Devon Gibney And Marissa Caroleo Named Women's Lacrosse Captains For 2012

Quinnipiac women’s lacrosse head coach Danie Caro has announced that seniors Devon Gibney (Hopkinton, Mass.) and Marissa Caroleo (North Babylon, N.Y.) will serve as captains for the 2011-12 season. Caroleo, the reigning 2011 Northeast Conference Player of the Year, and Gibney, the 2011 NEC Tournament MVP, will lead the Bobcats following the team’s first-ever NEC Tournament Championship season in 2011.
"I am quite pleased to announce that Marissa Caroleo and Devon Gibney will serve as captains for the 2011-12 year," head coach Danie Caro said. "They are both excellent role models for their teammates, are committed to the betterment of the women's lacrosse program, and have embraced the high standards set by those that have served before them. I have no doubt they will do a great job this year."
Caroleo returns as one of the top-scoring threats in the NEC, as she led the league in goals (53), points (63) and points per game (2.94). Her goal total set a new program-high for single season goals, while she finished with the second-most single-season points in program history.  On three separate occasions throughout the season, Caroleo scored a career-high six goals in a game, helping her to eclipse the 100 career-point mark. This feat was coincidentally accomplished during one of those six-goal performances, on April 17 against Long Island.
The North Babylon native had a fiery internal engine and a keen nose for the ball, finishing second on the team in draw controls (39), third in ground balls (37) and tied for third in caused turnovers (22).
"Marissa is more than just a successful lacrosse player," Caro said. "She is one of the most mentally tough players I have ever coached and she has innate understanding of the importance of 'the little things' that make a good team great. She is someone her teammates believe in, and I think she has the capacity to make her teammates better."
Gibney had another outstanding season for Quinnipiac, garnering All-NEC First-Team honors with Caroleo, compiling career-highs in points (53), assists (15), draw controls (47) and caused turnovers (23). Those same numbers had her ranked first on the team in draw controls, second on the team in goals and caused turnovers, third in points, and fourth in assists. Gibney was the first of the two captains to surpass the 100 career-point mark during the 2011 season, when she did so on April 1 against Sacred Heart during a two-assist performance.
"Devon is one of the best players we've had in the program, and she works extremely hard every day in practice, and her teammates respect that." Caro explained. "She is a fierce competitor who hates to lose, but more importantly, she has the ability to push everyone else to a higher level."
During the NEC Championship weekend, Gibney elevated her game to another level, scoring two goals and three assists during Quinnipiac’s 18-9 Semifinals victory over Sacred Heart, before pouring on six goals and one assist in the Championship game against Mount St. Mary’s. For her outstanding efforts, Gibney was honored as Quinnipiac’s first-ever NEC Tournament MVP.
"I think we are very fortunate to have a strong group of veteran players returning this year, including five seniors, and five juniors. Every single one of them is a great leader by example, and my staff trusts that they will set the tone for the program as we prepare to defend our conference title," Caro said. "Everyone is really excited about the possibilities for the upcoming season, and they are all ready to work to achieve their goals. We couldn't ask for anything more from them."
The Bobcats prepare for the 2012 season with several fall contests, including a visit to Fairfield on Sunday, Oct. 16 when they play Fairfield, Sacred Heart and Central Connecticut, with competition beginning at 11:30 a.m. Quinnipiac plays again on Saturday, Oct. 22 when they host Sacred Heart at 1:30 p.m. and Holy Cross at 4 p.m. Quinnipiac hosts Manhattan and CW Post in its final fall competition on Saturday, Oct. 29, with game-time set for 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.
For more information about the women’s lacrosse team, please visit the Official Website of Quinnipiac Athletics, www.QuinnipiacBobcats.com.

The English Patience: Hard Work Pays Off As Cornell Alum Makes England National Lacrosse Team

Ashleigh Smith found herself living with and looking after 13-year-olds in Banbury, England.

Thirty-five of them, to be exact.

Smith, a 2008 Cornell graduate, never saw running a lacrosse program across the Atlantic Ocean as a career option.

“Initially, I thought I'd be in the country for about nine months, spend a bit of time traveling and head back home to start PA school,” Smith said. “Four years later, my plans have totally changed.”

The Maryland native, who played defense on the women's lacrosse team, probably wasn't expecting the news she got two weeks ago, either.

Smith – not a drop of British blood in her body – would be playing lacrosse for the England National Team.

Barely removed from suiting up for the Big Red in Schoellkopf Field, she'll be wearing the white and red of England in January for the 2012 Champion Challenge in Florida. A simple e-mail naming her to the team arrived in her inbox last week.

Not bad for a girl who thought, after moving on to coaching, she would never play lacrosse at a high level again.

* * *

Smith (right) plays in a game against Notre Dame during her Cornell career.

Smith spent five years in Ithaca, playing on the lacrosse team in 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008. She missed the 2005 season with an illness, but that didn't stop her from racking up 57 games, three goals and one assist in her career. She sits 10th all-time in Cornell history for caused turnovers (48).

“Ashleigh was a very dedicated and skilled defender for the Big Red,” said Cornell head coach Jenny Graap. “Her career at Cornell, though different from most Ivy League athletes in that she arranged her academics to capture a fifth year of eligibility, showed tremendous dedication and love of the sport.”

Solid numbers, to be sure. But national-team quality? That wasn't a thought in her mind.

With her career at Cornell complete, Smith was hired by the English Lacrosse Association and placed at a secondary school outside the small town of Banbury. The town sits 90 minutes northwest of London and 60 minutes southeast of Birmingham, isolated in the middle of two much larger cities.

Once there, Smith taught physical education, ran the lacrosse program and served as a housemistress for 35 girls.

“She was one of those the most humble individuals on our squad when it came to her athletic abilities,” Graap said. “She was a very considerate and caring teammate. Ashleigh was a selfless leader who was naturally inclined to be supportive and nurturing.”

At first, Smith had a difficult time adjusting to the communication differences between Americans and Brits.

“Particularly for the first week after I arrived, I couldn't understand a thing anyone said,” Smith said. “It was like speaking a different language.”

Now she uses the British spelling of words in e-mails, typing “honoured” without it crossing her mind as strange.

Four years after taking that position in Banbury, she's teaching fourth and second grade at a prep school just outside London. Smith also started a lacrosse program there and is completing grad school at Buckingham University to earn a United Kingdom teaching qualification.

Throughout her time in England, the desire to play lacrosse never left her. And it just so happened that her first mentor in Banbury, Joani Adkins, was a well-connected former player herself.

“As well as being one of the most vibrant, interesting and unique women I had ever met, [Adkins] also happens to be one of the most well-connected people I know,” Smith said. “She's one of those people who always knows someone who knows someone.”

Adkins hooked Smith up right away with Jan Guilbride, a former England National Team coach who now spent time coaching one of five England “representative teams” from across the country. Guilbride encouraged Smith to try out for her Midlands representative team, and Smith made the cut. For the last two years, Midlands has won the competitive Territorials Tournament. Smith and the rest of her Midlands team are hoping to make it three in a row in March.

They say who you know matters more than what you know, and once again connections led Smith to the next level. By playing with Midlands, she eventually found her way to working with the national team. She started as a volunteer coach at first, attending the 2011 Home Nationals Tournament against Scotland and Wales.

Then she discovered, thanks to Coach Sarah Butt, that she would be eligible to compete for England.

Rule 2.1 (d) of the Federation of International Lacrosse's Player Eligibility Criteria is the regulation that applies to Smith. While the rules first describe ways for English citizens to qualify, they go on to detail the rules for non-nationals. By living in the county for a minimum of two years – which Smith has surpassed by two already – she had all she needed to play for England.

The other barrier to playing for the England National Team was that only 15 percent (three of 18) of its players are allowed to be non-nationals.

Smith was one of those three, and she now trains with England as a player.

"It was clear from our first encounter with Ashleigh, as a coach, that she is an exemplary person who has very high standards," Butt said. "Having seen her play at territorial level we invited her to trial for the England squad and were delighted that the same commitment, passion and ability were very evident in her playing.  Ashleigh has been a great addition to the England squad and we look forward to her having a long England career."

* * *
The big change between Cornell lacrosse and the England National Team, she discovered, was that most of the

training for the national team is done on the athletes' own time. Hailing from all around the country, lacrosse players don't have many opportunities to come together for training.

“When a majority of training is done in your own time, fitting around full-time jobs, giving up every weekend, and when the sport is completely self-funded, you need to love what you're doing,” Smith said. “I feel so lucky to be a part of a squad that is both motivating and inspiring. You work hard for the player standing next to you.”

Smith will get her chance to come back to the States for the Champion Challenge in January and February of next year. The event, which takes place at Disney's Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla., will feature four matches by Smith's England team over three days. England will face the United States national team, Syracuse, Northwestern and Maryland.

More importantly for Smith, she will get to see her family, who is flying down from Maryland for the tournament. Her family will don England gear and even teach some of the British players about an American way of attending sporting events.

“I've even bought my parents some England lacrosse gear as Christmas presents so that they'll be all kitted-out on the sidelines,” Smith said. “I think my parents are really looking forward to introducing the team to a big post-game tailgate!”
And, if all goes well, there could be an even bigger international tournament featuring Smith in the near future: the 2013 World Cup. While that competition is still more than a year away, the 26-year-old is hopeful that she can make that trip to Canada when the time comes.

England, twice a runner-up, has never won the World Cup.

“There's definitely a chance and that is, without a doubt, my ultimate goal,” Smith said. “At the moment though, that seems very far away. There's months of training and hard work ahead. I'm just focusing on playing my best and enjoying the opportunity for as long as I can.”

Barnes and Thomas Named Preseason All-Americans

Two Georgetown University women's lacrosse players have been named to the Inside Lacrosse Preseason Division I All-American list which came out on Wednesday. Senior Kelly Barnes (St. Davids, Pa./Radnor) and junior Sophia Thomas (Lutherville, Md./Maryvale Prep) were both named to the third team and two of 36 student-athletes selected throughout the nation.
Barnes is a defender and a returning captain after leading the squad last season. She earned her second-consecutive spot on the All-BIG EAST team with a nod to the Second Team at the conference banquet in 2011. The defender started all 17 games and ranked third in ground balls with 27 as well as third in caused turnovers with 17. Barnes also had one goal to her credit this past season.
Thomas was a Third Team All-America honoree a season ago. She was a Second Team All-South Region selection after a breakout season. Earlier this year, she was honored with the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year award and a spot on the All-BIG EAST First Team marking milestones in her young career. The sophomore led the team in goals with 37 and also has eight assists to her credit for 45 points. The midfielder had the most ground balls (42) and caused turnovers (33) on the squad, as well as ranking third in draw controls with 24. She was on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll three times this season.
Thomas was one of 11 players in program history to be named an All-American as a sophomore.
Georgetown finished the season with a record of 9-8 after winning the BIG EAST Regular Season Championship for the fourth-consecutive year.
This year, the team will face seven teams that finished 2011 ranked in the top 20 nationally as well as six NCAA Tournament qualifiers.


Georgetown will start off 2012 hosting the University of Delaware Blue Hens at Multi-Sport Field on Feb. 29. Delaware is new to the Hoyas' schedule this season and finished fourth in the Colonial Athletic Conference a year ago.

DeJuliis Named Assistant Coach of the Year

Assistant Princeton women's lacrosse coach Michele DeJuliis has been named the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Assistant Coach of the Year, it was announced at the IWLCA annual convention in Naples, Fla.
DeJuliis is in her seventh year as an assistant coach at Princeton. During her time, the Tigers have posted an 80-44 record and a 37-12 mark in the Ivy League. She has helped coached Princeton to five NCAA appearances, reaching the quarterfinals each time. In her six years, DeJuliis has coached 12 IWLCA All-Americas, 12 Tewaaraton nominees and 30 All-Ivy League honorees.
"I couldn't be happier for DJ on this well deserved honor," head coach Chris Sailer said. "DJ has given so much to the Princeton program over the past seven years and is an inspiration to our players every day. In my mind, DJ could win this award every year, but it's especially fitting that she won it in 2011, a year which saw the Tigers rebound from a tough season the year before to become Ivy League Tournament Champions and NCAA Quarterfinalists. In addition to working with players in improve their individual skills and techniques, DJ helped our team to believe in themselves and in what they could accomplish together, which was even more important to our success." The purpose of the Outstanding Assistant Coach Award is to recognize an assistant who has made a distinct impact on the success of their program, demonstrated through hard work, commitment, dedication and sportsmanship.

Women's Lacrosse Raises Funds For the Multiple Sclerosis Society With Dodgeball Tournament

The whistle blew and 20 men sprinted toward the court's center line to grab a palm-sized foam ball. Their immediate goal: Pelt their opponent. Their broader goal: Raise money to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society in the Seventh Annual Dodgeball tournament run by the Cornell Women's lacrosse team.

The event, which was held in the Ramin Room in Bartels Hall on Dec. 3, involved over 200 participants. This year, 20 of these contestants stood out in particular and composed the two finalist teams: the baseball team and the men's lacrosse team.

In a best-of-three match, the men's lacrosse team, looking to upend the former reigning dodgeball champs, took an early lead by winning the first round. However, the baseball team battled back and won the next two rounds to trump the lacrosse team.

Women's lacrosse closed the event with the baseball team maintaining bragging rights for another year. Above sophomore Nicole Drake's music playlist for the games, victory for both the baseball team and the event lingered in the air.
In preparation for the event, junior Veronica Lizzio and freshman Sarah Hefner created posters to publicize the activity on campus while sophomore Cat Thomas and freshman Lindsay Toppe secured dodgeballs from Ithaca's YMCA and Cornell Intramural Sports. Both organizations generously donated the balls free of charge.

Junior Kate Ivory designed funky shirt graphics, and senior Betty Halayko and Thomas, the head organizers, divided the women's lacrosse team into groups for keeping score, refereeing, watching time, and creating brackets.

Two-Time All-American Alex Mundy Joins Yale Staff

Alex Mundy, a two-time All-American who was a part of four straight NCAA Tournament appearances at Vanderbilt, has joined the Yale women's lacrosse staff as an assistant coach. She and returnee Jillian Byers, a four-time All-American for Notre Dame, form the staff under Anne Phillips, who is entering her fourth season as Yale's Joel E. Smilow, Class of 1954 Head Coach of Women's Lacrosse.
Mundy, a native of Ellicott City, Md., graduated from Vanderbilt in 2010 with a B.S. in economics and a B.S. in political science, minoring in managerial studies and corporate strategy. She was on Vanderbilt's dean's list and made the SEC's Academic Honor Roll in 2007.
A defender, Mundy was a second team All-American in 2010 and a third-team All-American in 2009. In her senior season she was a nominee for the Tewaaraton Trophy as the best player in college lacrosse, and she was a first team All-ALC selection and ALC All-Tournament selection. She captained the team to a 12-6 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Mundy was also a first team All-ALC selection and ALC All-Tournament selection in her junior year.
Mundy will work with the Yale defense, which includes three juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen this year.
"Alex's experience as a two-time All-American and former captain at Vanderbilt, where she was a part of four NCAA tournament appearances, make her a great addition to our staff," said Phillips. "Without any seniors on defense this year, she will have a young group to work with and mold going forward."
In addition to her work on the field at Vanderbilt, Mundy was extremely active in the community. She was a National Student Representative with the Student Athletic Association Committee, attending conferences and organizing community service activities as a representative of Vanderbilt's women's varsity athletic programs. She was student coordinator with the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Dance Marathon starting in 2007, serving as an escort/mentor for children in the hospital fashion show. That same year she also began volunteering at the Nashville Food Bank, a role she continued through her senior year. In 2008 Mundy joined the team recruitment committee for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser and also began working with local children with brain tumors.
In addition to playing for Vanderbilt, Mundy was also a finalist for the U.S. National Team in August of 2009. After graduation, she went to work for Insight Global in Burlington, Mass., where she was a technical recruiter and an account manager. She has also worked for numerous lacrosse clubs and camps.
Mundy, who was born in Baltimore, was a US Lacrosse and Under Armour All-American while at Glenelg High School. She also earned Academic All-America honors there.

Women's Lacrosse Names 2012 Team Captains

The Holy Cross women's lacrosse program has named senior Catherine Furman (Garden City, N.Y.), senior Kat Sutton (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) and junior Maddie Carrellas (Middletown, R.I.) as 2012 team captains.

Furman has played in 49 career games and has been a major leader on defense for the Crusaders. For her career she has 53 ground balls, 28 caused turnovers and 34 draw controls, while she also has four goals and one assist for five points. Last season as a junior, Furman earned first team All-Patriot League honors. She played in 16 games with 16 starts as she tied for fifth on the team with 17 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers. Furman also recorded 12 draw controls.

Sutton earned second team All-Patriot League accolades as a sophomore and junior. She has played in all 50 games and has 91 goals and 19 assists for 110 points. Sutton led the team last season with 35 goals and a career-best 44 points, while she was second with a career-best nine assists. She tied for the team-lead with 27 draw controls and was tied for third with a career-best 21 ground balls. Her 79 career draw controls are sixth all-time at the school. As a sophomore, she netted a career-best 36 goals. As a junior, Sutton earned Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week once, while as a freshman she was named the Rookie of the Week twice. Sutton was a member of the 2011 Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

Carrellas has played in all 34 games with 31 goals and seven assists for 38 career points. She also has 27 ground balls, 22 caused turnovers and 32 draw controls. Last season she tied for second on the team with a career-best 21 goals and was fourth with a career-best 23 points. As a freshman, Carrellas earned Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors once and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

Former Women's Lacrosse Standout Rosecrans Named Assistant Coach

Coming off of one of the most successful seasons in program history, Siena Women's Lacrosse Head Coach Andrea Duffy is looking to the past in hopes of elevating her team to more success in the future. Duffy has tabbed former Siena great Lindsey Rosecrans '09 as the program's new assistant coach.
"I am excited to have Lindsey on board as an assistant coach," said Duffy. "She brings a wealth of knowledge with her from her playing and coaching experience. I have great respect for Lindsey as both a player and a coach and I am looking forward to working with her. Her passion for the game and dedication to mentoring student-athletes is exactly what we are looking for here at Siena to help us continue building our women's lacrosse program."
A 2009 Siena College graduate and native of nearby Niskayuna, Rosecrans spent the past two seasons working under head coach Peter Melito at her alma mater of Niskayuna High. Under her guidance the Silver Warriors posted a 27-8 (.771) record and won back-to-back Section II Championships while advancing to the Regional Finals both years.
At Niskayuna, Rosecrans coached current Saint Shannon Pfohl as well as incoming freshman Alyssa Treanor. Additionally, she mentored All-Americans Ritchie Assini and Kayla Treanor, who is the No. 2 prospect in the nation according to ESPN RISE.


Rosecrans also served for one season as a volunteer assistant coach at nearby RPI and has been a head coach for both the Albany Elite and Albany Power Club Lacrosse teams. Rosecrans enjoyed one of the finest careers in Siena Women's Lacrosse history and upon graduation was the program's all-time leader in points (153), goals (120) and draw controls (111). In Duffy's first season as head coach in 2009, Rosecrans was named to the All-MAAC First Team after breaking the school's single-season record with 65 points.
Rosecrans is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Psychology at the University at Albany. She joins a Siena Women's Lacrosse program which finished the 2011 season 8-8 and advanced to the semifinals of the MAAC Championships for a second consecutive season.

Clark, Petrik, McCollough, Bulken Named 2012 Women's Lacrosse Captains

Senior midfielders Carolyn Clark (Syracuse, NY /Westhill) and Lauren Petrik (Syracuse, NY/ Baldwinsville), along with senior defender Denieda McCullough (Freeport, NY/ Freeport) and junior attacker Erika Bulken (Syracuse, NY/ C.W. Baker) have been named captains of the 2012 Wagner College women’s lacrosse team,  head coach Cristina Curiale has announced.

“Similar to many of their teammates, these captains are true competitors and work with the team to maintain a high level of intensity, teamwork and leadership on and off the field,” said Curiale. “Carolyn, Lauren, Dia and Erika all lead by example. They are truly invested, working with the team to bring out the full potential of every athlete.  Their individual dynamics and personalities provide a unique dimension to connect with every member of the team.”

Clark has been one of the most dangerous scorers in the Northeast Conference (NEC) throughout her highly-productive career. Last season, she paced the Seahawks with 37 points on the strength of a team-high 29 goals to go with eight assists. She also added 28 draw controls, 24 groundballs and nine caused turnovers. Her high-water mark of her season was a sensational five-goal, two-assist outing in a victory over Presbyterian. She also tallied four-goal games vs. LIU, Saint Francis (PA) and Bryant. The crafty midfielder enters her senior season tied for sixth on the Wagner all-time career list in goals (96), eighth in total points (113) and eighth in shots (223). She also enters the 2012 campaign tied for fifth in career draw controls (83). A business administration major, Clark has earned a spot on the NEC Spring Academic Honor Roll in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Petrik is one of the top playmakers in the NEC. Blessed with excellent field visions and instincts, she ranked fourth in the NEC in 2011 with 1.5 assists per game. Her team-high 24 assists last set a Wagner school record. She handed out a career-high five assists vs. LIU and Central Connecticut St. and had four helpers vs. Presbyterian. On the season, she was credited with three or more assists on six occasions. Petrik also found the back of the net 11 times, giving her 35 points on the season, which was second on the team. She also contributed 30 ground balls, 18 draw controls and 18 caused turnovers. She enters her senior season tied for eighth in career assists with 30. A business administration major, Petrik has earned a spot on the NEC Spring Academic Honor Roll in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

McCullough is an aggressive and hard-nosed defender who has been a mainstay in the Seahawk lineup throughout her career. As a junior in 2011, she was second on the team in both ground balls (26) and caused turnovers (25). A versatile performer, McCullough also made her presence felt on the offensive end with 10 points on five goals and five assists. Her two assists at Mount St. Mary’s were a career high. She enters her senior season with 52 caused turnovers, which ranks 10th on the all-time Wagner career list. A business administration major, McCullough has earned a spot on the NEC Spring Academic Honor Roll in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Bulken made a big splash as a freshman in 2010, recording a team-high 44 draw controls while finishing sixth on the team in scoring with 16 points which came on the strength of 10 goals and six assists. She registered a hat trick vs. LIU and added two-goal outings vs. Bryant and Columbia (4/21). She also dished out a career-high three assists vs. Central Connecticut St. (4/1). Last season, Bulken tallied two goals and five assists over the first four games of the season before suffering an injury that required her to sit out the final 12 games of the season. A business administration major, Bulken earned a spot on the NEC Spring Academic Honor Roll in 2011.

The Seahawks begin preparations for the 2012 season in earnest with a pair of upcoming scrimmages. On Saturday, October 15 at 8:00 am Wagner will host Division-II power Adelphi University at Wagner College Stadium. The Panthers have won three consecutive National Championships.

The following weekend, on Saturday, October 22, the Seahawks will make the short trek to Piscataway, NJ to scrimmage BIG EAST member Rutgers. Curiale is a 2004 Rutgers graduate who later became an assistant coach for the Scarlet Knights.

Wagner will open its 2012 season on Saturday February 18 by hosting the Wildcats of Villanova.

Monarch Lacrosse Video Challenge

Several members of the 2012 Lady Monarchs Lacosse team competed against one another in an inter-squad video challenge recently. Teams were divided into attackers, midfielders and defenders with the midfielders coming out victorious in a "viewing" team dinner at the house of coach Heather Holt where each of the clips was viewed and the a favorite was determined.
http://www.odusports.com/allaccess/index.html?media=223534

Kellogg Added to Lacrosse Coaching Staff

NORFOLK, Va. - Former Old Dominion lacrosse standout Ashley Kellogg is joining the Lady Monarchs coaching staff, interim head coach Heather Holt announced on Monday.
"We are very excited to have Ashley Kellogg return to our program. She was an outstanding student-athlete both on the field and in the classroom during her career," Holt said. "Ashley's great work ethic and passion for the program and Old Dominion University will only add to the excitement that we have been building on the team for the 2012 season."
Kellogg was a four-year starter from 2007-10, and ranks seventh in career points with 152 and fourth in goals with 128. She was a two-time All-CAA performer as well.
"I would like to thank Heather and the athletic administration for giving me an opportunity to once again be a part of the Old Dominion Women's Lacrosse program," Kellogg said. "I am extremely excited about the opportunity to learn from Heather and work with such a talented and enthusiastic group of girls."
ODU begins its season on Feb. 26 when they host Louisville.

Sailer to be Inducted in New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame

Princeton head women's lacrosse coach Chris Sailer will be inducted into the New Jersey Lacrosse Hall of Fame at the 15th annual induction ceremony on Sunday, Jan. 15 at Neilson Dining Hall at Rutgers.
The dinner event will run from 5-8 pm and registration for admission is available on line at www.njlacrosse.org
This will be the sixth Hall of Fame Sailer will become a part of. In 2008, she was inducted into the US Lacrosse National Hall of Fame. She is also a member of Haverford High School Hall of Fame, Harvard Varsity Club Hall of Fame, New England Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Pennsylvania Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
In her 26 years at the helm of the Princeton program, Sailer has won three NCAA championships, made 11 national semifinal appearances and 19 total NCAA appearances. The Tigers have won nine Ivy League titles under the three-time national Coach of the Year and six-time regional Coach of the Year. Sailer ranks second among active DI coaches in victories and has coached the most games in NCAA Tournament history.
It will be a big week for Sailer who will speak at the US Lacrosse Convention in Philadelphia on Jan. 14.

Women’s Lacrosse Signs Seven To 2013 Class

Head coach Stephy Samaras Mantziaras announced the signing of seven players to the 2013 women's lacrosse roster.
Two signees hail from New York and Connecticut, while three players represent  Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively.
Michaela Aymong, a 5'4 goalkeeper hails from Northport, N.Y. and plays for Northport High School. Aymong was a four-year letter winner and starter for her squad and won the New York Class A championship in 2011. Aymong also was a member of the Suffolk County Class A regular champion team in 2009 and 2010. Amyong was a senior captain and a two-time All-Tournament team selection. Amyong is a 2010 All-County selection and a two-time All Conference selection. In addition to athletics, Aymong was a Suffolk County Exceptional Senior Award winner and a Wendy's High School Heisman Scholar-Athlete award winner. Aymong played club lacrosse for Long Island Yellow Jackets Elite Club Blue Team.

Campbell Crochiere, a 5'3 attacker from Bryn Mawr, Pa., attends The Agnes Irwin School for her four-year career. Crochiere was three-year starter, two-time All Inter-AC second team and a All Main Line second team her sophomore and junior years. Crochiere is a 2012 team captain and led her team in goals, draw controls and ground balls her junior campaign. Crochiere played club lacrosse for Ultimate Goal Lacrosse.
Catherine McTiernan, a 5'5 attacker from Garden City, N.Y., plays for Garden City High School. McTiernan is a two-year starter was named a 2011 All-Nassau County selection. McTiernan also was a member of the six-straight New York State Class B Champion team, Nassau County champions and Long Island champion team. McTiernan was a scholar athlete in lacrosse. McTiernan played club lacrosse for Long Island Liberty Black Lacrosse.

Emily Newman, a 5'6 midfielder from Columbus, Ohio, attends New Albany High School. Newman is a two-year starter and captain for her squad. Newman was the top scorer on the team her junior year and was a Ohio Capital Conference first team honoree in addition to All-District first team and first team All-State. Newman was an Academic All-Ohio selection and an Academic All-American. Newman was tabbed the Columbus Dispatch Top Performer and an Ohio South/Central National team member. Newman's squad is a four-time Ohio Capital Conference champion and a three-time Division II State champion and a two-time Division I state semifinalist in 2010 and 2011. Newman played club lacrosse for Midwestern Force Lacrosse.


Charlett Stevenson, a 5'9 midfielder hails from Darien, Conn. and attends Darien High School. Stevenson is a three-year varsity member and a Sandstorm Tournament All-Star honoree. Stevenson was also a standout volleyball player at Darien High. Stevenson won a lacrosse state championship for Darien. Stevenson was a two-year starter, three year varsity letter winner and the 2011 FCIAC Tournament MVP. Stevenson was also a 2011 Team MVP, team captain and FCIAC first team selection. Stevenson was named to the All-State second team and is a member of the four-time FCIAC champion team, two-time state champion team. Stevenson is also the sister of current Spider, Sam Stevenson. Stevenson played club lacrosse for CT Chargers.

Kendall Stevenson, a 5'4 midfielder from Fairfield, Conn. plays for Fairfield Ludlowe High School. Stevenson is a three-year starter for her squad and was an All-FCIAC first and second team honoree her sophomore and junior campaigns. Stevenson was a member of the Division II state champion team her sophomore year, a squad that finished in the final eight of the state. In Stevenson's junior year, her team was a state semifinalist and finished in the top-10 in the state. Stevenson played club lacrosse for NewLax Lacrosse.

Brooke Wilson, a 5'5 midfielder from Ijamsville, Md., attends St. John's Catholic Prep. Wilson is a three year varsity starter and an All Area second team selection in 2009. Wilson is a two-time All-Area first team selection and an All-Gazette first team honoree. Wilson was tabbed All Galaxy first team in 2010 and was a member of the Baltimore Metro Team 3 2011 Division Champion team. Wilson was named captain her junior year and selected for the Viking Leadership award in 2010. Wilson was also a member of the two-time IAAM Conference champion team. Wilson played club lacrosse for FS Lacrosse.

Richmond opens 2012 action at Robins Stadium against Duke Feb. 17.

Mount Olive Will Add Women’s Lacrosse In 2012-13

Mount Olive College will add women’s lacrosse in 2012-13 and Grant Kelam has been named as head coach, it was announced Wednesday by Director of Athletics Jeff Eisen. The announcement of the addition of women’s lacrosse comes just four weeks after Mount Olive announced the addition of men’s lacrosse. Kelam officially begins his duties January 1, but he has already started recruiting for next year’s team.

The addition of women’s and men’s lacrosse not only increases the number of Trojan sports teams to 20, but also gives Mount Olive a team in every sport sponsored by Conference Carolinas. Mount Olive becomes the ninth Conference Carolinas school to sponsor women’s lacrosse, joining Belmont Abbey, Coker, Erskine, Converse, Lees-McRae, Limestone, Pfeiffer and Queens. The Trojans will begin competition in spring 2013.

“We are very excited to be adding women’s lacrosse to our athletics program,” said Eisen. “Like men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse is a growing sport and this is a great opportunity for Mount Olive College to be a part of that growth. We are particularly excited to have Grant Kelam in charge of the women’s lacrosse team.”

Eisen added, “Our goal from the start has been to start competing in both men’s and women’s lacrosse in Spring 2013. Under the leadership of Grant and head men’s lacrosse coach Mike Lawson, I’m confident we will hit the ground running in both sports right away.”

Kelam comes to Mount Olive from Tennessee Wesleyan College, where he spent the past two years as head women’s lacrosse coach. Kelam took over a program that had gone winless the year before his arrival and led the team to a National Women’s Lacrosse League (NWLL) championship in his second year. Tennessee Wesleyan posted an 11-5 overall record and a 5-0 conference mark in 2011 after a 5-9 record the previous year.

Under Kelam, six Tennessee Wesleyan student-athletes were named to the All-NWLL Women’s Lacrosse Team and four student-athletes earned NWLL All-Academic honors. Kelam was instrumental in the formation of the National Women’s Lacrosse League, the first-ever women’s lacrosse conference in the NAIA.

Kelam also has international experience, having served as an assistant coach with the Denmark National Lacrosse Team. Kelam was a member of Denmark’s coaching staff during the 2010 FIL World Lacrosse Championship in Manchester, England.

Kelam earned his B.S. in sports management from Lindenwood University (Mo.) and his MBA in sports management from Missouri Baptist University, where he served as a graduate assistant coach for the men’s lacrosse team.

“Mount Olive College presents an amazing atmosphere for student-athletes to reach their full potential in the classroom as well as on the lacrosse field,” said Kelam. “ I could not be more excited about the opportunity to build the first women's lacrosse team in school history. With the commitment towards excellence that Mount Olive College has shown through the athletics department, I am confident that this team has a bright future.”

Along with the addition of men’s and women’s lacrosse, Mount Olive College currently sponsors baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s indoor track and field, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field, and men’s and women’s volleyball.

Swords Adds Gunning To Lacrosse Staff

University of Cincinnati women’s lacrosse head coach Lellie Swords announced the addition of Lauren Gunning to her staff today.
“We are really excited for Lauren to join our staff,” Swords said. “She brings a high energy and excitement to the staff.  Having played in the BIG EAST during her college career, she knows our opponents really well so she will hit the ground running this spring.”
Gunning, a four-year attack for the Connecticut Huskies, comes to Cincinnati after serving as an assistant coach at Iona College. She assisted in running and planning daily practice and helped with team travel logistics. Gunning also maintained the recruiting database and corresponded with potential recruits, while working directly with the attack unit focusing on individual development and cohesion.
Additionally, Gunning has participated in a number of lacrosse clinics around the country, including Duke and Georgetown. She served as a camp counselor, helping high school players develop skill and game awareness.
Outside of coaching, she has been a product representative at deBeer/Gait Lacrosse, when she promoted new technology and equipment. She has also actively volunteered with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and Husky Sport, an organization aimed at promoting physical activity, healthy nutrition, life skills and academic excellence to elementary school kids in Hartford, Conn.
Gunning, a Hunt Valley, Md. native, graduated from UConn with a bachelor’s in sport management. She was named to the BIG EAST All-Academic team all four years and was deemed Connecticut’s Outstanding Senior Athlete in 2011.

Florida Commit Samantha Burgess,Duke Commit Casey Black

Samantha Burgess, who committed to Florida for the class of 2013.
Position: Midfield/Attack
High School: McDonogh
Class: 2013
Commitment: University of Florida
Summer '11: Skywalkers 2013 Blue, Under Armour, Baltimore Metro
Height: 5’3
Stats/Honors: IAAM Championship 2010-2011
Other Sports: Tennis and Soccer
Other Schools Considered: Northwestern, Maryland, Loyola

Casey Black, who has committed to Duke for the class of 2013.
Position: Attack
High School: McDonogh
Class: 2013
Commitment: Duke University
Summer '11: Baltimore Girls Under Armour Underclassmen team, TLC for the Summer tournaments, and Maximum Exposure All-Star team
Height: 5’ 6”
Other Sports: Field Hockey
Other Schools Considered: Notre Dame, Florida, Georgetown and Boston College

2012 Inside Lacrosse Women's All-Name Team Powered By Flow Society

To give you a little insight into the way this list is put together, you should know that unlike the men's list, which spans DI-DIII, the women's list is confined to Division I. There were a couple of names that we originally thought should be on the list, but they kept popping up on multiple rosters and were therefore taken off. Delaney is the first name that comes to mind with this. A defining element of the All-Name Team is uniqueness and originality.
Alright, without further ado, here is the second annual Women's All-Name Team Powered By Flow Society.

First Team

Covington Stanwick, Fr., A, Boston College
Callahan Foley, So., A, Hofstra
Avery Curley, R-Fr., A, Penn State
Kirkland Locey, So., M, Syracuse
Kearney Sneath, So., M, Quinnipiac
Courtland Lackey, So., M, Howard
Flannery Nagle, Sr., M, Notre Dame
Raleigh Cavey, Fr., M, Oregon
Beasley Hays, Jr., D, Colgate
Keagan Gallagher, So., D, Vermont
Mackellar Violich, Jr., D, California
Tierney Gormley, Fr., G, American

Second Team

Seton Hartnett, So., A, Holy Cross
Ainsley Baker, Rsr., A, Virginia
Sheehan Mulholland, So., A, Niagara
Tatum Coffey, Fr., M, Penn State
Quincey Spagnoletti, Jr., M, Colgate
Elspeth McGarry, So., M, St. Bonaventure
Greer Goebels, Sr., M, Colgate
Vail Horn, Sr., M, California
Linley Block, Jr., D, Syracuse
Bryn Coughlan, So., D, Brown
Karlyn Tupper, So., D, UConn
Mimi Connell, Fr., G, Lafayette
A couple trends emerged as we were putting this one together, and that was the popularity of traditionally-male names and names you might associate with your grandma on women's rosters. That opened up space for two specialty-type teams.

All-Old Lady Name Team

Fran Pollastro, Jr., A, Niagara
Lucinda Caldwell, So., M, Brown
Frances Bird, Fr., M, Dartmouth
Rosie Corcoran, Jr., M, Georgetown
Bernadette Gennaro, Fr., M, Iona
Esther Rufolo, Sr., M, Mount St. Mary's
Beatrice Conley, Jr., M, Northwestern
Georgia Bird, Sr., D, Dartmouth
Adele Bruggeman, Jr. G, Notre Dame

NCAA Division I Women's Championship Added to ESPN Coverage

As part of a new $500 million multimedia agreement announced Thursday between ESPN and the NCAA that lasts through 2023-24, the Division I women’s lacrosse championship will now be broadcast on ESPNU.
The network added NCAA championship coverage in seven sports -- Division I women’s lacrosse, women's gymnastics, men's and women's fencing, Division I men's and women's outdoor track, and women's bowling -- to give the network coverage of 24 NCAA championships.
ESPN has already broadcast the Division I men’s lacrosse championship for 17 consecutive years and shown 28 men’s lacrosse championships since 1980, and has expanded coverage on ESPNU in recent years.
The new deal continues men's coverage, and guarantees coverage of the women's championship and semifinals on an ESPN platform, an NCAA spokesperson told Lacrosse Magazine on Monday. ESPN also has the right to carry preliminary round action if it chooses, which would air on ESPN3.com, according to an NCAA press release.
The agreement, which is headlined by ESPN gaining the exclusive international rights for the men’s basketball “March Madness,” tournament – takes effect immediately.
The deal includes more than 600 hours and 300 telecasts of live coverage annually. It continues the network's U.S. coverage of the women's basketball tourney and the College World Series for baseball and softball, and broad rights covering the NCAA Division I football championship.
And now it will include both Division I men’s and women’s lacrosse title games. Last year, an 11th hour deal put the NCAA women’s lacrosse final four on the Big Ten Network.
Until that point, women’s lacrosse coaches were upset that their championship, which had been shown on CBS College Sports for years, would not be on television. Instead, a 14-year deal reached between Turner Sports and the NCAA put coverage exclusively on the Internet on NCAA.com. That announcement was met with sadness when made at the 2010 IWCLA coaches’ convention. But Northwestern, the BTN, Turner and the NCAA agreed leading up to last year’s final four to give the BTN the Internet feed for a telecast.
They won’t have to worry about making another deal this year.
"ESPN specifically asked for and showed its interest and desire for the Division I women's lacrosse championship to be included as part of their overall coverage in the agreement, which led to the granting of rights," said Cameron Schuh, NCAA Associate Director for Public and Media Relations.
"The NCAA looks forward to ESPN showcasing the event," Schuh said. "The coverage will enable the story of the Division I women's lacrosse student-athletes to be told, along with the opportunity to demonstrate their talents, to a much broader national audience than ever before."
During the 2011-12 season, 15 NCAA national champions will be crowned on ESPNU in the following events: National Collegiate women's bowling; National collegiate men's and women's fencing; Division III football; National Collegiate women's gymnastics; Division I men's and women's indoor track & field; Division I women's lacrosse; Division I men's and women's outdoor track & field; Division I men's and women's soccer; Division I men's and women's swimming & diving, and National Collegiate men's volleyball.
“We have enjoyed a great relationship with the NCAA that has spanned the history of ESPN,” said George Bodenheimer, President, ESPN and ABC Sports, and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks. “This is our most comprehensive agreement yet and ensures sports fans will have access to top-level NCAA athletics across ESPN networks and platforms.”
The Division I women's championship game is scheduled for May 27 at Stony Brook University's LaValle Stadium on Long Island.

Lacrosse Announces Inaugural Class

Head coach Kara Reber has announced the inaugural recruiting class for the women’s lacrosse program which gets set to begin its regular season competition in February 2012.
“I am very excited to work with this great group of talented student-athletes.  We were able to bring in talent from all over the U.S., as well as a few transfers, which will help tremendously in our first season,” said Reber.  “I am looking forward to what this team can achieve in its first year and begin building for the years to come.  This is an exciting time for Florida Southern and lacrosse in this state and I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to build from the ground up.”
Of the 27 newcomers, 20 of them are freshmen, representing 13 different states – California (1), Florida (2), Maryland (5), Michigan (1), Nevada (1), New Hampshire (1), New Jersey (1), New York (4), North Carolina (1), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (2), Rhode Island (2), and Texas (1).
The Moccasin newcomers for 2012:
Megan Asper – M – Parkton, Md. (Hereford HS); M&D Lacrosse Club Team:  First team all-county and all-division in both 2010 and 2011 ... Team Captain … Scored 39 goals and 22 assists in her senior year.
Haley Burchett – D- Columbus, Ohio (St. Francis DeSales HS); Midwestern Force Club Team: Most valuable defensive player in 2011 … First team all-league and all-district in 2011.
Alexa Caffrey – A – Yorktown Heights, N.Y. (Lakeland HS); Hudson Valley Hurricanes Club Team; 2011 senior captain … scored 41 goals and 29 assists in her high school career.
Kiani Carroll – A – Narragansett, R.I. (Narragansett HS); Metacoments Club Team; First team all-division and all-league in 2010 and 2011 … named to the all-state team in 2011 … holds her high school records for most goals (235), most points in a season (88), and most points in a game (11) … scored 85 goals during her season season … team MVP.
Caitlin Chase – A – Mt. Lauel, N.J.  (Holy Cross HS); South Jersey Devils Club Team;  Attack player of the year twice… scored 56 goals and 54 assists in 2011.
Meghan Colucci – M – Glocester, R.I. (St. Mary Academy Bay View HS);  Metacomets Club Team; First team all-state and all-division in both 2009 and 2010 … team captain.
Maureen Cromer – A – Baltimore, Md. (The Seton Keough HS); Skywalkers Club Team; 67 goals and 24 assists in 2011 … also played soccer and basketball.
Kate Culhane – A – Hicksville, N.Y. (Hicksville HS); Long Island Express Club Team; Scored 20 goals and 10 assists in her senior season… Member of the National Honor Society of High School Scholars and Spanish National Honor Society.
Megan Fairgrieve – D – Leonardtown, Md. (Leonardtown HS); Southern Maryland Jets Club Team; Second team all-conference in lacrosse … first team all-county in lacrosse … helped team win conference championship three times.
Katie Ferree – M – Kennett Square, Pa. (Kennett HS); SEPA Club Team; team captain her senior year … Scored 187 goals in her career, including 45 her senior year … third-team Ches-mont league in 2011 ... honorable mention in 2009 and 2010 … named all-area athlete by Daily Local News.
Maggie Gibeau – D – Stuart, Fla. (Jensen Beach, HS); Barefoot club Team; won the defensive award for lacrosse in 2011 … team captain her senior year …most improved player award in 2009.
Melissa Halstead – D - Miller Place, N.Y. (Miller Place HS); 91 lacrosse Club Team; won the unsung hero award twice … started every game of her high school career … Caused 61 turnovers, 93 ground balls, and 19 draw controls in her final 3 seasons … team captain her senior year.
Lindsay Holdway – GK – Fraser, Mich. (Regina HS); Detroit Lacrosse Club Team; won the most improved award … all-catholic league for lacrosse … team captain in 2011.
Lorianne Hoover – M – Annapolis, Md. (Annapolis HS); SPLax Club Team; first team all-county in her senior year … Scored 56 goals, and 18 assists in 2011 … named team MVP  in 2011 … team captain … athletic achievement award.
Lauren Koonce – D – Raleigh, N.C. (Wakefield HS); Carolina Fever Club Team; all-conference player 2010 and 2011 … team captain … team MVP … member of the National Honor Society … won the U.S. Army Reserves National Scholar Athlete Award in 2011… Academic All-American 2010-2011.
Taylor Langston – GK – Encinitas, Calif. (La Costa Canyon HS); San Deigo Rip Club Team; senior all-starz in 2011 … first-team CIF team … team captain … nominee for the Wendy’s high school Heisman Award … All-Academic team in 2010 and 2011.
Katie Maginn – D – Austin, Texas (Stephen F. Austin HS); all-district player in 2010 … all-state and all-district in 2011 … named the defensive MVP in 2011.
Taylor Perry – D – Geneva, N.Y. (Geneva HS); Central New York Elite Club Team; Finger Lakes first-team honorable mention in 2008 and 2009 … Finger Lakes second-team in 2010 … Finger Lakes first-team in 2011 … team captain her senior year … selected for the US U19 Women’s Lacrosse National Tournament Team for Western New York … played in the Herb Fitch senior all-star game.
Jo Youssef – A – Mountville, Pa. (Hempfield HS); Lanco Elite Lacrosse Club Team; lead the team in points and scoring  in 2009 and 2010 … 2010 most valuable defender in field hockey
Rachel Ziter – A – Las Vegas, Nev. (Centennial HS); Team Vegas Club Team; helped team win the state championships three years in a row … team captain her sophomore-senior years … won the coaches award in 2010 and the most passionate award in 2009 … tallied 15 goals and 30 assists.
Transferring to Florida Southern for the 2012 season are Katie Gladhill, a defender from High Point University (N.C.); Katie Hammerer, a goalie from College of Southern Maryland; Mara Mason, an attacker from Monroe CC (N.Y.); and Morgan Molnar, a midfielder from Indiana University (Pa.).
These players will be joined by three sophomores who were already on campus:  Erin Duke (N.H.), Bridgette Long (Pa.) and D'Anna Nelson (Fla).
The Moccasins will begin their regular season February 19 when they host Lindenwood at 1 p.m.

Loras College (IA) to Add D3 Women's Lacrosse

 The Loras College Department of Athletics and Athletic Director Bob Quinn are pleased to announce plans to add women's lacrosse as the 22ndsport at Loras College and first sport to be added since women's soccer in 1995.

Initial plans include the immediate search for the program's first head coach, a non-traditional season in the fall of 2012, and a traditional schedule in the spring of 2013 as an independent program.

"This is a step that Loras College is excited to take and very much looking forward to," Quinn said Monday.

"At a time when many colleges and universities are considering cutting programs, we've decided to add one. Across the board, Loras is constantly looking to enhance the student-athlete experience, and by adding lacrosse we believe we are doing just that."

Loras College will proudly sponsor 22 intercollegiate sports after the addition of women's lacrosse, which was approved by Loras College's Board of Regents last week. The college also offers a wide range of intramural opportunities as well as the judo club, hockey club, ultimate club, and cheerleading.

Flowers, Blazer Tabbed 2012 Lacrosse Captains

 Head coach Stephy Samaras Mantziaras announced the naming of All Conference selections Mary Flowers and Taylor Blazer as captains to the 2012 lacrosse squad.
"We are so excited to have Mary and Taylor leading our team this spring," said Mantziaras. "Both want to win, know what it takes to win and have the determination to instill that knowledge and skill in our team. They have set the bar high for a new era in Richmond Lacrosse."
Flowers is a two-time Midfielder of the Year and was a captain of last year's squad. Flowers led the nation and league in ground balls per game (4.14) and also was tops in the A-10 in points (65) and draw controls (3.79). The two-time Player of the Week also ranked third in the conference in goals per game (2.64) and assists per game (1.64). Flowers is also a two-time SynapsesSports.com All-American third team honoree.
Blazer is named as co-captain after a stellar freshman campaign. The Berlin, Md. native started every game for the Spiders this season and led the team in caused turnovers (35) and was 11th in the nation in caused turnovers (1.88) per game. Blazer also finished second in ground balls (49) and third in draw controls (35). Both Blazer and Flowers were All Conference first team selections. Blazer was also a SynapsesSports.com All-Rookie team selection.
The Spiders open their 2012 slate at home against Duke Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.

McDevitt Tabbed as Head Women's Lacrosse Coach

  After an extensive national search by the athletics department, Oberlin College Delta Lodge Director of Athletics William Roth has named Jacqueline McDevitt as the school’s Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach.

McDevitt comes to Oberlin from Occidental College (California) where she spent last two seasons as the lead assistant for the Tigers. While at Oxy, McDevitt’s tireless recruiting efforts paid dividends as she helped yield 20 incoming athletes for the classes of 2014 and 2015. In her second season, she also helped the Tigers win four more games than the previous year while mentoring a defensive unit that shaved off over two goals per game from their 2010 total.

“I would like to thank Director of Athletics William Roth and Associate Athletics Director Natalie Winkelfoos for this amazing opportunity to be the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Oberlin College,” McDevitt said. “The minute I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was where great things were going to happen. I am extremely excited about facilitating the next era of Oberlin women’s lacrosse and I know we have all of the right ingredients for success, a phenomenal liberal arts education, a highly supportive administration, and most importantly committed student-athletes. I cannot wait to get started.”

Prior to her arrival at Occidental, McDevitt served as an assistant coach at Union College (New York) in 2009 where she worked as the goalie coach and helped the team reach the NCAA Sweet 16.

From 2006-2008, McDevitt spent two seasons as the top assistant for the Marist College Red Foxes in Poughkeepsie, New York. While there she was a part of a coaching staff that produced a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Six All-MAAC selections and 12 Academic All-MAAC recipients.

“I am extremely pleased to have Jacqueline McDevitt join the Oberlin Athletics community as our next Head Coach for Women's Lacrosse,” Roth said. “Throughout her career, Coach McDevitt has consistently made a significant impact in building excellent programs and developing outstanding women. Her genuine appreciation for the College's challenging academics and tight-knit culture coupled with her insightful coaching vision and personal passion for the sport of lacrosse distinguished her during our search process. I am certain that Coach McDevitt will thoughtfully and tirelessly commit herself to elevate our women's program to national prominence and in the process thoroughly enhance the experiences of our female student-athletes. She is a flat-out winner and I am confident she will be a positive force in the lives of our players and will help shape the broader success of athletics at Oberlin.”

In addition to her collegiate coaching experience, McDevitt recently started her own lacrosse company, LeftCoast Laxin, which serves as an information source regarding all things women’s lacrosse. Furthermore, she has also been the head coach for two lacrosse clubs – the Wave Lacrosse Club (California) and the Ultimate Lacrosse Club (Pennsylvania/New Jersey).

A 2006 graduate of Long Island University, McDevitt earned degrees in marketing and business management.  She was a three-year letter winner for the Blackbirds and was regarded as a tenacious defender.
McDevitt will officially begin her duties with Oberlin on November 1.

Taylor Frink Joins Women's Lacrosse Staff

Longwood University women's lacrosse interim head coach Wendy Stone has announced the addition of Taylor Frink as the women's lacrosse assistant coach.  Frink is a 2011 graduate of the University at Albany where she earned numerous honors while a student-athlete on the Great Dane's lacrosse team, including her highest achievment as an IWLCA Division I Second Team All-American that she earned as a senior.

“I am extremely excited to welcome Taylor into the Lancer Lacrosse family,” said Stone.  “She was an integral part of Albany's record-setting 2011 season, and our program will benefit tremendously from her experience.  Taylor brings with her not only a deep understanding and extensive knowledge of the game, stemming from her storied playing career, but also the experience of building a team from the ground up.  We are fortunate to have someone with such a tremendous work ethic and passion for the game on staff; I look forward to working with her both on and off the field.”

Frink was a four-year starter for the Albany women's lacrosse team where she was named to the All-America East Conference Second Team as a junior and the All-America East First Team as a senior.  Other honors include IWLCA Division I All-Northeast Region First Team, Synapse Sports Division I All-America Second Team, WomensLax.com Division I All-America Team, America East All-Championship Team, while being the first UAlbany player to be nominated for the Tewaaraton Award as the nation's top player.  She also served as a camp instructor for three years, twice at Albany and once at Fredonia State University.  

During her senior season, Albany went undefeated (16-0) during the regular season before its only loss to eventual national champion Northwestern in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.  Frink also led the America East in scoring and the nation in assists (2.58 pg), and was 10th in scoring with 4.76 points per game, establishing program single-season records for assists (49) and points (83) this past spring. She finished her UA career fifth in scoring (171p), first in assists (82) and tied for 10th in goals (89).

She is a native of Baldwinsville, New York, and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from UA

Jee Plays For South Korea National Team

 This past week Oberlin College rising-junior and women’s lacrosse player Seung Yun Jee represented her home country of South Korea by playing for the national team at the ASPAC games in New Zealand.

While her team struggled against the elite competition during the tournament, it was still a very positive for Jee, who has played in 27 games during her first two years in the crimson and gold.

“It is always very rewarding to see one of your players go on to represent their country,” Head Coach Liz Longley said. “I am proud of Jee and look forward to having her back as a key part of our team next spring.”

Jee, who has made 20 starts in her career, is one of 14 players slated to return to the Yeowomen next season.

Women's lacrosse adds Sarah Gallion to coaching staff

 The JU women’s lacrosse team will have a fresh face on the coaching staff as head coach Mindy McCord added former Johns Hopkins standout Sarah Gallion to the fold as a volunteer assistant.
Gallion brings a wealth of experience as a coach and player to the JU program. She will fill the role vacated by former graduate assistant coach Jen Heup, who finished her master’s degree in the spring.
“We’re excited to add someone who has excelled as a coach and player to our staff,” McCord said. “Sarah has been already been a successful coach at the high school and club levels and I can’t wait for her to bring her skills and experience to help our program.”
Gallion made a quick transition from star player to the coaching ranks. She most recently coached in the Under Armour All-America Lacrosse Classic, leading her team to a tournament championship at the prestigious all-American Showcase for her club program, the LaxManiax Elite. Her teams earned undefeated records at two major northern tournaments competing against the nation’s top club programs.
Gallion also served as head coach of local prep powerhouse Bartram Trail, helping the squad remain one of the top programs in north Florida with consecutive district championships. During her tenure, the Bears posted a 42-13 cumulative record. Her final senior class saw four players move on to college teams, including three who earned Division I scholarships.
Prior to coaching with Bartram Trail and the LaxManiax, Gallion coached her former prep club team, North East Maryland Select (NEMS). She gained her first coaching experience during her time at Johns Hopkins, working with the Little Jays youth league team.
A former captain and four-year varsity starter for Blue Jays, Gallion twice was named her school’s “Defensive Player of the Year” award. As a senior, she earned all-American Lacrosse Conference honors in 2008.
Gallion played in the prestigious IWLCA North-South Senior all-star game as a defender, helping her South team to a win. The appearance capped a stellar career in which the Bel Air, Md. native also earned Second Team All-ALC and Second Team Mid-Atlantic Region honors as a sophomore.
Gallion starred for Maryland’s C. Milton Wright High School from 2001-04 and was a four-year starter and varsity MVP her junior and senior seasons. She was a team captain and earned first-team all-Baltimore Metro in her final two seasons.

Richmond 2012 Spring Clinic Dates

Richmond women's lacrosse coach Stephy Mantziaras announces Spring Refresher Clinic slated for Feb. 19, 2012.
The third annual "Spring Refresher Clinic" is set for Sunday, February 19 2012. The clinic will run from 9:00 am to noon and is open for girls 6-18 years old. Weather permitting, the clinic will be held on Robins Stadium and Crenshaw Turf Field.
Following the clinic, the Richmond Spiders Lacrosse team will play host to ACC rival, North Carolina, at 2:00PM on Robins Stadium.  Admission is free!
For more information on the clinic, contact Kelly Carter (kkasper@richmond.edu) or call 804.287.1934.

Christie Kaestner Named Assistant Lacrosse Coach

Lacrosse head coach Jaime Sellers has announced that Christie Kaestner will join her staff as the program's first assistant coach.
Kaestner will primarily work with the offense and serve as the program's recruiting coordinator, and will assist in all other aspects of the program.
"I am excited to have Christie join the Chanticleer family. It was clear in our first conversation how passionate she is about the game of lacrosse and how motivated she is to accomplish her goal of becoming a successful college coach," said Sellers.
"Christie's athletic background and the success she has had are indicative of the type of excellence Coastal Carolina lacrosse strives to exemplify. Previously serving as the `quarterback' of her alma mater's offense, she has the first-hand experience I was looking for as she played, worked and won in a highly competitive program, which is where we hope to be in the future.
Originating from Maryland, a traditional hotbed of lacrosse, Christie also brings a wealth of knowledge of the surrounding region's schools and club organizations, which will prove to be vital to our recruiting process."
Kaestner was a standout player at Duke where she accumulated multiple awards and records. As a senior in 2011, Kaestner earned first team All-American and first team All-ACC honors as she led the Blue Devils to the NCAA Semifinals. She was also tabbed to the IWLCA All-South Region team in both 2010 and 2011. Kaestner finished her Blue Devil career with 93 goals and 98 assists to rank ninth all-time in the Duke annuals with 191 points. During her senior campaign, Kaestner set the Duke single-season assists record with 47 on her way to ranking second all-time with 98.
Kaestner, a three-time member of the ACC Honor Roll, graduated in 2011 with a bachelor of arts in Sociology, as well as a Markets and Management certificate.
Sellers and Kaestner will use the 2011-12 academic year to build a schedule, develop the infrastructure of the program and recruit a team that will begin competition in spring 2013. Coastal's lacrosse program, along with the Chanticleers' other 17 sports, will compete in the Big South Conference, which will add lacrosse as its 19th championship sponsored sport in spring 2013; the lacrosse champion will earn an automatic berth to the NCAA Championship. Joining Coastal Carolina in the seven-team league will be Campbell, associate member Davidson, High Point, Liberty, Presbyterian and Winthrop.

Spiders Welcome Additional Assistant Coach

The University of Richmond Athletic Department and Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Stephy Samaras Mantziaras announce today the hiring of her sister Crista Samaras as temporary assistant coach for the 2012 season. The late hire is a result of Mantziaras' pregnancy. She is due January 16th, 2012 with her first child.
"I am so excited to have my sister join our staff for the upcoming season," said Samaras Mantziaras. "She is one of the greatest minds in the lacrosse world and I am thrilled for our program and our players to be able to add her to our coaching line-up in 2012.  We intend to capitalize on her capacity to be creative, think outside of the box and bring her dynamic and famously charismatic presence to the Women's Lacrosse program here at Richmond."
Currently, Crista heads up the company she created called Bounce Entertainment, which powers local lacrosse clubs teams in Atlanta, California, Connecticut and Texas as well as XTEAM, a national club team for girls from non-traditional areas that want to pursue playing lacrosse in college.  Samaras grew up in the center of the lacrosse universe in Annapolis, MD, and has dedicated her career to teaching the game to players and coaches across the country.  She is known for her ability to mentor, motivate and inspire teenage girls to find their own path in life through lacrosse.
A Politics major at Princeton University, Samaras still holds all of the scoring records she set upon graduation in 1999.  After college, she was the Assistant Coach at Yale for both the 2000 and 2001 seasons.  She moved to New York City and has been living there since 2001.  Samaras was on the USA Team from 1995-2007 and participated in two World Cup Championships, winning the gold in 2001 and the silver in 2005.  She has held nearly every position in the lacrosse industry from Women's Editor at Inside Lacrosse Magazine to Director of Women's Lacrosse for Warrior Sports.
"It's an honor to be asked to join this program," said Crista Samaras.  "I am impressed by Stephy's impact at Richmond and look forward to working with, learning from and adding to the existing staff."
Samaras' role will be temporary as this situation is unprecedented.  "When I found out over the summer I was pregnant, my two main focuses became the health of my baby and the success of our program," explains Mantziaras.  "With a pregnancy, the birth and following weeks, things can be uncertain and I wanted to make sure that I could spend the time I needed to with a newborn and make sure that the team was still prepared for the upcoming season. Hiring Crista will allow me to have confidence and assurance that both of my goals for this year are met."
Samaras took a little convincing as she will be taking time away from her company to dedicate to the program.  "I love what I do and working with our amazing staff of directors and coaches dedicated to helping girls develop their game as well as their self esteem.  The experience I will get coaching at this level will allow me so many more ideas for creating an entirely new wave of curriculum upon my return to Bounce and to XTEAM."
Samaras' job responsibilities  will be focused to all on field lacrosse from practice planning, individual and unit preparation and preparing the team to play the high ranked out of conference schedule at the start of the season.
The Spiders open their season at home against ACC foes Duke and UNC, both ranked pre-season in the top 5 in the country. Friday, February 17th they will face Duke at 3pm and Sunday, February 19th they will square off against UNC at 2pm. Prior to the game against UNC the Spiders will host their 3rd annual Spring Refresher clinic for girls ages 8-18. Both games and the clinic will be held in Robins Stadium. Click here for more information on the refresher clinic.

Coastal Carolina Signs 18 in Inaugural Class

Coastal Carolina University head women's lacrosse coach Jaime Sellers has announced the program's inaugural signing class of 18 student-athletes. Included in the class are the two of the nation's top 25 defensive players as ranked by ESPN.
"I am very excited to welcome the inaugural class of our women's lacrosse program," said Sellers. "Since the day I was hired in August, these players have expressed an unrelenting passion for not only Coastal Carolina University, but also continuing their lacrosse careers at the Division I collegiate level.
"Throughout the fall, I have had the pleasure of getting to know each of them as athletes, students, and people. I have no doubt that the talent and character this class possesses, as a unit and as individuals, will help shape our bright future. They are ready and willing to work as hard as they need to, and are eager to embark on this journey next year."
The student-athletes will enroll in classes in the fall of 2012 and begin practicing for the inaugural season in the spring of 2013.
Goalkeeper:
Tristyn Kuehn (Mason, Ohio/William Mason HS) helped lead William Mason High School 37-16-5 to a record over the past three years and earned regional runner-up finishes in 2009 and 2011. The Comets finished ranked in the top 10 in Ohio in each season with Kuehn in goal. As a freshman, Kuehn was named the Great Lakes National team goalie. The senior earned the Mason Kiwanis Making a Difference Award as both a sophomore and junior. For her play on the field, Kuehn was tabbed the Ohio South National goalie and earned a place at the Under Armour All-America game as a junior.
Defense:
Rachel Waldron (Vienna, Va./Marshall HS) is ranked as the 46th best high school recruit in the nation and the 10th best defensive-midfielder by ESPN. The Marshall defensive-midfielder earned Washington Post All-Metro Honorable Mention honors in addition to First Team All-Region and First Team All-District last season. Waldron totaled 95 points (68 goals/27 assists) for the Statesmen last year and was named her team's Most Outstanding Player. Additionally, Waldron was tabbed an Under-Armour Underclassman All-American and the Marshall Female Athlete of the Year as she led her squad to a 10-5 record and an appearance in the regional playoffs.
Kaitlyn Trodden (Kings Park, N.Y./Kings Park HS) is ranked as one of the top 25 high school defenders by ESPN. Trodden participated in the prestigious Lax Inception, National Draw, Under Armour Capital Cup, Best of the Beach, and Upper Atlantic tournaments. She has played with the Team Elevate lacrosse club for three years and the Long Island Express for four years.
Kyra Pruitt (Alexandria, Va./Hayfield Secondary) earned all-district first team honors as a junior. Pruitt is a three-time member of the Hayfield Academic Honor Roll and a recipient of the AP Scholar Award. She has played the past four years with the Supernova Select club team in Fairfax, Va.
Ashley Manford (Palm Coast, Fla./Matanzas HS) has led the Pirates to a combined 17-11 record during her sophomore and junior seasons. Manford earned the Coach's Award as a junior and the Matanzas High School Outstanding Achievement Award as a senior.
Midfield:
Austin Brown (Mint Hill, N.C./Providence Day HS) owns the Chargers' all-time goal scored record with 216 through three years of play. Brown scored 79 goals last season as she earned NCISAA first team all-state, all-conference and Charlotte Observer All-Observer honors. The midfielder is a two-time team captain and has started every game of her interscholastic career at center. As a sophomore Brown was tabbed a member of the North Carolina National Tournament team. Additionally, Brown was honored as a NCISAA second team all-state selection in field hockey.
Cassidy Meaney (Wantagh, N.Y./Wantagh HS) has had a standout career for the Warriors. She has played club lacrosse for the Carol Rose-coached Long Island Yellow Jackets for three years. Meaney is a member of the National Honors Society and Foreign Language Honor Society chapters at Wantagh.
Kayla Wynne (Weddington, N.C./Weddington HS) was named an all-conference attacker as a sophomore and a first team all-conference midfielder as a junior. Additionally, Wynne was tabbed her team's most valuable player as a junior.
Charlotte O'Leary (Holderness, N.H./The Taft School) has tallied 137 goals and dished out 93 assists during her interscholastic career. She helped lead Holderness High School to a 19-7 record in two years and The Taft School to a 11-4 mark as a junior. O'Leary is a four-time member of the honor roll and has played with the Granite Star Elite club team that won the 2011 Star Spangled Banner and Xtreme LAX tournaments.
Elizabeth Reed (Mt. Pleasant, S.C./Wando HS) led the Warriors to a 17-2 record and the program's first state championship as a junior after helping guide the team to a 15-2 record and a state semifinal appearance as a sophomore. Reed has tallied 128 goals, 62 assists and 130 ground balls in her high school career. She was tabbed the Lowcountry Player of the Year and team MVP as a junior, as well as earning offensive MVP honors as a freshman and midfield MVP honors as a sophomore.
Kasey Griese (Parker, Colo./Ponderosa HS) scored 88 points as a junior for the Mustangs as she totaled 56 goals and 32 assists. Griese was named the Ponderosa Attacker of the Year and All-Continental League as she led the Mustangs to a league championship and a state quarterfinals appearance her junior season. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was tabbed a U.S. Lacrosse Academic All-American following her junior season. Additionally, Griese led the Mustang field hockey team to a state championship in 2010 and was tabbed to the All-Senior All-Star team and Colorado All-Academic Team.
Paige Timberg (Lake Oswego, Ore./Lake Oswego HS) was named first team all-league, first team all-state and All-America honorable mention following 55 goals and 30 assist junior season. She led Lake Oswego to a state championship as a junior. As a sophomore, Timberg was tabbed first team all-league and second team all-state.
Elizabeth Constant (Gloucester, Mass./Ipswich HS) scored 22 goals, recorded 13 assists, 41 ground balls, 5 draw controls and 3 takeaways in 17 starts as a junior. She helped the Tigers to a 18-1 record and an appearance in the MIAA North Division 2 Tournament. Constant also earned varsity letters in field hockey and basketball at Ipswich.
Attack:
Kerianne White (Medford, N.J./Shawnee HS) recorded 27 goals, 13 assists, 16 ground balls, and eight caused turnovers during her junior season. She was named to the All-American Lacrosse National Classic-Upper Atlantic Team.
Caitlin Kratzer (Chester Springs, Pa./Great Valley HS) scored 17 goals and posted six assists, as well as 13 ground balls during her junior season. Her high school teams finished as Ches-mont League Champions in 2010 with a record of 21-3 and were state semi-finalist during her junior year with a 22-2 record. She was named a 2011 Academic All-American.
Kimberly DeLonge (Mount Airy, Md./South Carroll HS) has posted 104 goals in her three years at South Carroll, including a season high 39 during her junior season. She was selected second team All-Carroll County during her sophomore and junior years, as well as honorable mention All-Monocacy Valley Association. DeLonge was also named a scholar athlete all four years of high school.
Rachel Ferrara (California, Md./Leonardtown HS) finished her junior season with 23 goals and 25 assists. She led the Raiders to a 38-5 record over the past three seasons and Southern Maryland Athletic Conference Champions, as well as regional quarterfinalist each of those seasons. Ferrara was selected first team All-SMAC during her junior year.
Sara Nolan (Forest Hill, Md./C. Milton Wright HS) led the Mustangs to a regional championship during her junior season and finished the season with a 12-4 record. She posted 46 goals, nine assists, 35 draw controls, 19 ground balls and six caused turnovers during the 2011 season with the Greene Turtle Lacrosse Club Bel Air. Nolan was named second team All-Harford County and honorable mention All-Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference for field hockey as a senior.