Paul Edwards had already left an indelible mark on New Jersey lacrosse with a national flavor as well before he embarked on what became quite the high school coaching career at Montclair Kimberley Academy.
Yes, he had been an all-state player for legendary Montclair coach Gil Gibbs on some memorable Mountie teams before then being a true trailblazer for the early recruiting of New Jersey players for major Division I college programs, and a valuable faceoff man for a Johns Hopkins team that reached three NCAA finals and won the 1974 national championship.
He went on to work on Wall Street including 22 years with Lehmann Brothers and after retiring from that successful business career he turned to coaching, beginning with youth-level teams, including with youngsters in the junior program at West Essex.
But then came the opportunity to coach at the high school level as a volunteer assistant with friend Noll Klank at MKA.
Everything changed after one tragic day in April of 2003 and the rest of the story included impressive 18-year run highlighted by winning the NJSIAA Non-Public B state championship and statewide Coach of the Year honors in 2012.
Beyond the accomplishments in the business world and in his sport of lacrosse was the fact that he was revered by his players and fellow coaches for being the genuine good guy he always was, accomplished with class and compassion.
He is someone who will be long remembered by those fortunate enough to have known Paul Edwards, who passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 4th, following a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. He was 74.
He may have spent most of his time in recent years at his home with wife Liz in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, but he would frequently come North and also make appearances to watch MKA lacrosse, including standing near the team’s sideline simply to show support for the Cougar laxmen as they were at Caldwell for a May, 2025 Essex County Tournament game.
Always positive and encouraging, Coach Edwards was one of those people you can easily always respect and admire for just being who he always was.
“Paul Edwards was truly an icon, and he played an incredibly important role in my life as a mentor, leader, role model, and friend,” said Todd Smith, the longtime athletic director at MKA. “He not only helped make me a better Athletic Director, but more importantly, he made me a better person.
“Paul embodied everything that is right about high school athletics. His genuine love and passion for the game of lacrosse were evident to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He wasn't simply an outstanding coach; he was a true ambassador for the sport whose influence extended far beyond the sidelines.
“Paul was the definition of a class act and a true gentleman. He had a remarkable ability to mentor, encourage, and inspire those around him. Whether you played for him, coached alongside him, competed against him, or were fortunate enough to simply know him, you quickly realized that Paul cared far more about the person than the scoreboard. He built meaningful relationships, treated everyone with genuine kindness and respect, and made those around him better, not only as athletes and coaches, but as people. His impact on generations of student-athletes, coaches, colleagues, and friends will be felt for years to come.
“Paul Edwards leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond his remarkable accomplishments in lacrosse. It is a legacy defined by leadership, humility, integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others become the very best version of themselves. He will be deeply missed by so many, but his influence will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched.”
Edwards always found a way to encourage and inspire his players and fellow coaches.
