Meet the Directors

Daniel Wilcox brings deep local roots, significant coaching experience, and a true passion for player development to his role as Co-Director of the Crystal City Skyhawks.

As Co-Director of the Crystal City Skyhawks, Wilcox is committed to building a competitive, development-first program that serves athletes in the Corning area while preparing them for success at the high school and collegiate levels. He emphasizes fundamentals, accountability, and a team-first culture, believing strongly that local players deserve access to high-quality coaching close to home.

Wilcox is proud to give back to the Corning lacrosse community and is dedicated to helping young athletes grow both on and off the field.

Ryan Speciale brings lifelong experience as both a player and coach to the Crystal City Skyhawks, along with a proven track record of leadership and competitive success.

A graduate of Corning West High School, Speciale helped lead his team to a Section IV Championship and earned First-Team All-Section honors as a standout player. He continued his career at Alfred State College, where he served as a two-year captain and earned Academic All-American, All-Region 3, and WNYAC honors for his performance on the field and in the classroom.

Speciale went on to compete at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he was part of two conference championship teams and helped the program reach the 2011 NCAA Final Four. After college, he dedicated more than five years to coaching with the Gaffer Elite travel program, working to develop players of all ages and ability levels.

As Co-Director of the Skyhawks, Speciale focuses on building confident, fundamentally sound athletes who understand the value of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. His goal is to help players reach their full potential while fostering a love for the game that lasts a lifetime.

Jay Stearns brings a strong local background and a wealth of competitive playing experience to his role as Co-Director of the Crystal City Skyhawks.

A graduate of Corning West High School, Stearns was a three-time all-league attackman and a key contributor on a Section IV Championship team. He began his collegiate career at Mercyhurst College before transferring to Alfred University, where he became a leader in the midfield and led his team in both goals and assists.

Known for his offensive creativity and field awareness, Stearns developed a deep understanding of the game and what it takes to compete at the next level. Those experiences now shape his coaching philosophy, which centers on skill development, strong fundamentals, and helping athletes build confidence in high-pressure situations.

As a Co-Director, Stearns is passionate about growing the game of lacrosse in the Corning community and creating opportunities for local players to thrive. He is dedicated to helping young athletes develop not only as competitors, but as teammates, leaders, and individuals.