Brother Rice Names Chawla New Lacrosse Coach

The Brother Rice varsity lacrosse team didn't have to look very far for its new head coach. 

The school on Tuesday named Ajay Chawla, class of 1993, as the next coach for the perennial Catholic League and state title winner. He fills the void left by Rob Ambrose, who retired last week after more than two decades of building and maintaining one of the premeire lacrosse programs in the country.

“We had a number of quality candidates and we were not going to rush the hire, but it was pretty obvious that the right guy was already here on our staff," Athletic Director Reg Cavender said. "Trying to replace a coach like Rob is a monumental task, but Ajay has the full support of the administration, the lacrosse families and our Alumni."

Chawla, a standout defenseman during his playing days, returned to the school 11 years ago and recently served as Varsity B coach. The Troy resident takes over for Ambrose, a Hall of Fame member and most succesfull lacrosse coach in Michigan history, boasting 11 straight state titles and 16 overall in 21 years at the helm.

Ambrose, 53, said he is moving to suburban New York City to manage and help expand Ambrose International, a paper company he owns there. 

Chawla said Mike Walker, class of 1992, will continue as the Varsity B coach and continue assisting with the direction of the program. Though Ambrose is gone, Chawla said there won't be a drop-off in standards.

“Just because Rob’s gone the expectations won’t change," he said in a news release. "The boys are the ones that set the programs goals. Mike and I are here to make sure they have the support."

He also said he's up for the challenge.

“There is something special about being able to coach at your Alma Mater," said Chawla, who also attended St. Hugo of the Hills. "It’s a huge task to follow a friend and mentor like Rob, but this really is a dream come true. There is something special about Brother Rice and The Band of Brothers.  I’m blessed to be here.”