had the top offense in the MAAC last year, averaging 10.31 goals per game, and one of Tully's top offensive performers last season, Ryan Keenan, was the number one overall pick in the National Lacrosse League draft held last night.

Prior to serving at Quinnipiac, Tully served on the coaching staffs at Detroit Mercy, Whittier College and Drexel University.  He also was a founding partner of LaxChicago LLC, which ran showcase recruiting tournaments in Chicago and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Tully holds a master's degree in education administration from Detroit Mercy, and is currently pursuing a master of business administration.  He received his bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College, where he was a member of the football team.  Tully began his college studies at Villanova University where he competed on the lacrosse team.

Soriano, who graduated from Bellarmine in 2014, returns to his alma mater in a coaching capacity. A faceoff specialist for the Knights from 2011 to 2014, Soriano ranks fifth on Bellarmine's all-time list for faceoffs won with a total of 117.

"I'm very happy to have Steve come back and join us as a coach," said Burns. "He will certainly help us with his faceoff expertise and will act as important bridge to our alumni. He has already made a huge impact in the day to day operations of our program."

After graduation from Bellarmine, Soriano has served as a coach for Christian Academy of Louisville, Trinity High School and the Titanium Lacrosse Club (now True Lacrosse).