07/21/2026
Big Walnut High School Names Josh Hageman as Head Boys Lacrosse Coach
SUNBURY, Ohio – Tuesday, July 21, 2026 - The Big Walnut Local School District and the Big Walnut Athletic Department are proud to announce the hiring of Josh Hageman as the new Head Coach of the Big Walnut High School Boys Lacrosse program. Hageman's appointment was officially approved by the Big Walnut Board of Education during its July 20, 2026 meeting.
A proud Big Walnut alumnus, Hageman returns to his alma mater with an impressive playing and coaching background, as well as a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the field.
"I am incredibly honored and excited to return to Big Walnut High School as the Head Boys Lacrosse Coach," said Hageman. "Coming back to my alma mater is a full-circle moment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a program that has had such a significant impact on my life."
Hageman's lacrosse journey began in fifth grade as a goalie. At Big Walnut, he was a four-year varsity starter and served as a team captain from his sophomore through senior seasons. Those experiences helped shape his leadership, resilience, and passion for the game.
Following graduation, Hageman continued his academic and athletic career at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he was a four-year starter and four-year team captain. During his collegiate career, he helped lead the Cougars to a Top-10 national ranking in the NAIA and a conference semifinal appearance. Individually, he earned All-Conference honors, was named NAIA National Player of the Week, and finished each of his four seasons ranked among the nation's top 10 goalies.
After college, Hageman joined the staff at Westerville Central High School, where he has spent the past three years teaching while serving as the Junior Varsity Head Coach and Varsity Defensive Coordinator for the boys lacrosse program. He also coached football and was recognized as a finalist for Assistant Coach of the Year.
Athletic Director Brian Shelton believes Hageman's experience, leadership, and passion for Big Walnut make him the ideal person to lead the Eagles.
"We are thrilled to welcome Josh back home to Big Walnut," said Shelton. "He understands what it means to wear the Eagle on your chest because he lived it as a student-athlete. Josh has developed into an outstanding teacher, coach, and leader, and his commitment to building relationships, developing young men, and creating a culture of accountability and excellence made him the clear choice to lead our program."
Shelton added that Hageman's vision aligns perfectly with the values of Big Walnut Athletics.
"Josh brings tremendous playing experience, successful coaching experience, and an incredible passion for this community. We are excited for the future of Big Walnut Boys Lacrosse under his leadership and look forward to watching him build a program that our student-athletes, families, alumni, and community can be proud of."
"My vision is to build a program centered on accountability, discipline, selflessness, and relentless effort," Hageman said. "I want our players to compete with confidence, play for one another, and take pride in representing Big Walnut both on and off the field. My goal is to develop not only successful lacrosse players but also young men of strong character, leadership, and integrity."
Hageman says returning to Big Walnut is an opportunity to give back to the community that helped shape him.
"Big Walnut has always been home, and I am excited to give back to the community that invested so much in me. I look forward to working alongside our players, families, alumni, and supporters as we continue building a championship-caliber program that reflects the pride and tradition of Big Walnut Lacrosse."
Welcome home, Coach Hageman!
Go Eagles!
