Bobby Russo serves as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator for the NJIT men’s lacrosse program, joining the Highlanders after a highly accomplished playing career at Rutgers University and a strong foundation in youth and developmental coaching. A native of Bridgewater, New Jersey, Russo brings high-level Division I playing experience and a defense-first mindset to NJIT’s coaching staff. His responsibilities include coordinating the team’s defensive schemes, assisting with player development, and supporting recruiting and game preparation as the Highlanders continue to build within the America East Conference.
Russo was a five-year contributor at Rutgers, appearing in 58 career games with 46 starts while compiling 107 ground balls, 42 caused turnovers, seven assists, and five goals. As a senior in 2023, he was named a team captain, selected to the USILA Senior All-Star Game, and earned USILA Scholar All-American honors. Throughout his collegiate career, Russo received numerous accolades recognizing both his athletic and academic excellence, including Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors, four Academic All-Big Ten selections, multiple Big Ten Distinguished Scholar awards, and conference sportsmanship honors. Prior to Rutgers, he was a standout at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, earning US Lacrosse All-American recognition and multiple academic and athletic honors. Russo began his coaching journey with 2 Knights Lacrosse in Bridgewater, working with youth and high school athletes from 2018–22. He earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in supply chain management from Rutgers, complementing his coaching work with professional experience in marketing and community service.
