For most Maverick athletes, their final game will be the last time they step on a field or court. For CMU graduate Ryan Swope, it was the beginning of a new career. The former Maverick athlete is now an assistant coach for the CMU Men’s Lacrosse program.

“It’s good to go out there and coach guys I’ve played with,” Swope said. “I can relate to them because I know their tendencies and strengths.”

Swope has played a major role on campus in the past five years not only as a student athlete but also as a motivator. In his five years at Mesa, he started four straight years as the center for the football team and helped bring lacrosse to CMU. As the lone senior on the men’s lacrosse team in the 2011 season, Swope only scored one goal and had very limited playing time in the Mavs’ 5-7 inaugural season.

Injuries plagued Swope throughout his college career. He was struck by a season-ending leg injury his junior year of football, tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus. Coming back the next season, he was able to play his full senior season of football.

With three games left in his senior season of lacrosse, Swope reinjured the same leg and was forced to sit out the remainder of the year.

After graduation, Swope still wanted to be a part of the Maverick athletic program and talked to lacrosse coach AJ Stevens. He was offered a job as an assistant coach for the 2012 season.

“We got a great group of guys who did fairly well as a team of freshmen only and were able to build the chemistry we need,” Swope said. “I think they have the potential to go very far this year in the conference.”

Swope also coaches a middle school and high school lacrosse team called Mav Elite.

The Mavericks have their first regular season game on Feb. 25t at home against the Adams State Grizzlies.

“We’re looking to skin some Griz on our field,” Swope said.