On July 18, 2007, Gordon Purdie '88 was named the sixth head lacrosse coach in Adelphi University history, replacing Sandy Kapatos.

Purdie, a member of the Australian World Games team before arriving at Adelphi, made his mark as a two-time All-America selection. He played three years for the Panthers, from 1987-89, helping the team to two NCAA Division I Tournament appearances. He appears in numerous Adelphi DI records, including first in single-season ground balls (109) and second in career ground balls (269). He also appears in the top ten in single season and career assists and points.

His post-collegiate career includes playing seven times for the Australian Lacrosse World team. He also played for the New York Saints (1990-99), New Jersey Storm (2002-03) and the Anaheim Storm (2004), playing in over 100 professional indoor lacrosse games. In 1994 he was named Best Midfielder at the World Games. He has twice appeared in the ILF World Championships (2003, 2007) and was inducted into the Adelphi Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.

Purdie has coached at the Waldorf School in Garden City, N.Y. since 1994 and has coached numerous all-americans and academic all-americans and in 1997 was named the New York Metropolitan Lacrosse Association High School Coach of the Year.

Purdie currently resides with his wife Carol and son Gordon (10) in East Rockaway, New York.