Mercer University's lacrosse team has a new head coach.

Kyle Hannan, a veteran with 19 years experience, will now lead the team university officials announced on Monday. Athletics Director Jim Cole said Hannan quickly rose to the top of the university's search list because of his reputation and character. Hannan believes it's a perfect fit and tells NewsCentral he's excited to become a Mercer Bear.

"This has happened very quickly, but every piece of the puzzle has fit together. It's been a very smooth process and a major decision, but all said and done, it's the perfect place for me and my family," said Hannan.

Hannan's new title comes at a time when the team moves into a brand new faciltiy. It's something he said will help in building a winning program.

“I was very impressed by the new facility,” Hannan said previously in a university news release. “To be honest, it caught my attention by word-of-mouth and looking online. Once I got on campus and got the real feel, it was eye-opening. My time in Macon and on campus during the process really solidified my desire to be the next Mercer head coach.”

In 19 years as a head coach, Hannan has procured a 179-122 record, including a 129-71 mark in his most recent position at Goucher College in Towson, Maryland. According to a Mercer University news release, Hannan’s 12-year career at Goucher was capped by the school’s first NCAA Division III Tournament win in 21 years of program history.

Goucher’s appearance in the NCAA Tournament was its second in a three-year period, earned by virtue of Landmark Conference Tournament Championships in 2010 and 2012. Following the 2010 campaign, Hannan was selected as the C. Markland Kelly Award winner for the top collegiate coach in Maryland while the Landmark Conference honored Goucher with Coaching Staff of the Year honors.