'It's a gift I won't take lightly,' says the 1991 graduate of Canandaigua Academy

Deven York certainly knows his way around the Canandaigua lacrosse program.

He was a Section V champion as a senior defenseman with the Braves in 1991 and as a 6th grade teacher in Canandaigua, he coached the modified team for 10 seasons and just finished his 11th with the junior varsity.

But the 2017 season will be a first for York. Because that will be his first as coach of the Canandaigua Academy varsity team.

“It’s so exciting,” said York, 42, on Wednesday afternoon. “You look at the modern era of Canandaigua lacrosse and there’s been two coaches in what, the last 36 years? John Johnson and Ed Mulheron … and to have my name come after that is an incredible honor.

“To me, it’s an incredible gift and it’s a gift I won’t take lightly.”

York steps in for Ed Mulheron, who retired in June after 11 seasons and led the Braves to a berth in the Section V Class B final, where they lost to Webster Thomas.

If there’s one thing outside of the game that York understands, it’s the tradition and legacy that comes with CA lacrosse. Lacrosse itself is a family and when it comes to lacrosse in Canandaigua, the bond is even tighter.

York knows this, but said the point was driven home three or four years ago when he realized that nearly half of his JV team were sons of his former teammates. And that’s why he plans to embolden the emphasis on youth lacrosse.

“I want a true K through 12 program,” said York. “With the varsity kids coming down to work with the kids. At the end of the day, that’s how you build a great program … We’ve always done a really good job with that at CA and I’m really proud of what I see.”

York’s involvement with the youth program over the years is one of the big reasons he was selected for the job. Athletic Director Jim Simmons said York’s position should become official with school board approval at the board meeting later this month.

“The way he connects to the kids is amazing,” said Simmons. “He’s a disciplined coach, a student of the game and has a work ethic that’s top-notch … I’m excited to have Deven in this leadership position.”

Another part of the plan for York is to keep the program on the cutting edge. The game has changed a lot in the last few years and while fundamentals remain important, keeping up with the changes is vital.

To that end, he’s keeping the program connected with alumni who went on to play in college. Deven Alves (2010), Kyle Stanney (2010) and Collin Carson (2009) will join long-time coach Robin Hulme as assistants.

“You’ll see a lot more movement on offense,” said York. “I want to tap into the young mind because the game is changing immensely … Defenses these days are so sophisticated.”

Having Dave Gioseffi and Adam Stoler remain in their positions with the modified team also helps with stability, said York, as players coming up through the system are well-ingrained with the playbook and what’s expected.

York, who will remain as an assistant with the JV football team and also is commissioner of Frank Baker Youth Football, brings an enthusiasm that’s contagious.

“There aren’t many programs you’d rather be at the top of,” he said. “I’m pumped.”