We’re excited to announce that former Duke Blue Devil and current PLL Redwoods midfielder Nakeie Montgomery has been named Assistant Lacrosse Coach at SPIRE. Montgomery joins Academy Director of Lacrosse and Head Coach JD Harkey, as well as SPIRE Ambassador and lacrosse legend Kyle Harrison, to help build the new men’s lacrosse program for the 2023–24 academic year.  

During his tenure at Duke, where he helped lead the Blue Devils to two NCAA Final Four appearances, Montgomery built an impressive resume of accolades not only on the field but also in the classroom, which makes him the perfect fit to help build the SPIRE Lacrosse program:

• 2022 First Team All-American
• 2021 First Team All-American
• 2021 Duke Male Student Athlete of the Year
• 2019 Third Team All-American
• 2019-2022 ACC Academic Honor Roll
• 2018 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team
• Co-founder of the student athlete storytelling platform, “UNCUT Duke”
• Member of the Small Town Records house band 
• Duke Student Council Member

“It’s an honor to be chosen to help get the SPIRE Lacrosse program started,” Montgomery stated. “I’m excited for this opportunity to work with players from all over and do everything I can to prepare them to excel both on and off the field.”

Following his illustrious college career, Montgomery attended the Dallas Cowboys rookie mini camp and was later selected in the third round of the 2022 PLL College Draft by Redwoods LC. In his new role with SPIRE, he will work alongside Coach Harkey to recruit, train and develop the inaugural varsity team to compete during the 2023-24 academic year.  

“When searching for an Assistant Coach to help me build an exceptional culture, I sought someone who would lead by example,” Coach Harkey explained. “Nakeie has an indomitable spirit, is full of confidence, sports a consistently positive attitude and is passionate in his pursuits. He is someone everybody wants on their team and elevates those around him. I’m thrilled to work together and excited to afford our student athletes a great role model.”

The trio of Harkey, Harrison and Montgomery have formed a reputable team to develop the next generation of lacrosse talent from all across the country. To learn more about the SPIRE Lacrosse program, please visit spireinstitute.org/academy/academy-lacrosse