OTTAWA, Kan. – Ottawa University Director of Athletics, Janet Eaton-Smith, is pleased to announce the hiring of Joel Harrell as head coach for the men's lacrosse team.

"I'm excited to have Coach Joel Harrell part of Braves Nation in a different light," said Eaton-Smith. "His connections to the OUKS family put him above the rest and will help preserve the institution's history as he coaches future alums. Without hesitation, I felt confident Joel would be the person who could help us move forward in men's lacrosse as we look to build and rebrand the program. I'm eager to see how Coach Harrell will accelerate the program and am undoubtedly excited for the young men he will serve."

Harrell is no stranger to the Braves. He was a member of the OU men's lacrosse program (2016-2018). While at Ottawa, Harrell was a student intern with the Braves Athletic Performance program.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to return and lead the program I played a role in establishing in 2016," said Harrell. "I would like to thank Director of Athletics Janet Eaton-Smith and the search committee for entrusting me with the head coaching position. We have a rich history of success here at OU, and I look forward to continuing that legacy for the next chapter of the program."

Harrell comes to Ottawa University from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kan. (2022-2024) where he was the varsity assistant coach and head junior varsity coach. He had oversight on all defensive player development and was in charge of goalkeeper development for the Mill Valley Lacrosse Club. Harrell helped MVLC to an LAKC Final Four appearance. He was also a volunteer assistant coach with the OU women's lacrosse program (2023-2024), coaching the Brave goalkeepers.

Before his time at MVHS, Harrell was a graduate assistant coach with the University of Saint Mary men's lacrosse program (2021) and an assistant varsity coach and head junior varsity coach at the Olathe Lacrosse Club in Olathe, Kan. (2019). Harrell helped the OLC to the LAKC JV Boys Lacrosse Championship and the LAKC Varsity Boys Lacrosse Championship.

Harrell graduated from Ottawa University with a degree in exercise science in 2018.