Gress, a 1991 graduate of Towson University, has had four teams (2000, 2003, 2008, 2016) selected to compete in the ECAC Tournament.

In 2016, Gress led Swarthmore to its first-ever appearance in the Centennial Conference tournament and was named the league's Coach of the Year for his efforts. That season, the Garnet also claimed the ECAC title and finished 12-6 overall. In 2017, Swarthmore earned another berth to the conference tournament after winning its final three Centennial games, including two in overtime.

At Towson, Gress was a history and secondary education major, four-year varsity letterman, and winner of the James Saxon Memorial Award for Outstanding Leadership. Upon graduation, he assisted North Harford High School in Harford County, MD, from 1991 to 1993. From there, Gress assisted Franklin & Marshall College for two years, helping the team reach the NCAA Tournament in 1995.

Gress received a master's degree in administration from West Chester University in 2000. He also teaches physical education classes.

Gress currently serves on the USILA All American Committee and has chaired the Centennial Conference Men's Lacrosse Committee (2005-11), coached the 2003 North-South Senior All Star Game and served on the Regional Advisory Committee for NCAA Tournament Selection.