Bill Belichick’s lifelong passion for lacrosse has given way to recognition from the Tewaaraton Foundation.
On Friday, the New England Patriots head coach was announced as the 2020 recipient of the Spirit of Tewaaraton, awarded to an individual who has contributed to lacrosse, society and others’ lives in a manner that reflects the game’s virtues.
“Bill Belichick has been a symbol of greatness for two decades,” Jeffrey Harvey, the Tewaaraton Foundation’s chairman, said via press release. “His philosophies have been adopted by coaches in all sports and much of it is derived from his beginnings as a lacrosse player. As his star has risen, he has consistently supported causes related to lacrosse and its Native American heritage. This stewardship is insightful into his brilliance in coaching and the exceptional leadership for which he is being recognized as the 2020 recipient of The Spirit of Tewaaraton.”
Belichick lettered in lacrosse at Wesleyan. His daughter, Amanda, also played at Wesleyan and is the current head coach at Holy Cross. Sons Stephen and Brian played at Rutgers and Trinity, respectively, before joining New England’s coaching staff.
The 14th Spirit of Tewaaraton honoree, Belichick is scheduled to receive the award alongside 2020 Tewaaraton Legends in Maryland’s Kelly Amonte Hiller and Johns Hopkins’ Dave Pietramala on May 28 in Washington, D.C.