With over 35 years of coaching experience, Gregory “Woody” Calleri has built a reputation as one of the most respected and accomplished figures in the lacrosse community. A highly regarded coach, program builder, and mentor, he has influenced the game at every level— coaching boys’ and girls’ lacrosse from youth leagues to the collegiate stage. His expertise in player development, team building, and program growth has helped shape the careers of countless athletes.
Woody’s coaching career began in Buffalo, New York, where he led the University of Buffalo women’s team to multiple conference championships and key victories over ranked Division III programs. He also turned around the Williamsville North Boys’ High School team, taking them from a struggling 3-12 record to an 11-5 season and a sectional semifinal appearance. Additionally, he played an important role as a team liaison for the Iroquois Nationals, managing their interactions with USA, England, and Australia teams.
After a brief stint coaching at Georgetown Prep in Maryland, Woody moved to Cleveland, where he made a lasting impact on multiple high school programs, including St. Ignatius (Boys), University School (Boys), and St. Joseph Academy (Girls). At St. Ignatius, he helped the team improve from a 3-12 record to a 14-5 state contender, highlighted by a thrilling 7-6 victory over the defending state champions. At University School, he guided the team to back-to-back state title appearances, overseeing an explosive offense that scored over 100 more goals than previous seasons. He also played a key role in building St. Joseph Academy’s lacrosse program, leading them to consecutive 14-4 seasons and securing a dramatic playoff victory over rival Magnificat.
Recognizing the need for stronger youth development programs in Northern Ohio, Woody founded Burning River Lacrosse in 2005. What started as a single event with 11 players has since grown into one of the region’s premier programs, offering over 100 events and serving thousands of area players under the guidance of 200+ coaches. Burning River has won 77 national tournament championships, and over 400 of its travel team players have gone on to compete at more than 120 colleges and universities. In 2015, DSG recognized Burning River Lacrosse as one of the top youth programs in the nation.
A leader in Northern Ohio lacrosse, Woody became the first coach from the region to win a national recruiting tournament championship and the first to win a national box lacrosse tournament championship. His coaching résumé includes developing two world champions, four professional players, nine NCAA champions, a USILA Player of the Year, 26 Ohio Position Players of the Year, 216 All-Ohio selections, and 444 All-Region players. His contributions have played a major role in elevating the sport’s profile in Ohio and beyond.
Beyond coaching, Woody was instrumental in helping lacrosse return to Northern Ohio after the COVID-19 shutdowns. He collaborated with the Ohio Committee on Youth Sports, the Ohio House of Representatives, and local officials to establish safe return-to-play protocols, ensuring that athletes could continue competing while prioritizing health and safety.
Dedicated to giving back, Woody has also led major charitable initiatives, including Crosse Out Cancer! and the Fisher House Charity Lacrosse Showcase, raising over $600,000 for breast cancer research and the families of wounded soldiers. These events have not only supported critical causes but have also taught young athletes the importance of community service.
Woody Calleri’s passion for lacrosse, commitment to player development, and dedication to growing the game continue to inspire the next generation of athletes and coaches. His influence extends well beyond the field, shaping the sport and the community for years to come.
