Slater Bender is entering his third year as the Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Coach for the Men’s Lacrosse program at Spalding University.
Prior to joining Spalding, Bender built a strong coaching foundation with stints at Carroll County Community College, Ground Control LC, and Friends School of Baltimore. His coaching philosophy is rooted in an extensive playing career. A native of Baltimore who was raised in Louisville, Bender attended Ballard High School and grew up playing the sport alongside his twin and older brother.
Bender played collegiately as a goalie for Howard Community College (2017–2018) before transferring to Chowan University (2019–2020). At Chowan, he was a two-year starter in net, earned All-Conference honors during his senior year, and set the program records for saves in both a single game and a career. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and was a member of the Alpha Chi honor society.
Beyond the collegiate field, Bender remains heavily involved in the sport. He plays for and owns his own box lacrosse team, and notably competed in the Bulgarian National Team’s first-ever box lacrosse game.
Off the field, he lives with his two cats, Dennis Rodman and Greta Van Fleet.
