Myers, Martino, Nestor Earn Induction into IWLCA Hall of Fame

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association has selected three coaches for induction into the association’s Hall of Fame class for 2024. The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in November during the IWLCA Convention at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront Hotel in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The esteemed class of 2024 includes former University of Virginia head coach Julie Myers, alongside current head coaches Ginny Martino of West Chester University and Jim Nestor of Salisbury University. Mandee O'Leary, head coach of the University of Florida, serves as the chair of the IWLCA Hall of Fame committee responsible for evaluating candidates and selecting the deserving honorees. This illustrious group of coaches represents the pinnacle of achievement in women's lacrosse, and their induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to their exceptional contributions to the sport.

“The Hall of Fame committee did a fantastic job selecting this year's class,” said Kelly Gallagher, President of the IWLCA and head coach at the University of Tampa. “We have a number of well-qualified candidates to consider every year, and appreciate the diligence of the committee members as they compare and contrast the eligible coaches in order to select the most deserving class. This year's honorees are truly worthy of the recognition and we are very excited to honor them in November during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.”

The IWLCA Hall of Fame was established in May 2017 to recognize and honor outstanding career achievements by collegiate women's lacrosse coaches. The class of 2024 will be the seventh class of honorees to be inducted.

2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Ginny Martino, the head coach at West Chester University, stands as a titan in NCAA Division II women's lacrosse. With a distinguished career spanning 25 years, Martino has amassed an impressive record of 385 victories, making her the all-time winningest head coach in Division II history. Her coaching acumen is further underscored by her two national titles and a robust career winning percentage of .824. Martino's success extends beyond mere numbers. Last May, she clinched her 14th PSAC title and guided the Golden Rams to the NCAA Division II National Championship Game for the 11th time since the championship's inception by the NCAA. In recognition of her exceptional coaching abilities, Martino and her staff were honored as the IWLCA regional coaching staff of the year in 2023, marking her fourth such accolade. Throughout her admirable career, Martino has mentored over 40 All-Americans and countless All-Conference players, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and shaping the lives of her athletes both on and off the field.

“I am incredibly honored to be selected for induction into the IWLCA Hall of Fame. To be named alongside two coaches for whom I have the utmost respect, Julie and Jim, is truly a humbling moment for me. I am blessed to have the best job in the world. I love what I do, as well as the players, coaches, families & alumni that continue to support WCU lacrosse. They are the reason behind my success. It is an unexpected honor to be recognized alongside such legendary trailblazers in our sport. The amazing group of coaches that precede me have been incredibly impactful to women’s lacrosse. To be mentioned in the same category is quite overwhelming. I am so appreciative to the IWLCA for this incredible honor.” – Ginny Martino

Julie Myers, during her tenure as head coach at the University of Virginia, amassed a remarkable record of 349-181 (.658), solidifying her as one of the most successful coaches in NCAA Division I women's collegiate lacrosse history. Her win total ranks fifth overall in Division I and 11th across all NCAA divisions. Over her 28 years at the helm of the UVA program, Myers consistently led her teams to postseason success, with the exception of 2020 when NCAA spring championships were canceled due to the pandemic. Under her guidance, the Cavaliers clinched the NCAA Division I Championship in 2004 and finished as national runners-up six times. Additionally, the Cavaliers secured five ACC championships, further demonstrating Myers' impact on the program's success. Myers also earned her recognition as the IWLCA Coach of the Year in ‘04. Throughout her illustrious career, she coached over 35 All-Americans, coached multiple Players of the Year at both conference and national levels, and cultivated more than a dozen members of the US national team.

"I am deeply humbled by this incredible honor and filled with joy to be inducted into this prestigious Hall of Fame alongside Ginny, Jim, and the other esteemed members who came before us. Lacrosse, the IWLCA, and the University of Virginia have enriched my life in countless ways, and this recognition serves as yet another testament to the profound gifts and experiences our sport has bestowed upon me. While my days of recruiting, meetings, practices, and games may have come to a close, the memories I've forged with the many remarkable individuals I've had the privilege to meet and work with will endure forever. I am eternally grateful, immensely proud, and forever inspired by the countless people I've had the privilege to collaborate with, learn from, and compete against throughout my journey." – Julie Myers

Entering his 23rd season at the helm in 2024, Jim Nestor has steered the Sea Gulls to remarkable success, including four national championships, 19 conference championships, and an impressive 20 NCAA Tournament appearances. Nestor's coaching accolades speak volumes about his expertise and dedication. He boasts two undefeated seasons in 2013 and 2021, has led the team to nine NCAA championship game appearances, and has been honored with five IWLCA Coach of the Year awards. Additionally, he has earned 14 IWLCA Chesapeake Region coaching accolades, further highlighting his impact on the sport. Under Nestor's guidance, Salisbury players have flourished, with 12 of them earning IWLCA positional Players of the Year honors and nearly 60 achieving All-American status. His coaching prowess is evident in his impressive career record of 467-92-1 (.835), which places him third for most wins among active Division III coaches and fourth in winning percentage within the same group.

"I am sincerely honored to stand among this exceptional class of coaches. Each of us endeavors to be the finest leaders possible, and I believe my career merely mirrors the incredible opportunities lacrosse provides. Coaching has allowed me to work with some of the most remarkable individuals, and I am immensely proud and grateful to pursue my passion in such a fulfilling manner." – Jim Nestor

Tickets for the 2024 IWLCA Awards Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be available for purchase later this year. Sales will continue through early November, providing ample time for lacrosse enthusiasts to secure their attendance. Stay tuned for further details, as additional information regarding ticket sales will be released at a later date. 

*Stats from the 2024 season are not included.