Burke Steps Down, Offensive Coordinator Tyler Covey Promoted to Take the Lead

Rosedale, Md.— This week, Head Men's Lacrosse coach Shawn Burke, announced he has chosen to step down from coaching the Knights program after a combined 10 seasons. 

During his decade of coaching at Essex, Burke's overall record was 112-47 (.705), winning six Region 20 titles in eight championship game appearances, and led the team to the NJCAA Final Four each year. As the head coach, he produced 42 All-Americans and 64 All-Region 20 student-athletes. 

CCBC Essex Administrator of Athletics, Greg Witkop, commented on Burke's resignation. "Coach Burke has led our lacrosse program to national prominence as our head coach during his 10 year tenure, continuing the strong Essex tradition of his predecessors. The accolades of the team and student-athletes under his leadership exhibit this reputation. Countless student-athletes each year continued their academic and athletic careers at the NCAA level, with several continuing to play at the professional level."

Witkop announced that offensive coordinator, Tyler Covey, will be the new successor of the Knights program. "Tyler is a great, young coach, who has been around the program and knows the high expectations of this role," said Witkop. "He is a strong recruiter and we have confidence he will continue the successful history of the program for years to come." 

Covey joined the Knights coaching staff in the spring of 2020 as offensive coordinator. In his first year at the helm, the Knights led the NJCAA in goals, assists, and shots. In his second year with the Knights, they were second in the NJCAA in goals per game with 17.5. 

Covey has spent time coaching the USA U19 Brogden Cup team playing in the Championship vs Team Canada (2018), Rock Lacrosse Club (2017-2019), and Team 91 MD (2013-2016). He is currently the Head Coach for one of the top 2026 box lacrosse teams in the state of Maryland, Crease (2020-present), and is the Recruiting Coordinator and Head Coach for the 2023 and 2024 Team club lacrosse team in York, PA (2019-present).

A graduate of Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in Global Management and Finance (2019), Covey played attack and midfield for the Panthers men's lacrosse team, an NCAA Division II school. He averaged 2.8 points per game and made the Sunshine State Conference All-Freshman Team after cumulating 25 points as a freshman in 13 games.

Prior to Florida Tech, Covey prepped at Loyola Blakefield (class of 2015). He was a three-sport student-athlete, with three years of varsity football, two seasons as a wrestler, and a member of the lacrosse team. He played two years of varsity lacrosse and was junior varsity team captain his sophomore year. 

"I'm excited to take over the coaching position at CCBC Essex," said Covey. "We have a great group of returning guys and are excited to welcome an awesome incoming class. Our goal is always to win regional and national championships, but our bigger goal is to get our guys the best exposure to play at the next level: D1, D2, or D3. I'm very grateful for the all the support Coach Burke and others have given me over the years and I look forward to working with Greg Witkop and the athletic staff, Will Shaw, and the rest of our coaching staff to make this next year the best it can be."