Joe Cuozzo is recognized as one of the most successful high school lacrosse coaches in the United States, building a legacy of excellence over more than four decades on Long Island. In 1969, he founded the boys lacrosse program at Ward Melville High School, where his vision and leadership quickly transformed the team into one of the nation’s elite programs. Over 38 seasons at Ward Melville, Joe guided his teams to an extraordinary level of success, averaging 18 wins per year and capturing 24 Suffolk County championships, 16 Long Island titles, and eight New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) State Championships.

In 2007, he brought his expertise to Mount Sinai High School, where his impact was felt immediately. Within just a few years, he led the team to a NYSPHSAA State Championship in 2008 and two additional county titles, further solidifying his reputation as a program builder and leader. Across his career, Joe has mentored 54 All-Americans and coached the U.S. Men’s U-19 National Team to a World Championship in Adelaide, Australia in 1999.

His achievements have been recognized with numerous Coach of the Year honors and inductions into some of the sport’s most prestigious halls of fame, including the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame, the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame, the Long Island Metropolitan Hall of Fame, the Cortland State “C” Club Hall of Fame, the Suffolk County Hall of Fame, and the Ward Melville High School Hall of Fame.

Before his legendary coaching career, Joe was an accomplished athlete himself, starring at Yonkers High School before going on to letter in football, lacrosse, and track at SUNY Cortland, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1959. Known widely as an ambassador for the game, he continues to embody the values of discipline, teamwork, and passion that define the sport of lacrosse.