Ron Caputo

Now in his 17th season at Duke, Ron Caputo stands among the most respected tactical minds in college lacrosse. Since joining the Blue Devils’ staff in 2008, Caputo has helped guide the program to three NCAA Championships (2010, 2013, 2014), five ACC titles, and 11 NCAA semifinal appearances, contributing to a 223–71 record over his tenure. After a decade leading Duke’s midfielders and faceoff specialists, Caputo transitioned in 2018 to direct the defense—quickly transforming the Blue Devils into one of the ACC’s most disciplined and efficient units. Under his leadership, Duke has ranked among the ACC’s top three in scoring defense five times, and five Blue Devils have earned First Team All-America recognition, including JT Giles-Harris, the 2021 USILA National Defenseman of the Year. Caputo is equally well-known for his mastery of the faceoff game, mentoring elite specialists such as CJ Costabile, Brendan Fowler, Kyle Rowe, and Jake Naso. Fowler set the NCAA single-season record with 339 faceoff wins in 2013 and was named NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Player, while Naso became a First Team All-American in 2023 after winning 62% of his draws. Earlier in his Duke tenure, Caputo built dynamic midfield groups that powered national championship runs, developing All-Americans such as Myles Jones, Deemer Class, David Lawson, and Christian Walsh. His units ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring for five consecutive seasons (2013–17). Before coming to Duke, Caputo spent four seasons on John Danowski’s staff at Hofstra University (2003–06), helping the Pride to a 17–2 campaign and NCAA Quarterfinal berth in 2006. He began his coaching career at Syosset High School (N.Y.), where he led the program to multiple county semifinal appearances. A 1991 graduate of the University of Scranton, Caputo continues to be known for his adaptability, teaching acumen, and player development at every position group. Caputo and his wife, Randi (Heller), reside in Holly Springs, North Carolina, and have four children: Samantha (East Carolina women’s lacrosse), Owen (former Duke midfielder), Jake (current Duke player), and Jayme.