Durham Academy Names Ryne Linsley Head Boys Lacrosse Coach
Durham Academy has appointed Ryne Linsley, an accomplished coach, educator and athletics leader with more than 15 years of lacrosse coaching experience, as its next varsity boys lacrosse head coach and program director, starting with the 2026–2027 school year. Linsley comes to Durham Academy from Rabun Gap–Nacoochee School, where he founded and built the boys lacrosse program from the ground up beginning in 2020. Under his leadership, Rabun Gap quickly became a rising force — producing All‑Conference and All‑State players, the school’s first All‑American, and multiple NCAA recruits across Divisions I, II and III, and earning two consecutive trips to the NCISAA (N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association) semifinals.
Prior to Rabun Gap, Linsley spent eight years at McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he served as Defensive Coordinator for one of the Southeast’s premier lacrosse programs. During his tenure, McCallie reached the state semifinals twice, appeared in four state championship games, and captured the 2015 state title. His defensive units produced four All‑Americans and numerous collegiate athletes.
Beyond coaching, Linsley brings deep experience as a teacher, advisor and athletics administrator. He has taught AP U.S. History, AP World History and various humanities courses; served as a dorm head at McCallie; and held roles in athletics operations, branding and advancement. He earned a Master of Athletic Leadership from Clemson University and is a Registered Athletic Administrator through the NIAAA (National Interscholastic Administrators Association).
A Vision Aligned With DA’s Championship Standard
“From the moment we met Ryne, our search committee was blown away by his attention to detail, his passion for developing student-athletes and his commitment to culture building,” said DA Director of Athletics Andy Pogach. “It is impressive how fast Ryne built Rabun Gap’s program into a state power. We are thrilled that he will be taking over our program. I’d like to thank our search committee: Bria Irizarry (Assistant Director of Athletics and Assistant Director of Enrollment Management); Chris Mason (Assistant Lower School Director, fourth grade teacher and parent of a lacrosse alumnus); Andy Pronto (Middle School PE Academic Leader, teacher and coach); and Head of School Michael Ulku-Steiner for their work during this process and the continued prioritization of our student-athletes. After our 2026 state championship, we wanted a leader who could honor our tradition while elevating our future. Ryne is exactly that leader.”
Linsley said he and his family are “honored and excited” to join the DA community.
“One of the aspects that drew me most to DA is the seamless integration of what it means to be a competitive student-athlete within a supportive, mission-aligned school environment,” he said. “Here, athletes are encouraged to approach their training, preparation and competition with the same relentless commitment and determination they bring to the classroom. The level of institutional support for the whole student is truly remarkable.
“I am equally eager for the opportunity to grow the lacrosse program from the earliest grades through graduation. The chance to invest in young people over the course of their educational journey — to watch them grow, develop and discover who they are — is a privilege few educators receive. I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position to have that kind of lasting impact.”
Linsley expressed gratitude to Ulku-Steiner, Pogach, the search committee, and the many other members of the DA community he met through the hiring process: “The warmth, generosity and sense of belonging they extended to my family made it clear that Durham Academy is the right place for us.
“I have known former head coach Jon Lantzy for many years, and I am humbled by the opportunity to lead this program following his historic tenure. Jon has been, and will continue to be, a mentor and friend. Durham Academy and its lacrosse program would not be what they are today without his vision, leadership and dedication. I can only hope to leave a similarly meaningful legacy when my time as a Cavalier comes to an end.”
Honoring a Legacy, Building the Future
Lantzy led the Cavaliers for 19 seasons and guided the program to its first state title in more than two decades in his final season. Under his leadership, Durham Academy won the last nine TISAC (Triangle Independent Schools Athletic Conference) championships, amassing a 50–4 league record during that time. His leadership and commitment helped shape generations of DA lacrosse players.
“Coach Lantzy leaves an extraordinary legacy,” Pogach said. “We are grateful for his close to two decades of service to our program and our student-athletes. We wish Jon the best of luck in his new role as athletic director at Christ School, and we are thrilled to welcome Coach Linsley to carry that legacy forward.”