(Morrisville, NY – Jan. 2015) Morrisville State College head women’s lacrosse coach, Kelsey Schwan, announced the addition of Fayetteville, N.Y. native, Jessica Lavelle, to the coaching staff for the upcoming 2015 season.
Lavelle, a four-year member and three-year starter for the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons at defense, recorded 163 caused turnovers and 184 ground balls throughout her career. She was instrumental to the Red Dragon squad that was State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Champions and NCAA final-four tournament participants for four straight seasons.
“I am extremely excited to have Coach Lavelle join our staff this spring,” said Schwan. “To have someone of her caliber join our staff is exciting for the future of women’s lacrosse at Morrisville State. Her desire to coach, and passion for the game, will benefit our players immensely.”
Lavelle had a breakout junior season, leading the Red Dragons to the SUNYAC title, while earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors, the first defender to claim the accolade.
Her finesse on the playing field during her junior and senior seasons rendered her honors as the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Defender of the Year selection and an All-American first team recipient.
Lavelle capped off her senior year with the Red Dragons with an undefeated regular season record, and received the C-Club Award from the Cortland Hall of Fame, which is awarded to the top male and female student-athlete of the year.
She was also a 2014 Honda Division III Women’s Athlete of the Year Nominee for women’s lacrosse.
Following graduation in the Spring 2014 with her bachelors of arts in communications degree, Lavelle represented USA Athletes international Team in Europe, competing against countries all over the world. She is currently serving as head coach with the Syracuse Snipers Club Team and will also be assisting Fayetteville-Manlius High School this spring.
Lavelle will assist the Mustangs on the defensive side of the ball this season.