FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) announced its 2018-2019 award winners at the Palm Beach County Convention Center during the 2019 Annual Meeting. In addition to the Victory Club, Outstanding Assistant Coach awards, Regional and National Coach of the Year Awards, and the Team Community Awareness Awards that were presented during the Meetings, the IWLCA recognized the winners of the Service Award, President’s Cup, and Diane Geppi Aikens Memorial Award at the Hall of Fame and Honors Banquet Dinner.
"It is very uplifting to be able to honor and celebrate the achievements of our members at the Annual Meetings." said Kathy Taylor, head coach at Colgate University and IWLCA President. "Our membership continues to raise the bar every year, and the opportunity to publicly recognize their achievements makes our organization stronger as we all strive to improve the game.”
24 honorees earned Victory Club recognition for achieving milestone victories during the 2019 season. 13 coaches were recognized for their 100th career victory, while seven coaches were celebrated for achieving their 200th career win, and another four reached the 300-win milestone. Princeton’s Chris Sailer, and Salisbury’s Jim Nestor became members of the 400 Career Win Victory Club.
100 Career Wins
Brett Allen – Bates College *
Amanda Daniels – Denison *
Meghan Dennehy – UVA Wise
Dawn Easley – Campbell
Emily Fisher – Mount Union
Karen Harvey – Ferrum
Grant Kelam – Mount Olive
Lindsey Lutz – Shenandoah
Pat McCabe – Adelphi
Keeley McDonald – Brown
Caitlin Moore – Mary Washington
Kristin St. Hilaire – Utica
Acacia Walker-Weinstein – Boston College
* Earned during the 2018 season
200 Career Wins
Kate Livesay – Middlebury
Mindy McCord – Jacksonville
Anne Phillips – William Smith
Kathy Railey – Stevenson
Kara Reber – Florida Southern
Joe Spallina – Stony Brook
Kathy Taylor – Colgate
300 Career Wins
Jackie Neary – Cabrini
Chris Paradis – Amherst
Cathy Reese – Maryland
Scott Tucker – Limestone
400 Career Wins
Jim Nestor – Salisbury
Chris Sailer – Princeton
Three assistant coaches were honored with the Outstanding Assistant Coach Award (previously announced on November 6, 2019). Princeton University’s Jenn Cook (Division I), Kelly Hamilton, assistant at Queens University of Charlotte (Division II), and Ashley Fitzhugh from York College of PA (Division III) were all presented with their awards in front of their peers.
The Team Community Awareness Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by one team from each division on their campus and in their local community was presented to Marquette University (Division I), Lee University (Division II), and Alma College (Division III).
The 2019 IWLCA Regional and National Coaches of the Year for all three divisions also received their awards. Cathy Reese (University of Maryland), Pat McCabe (Adelphi University), and Kate Livesay (Middlebury College) were honored as the Division I, II, and III National Coaches of the Year respectively.
Regional Coaches of the Year – Division I
Chris Sailer, Princeton University, Mid-Atlantic Region
Danielle Spencer, Dartmouth College, Northeast Region
Cathy Reese, University of Maryland, South Region
Kelly Amonte Hiller, Northwestern University, West/Midwest Region
Regional Coaches of the Year – Division II
Ginny Martino, West Chester University, Atlantic Region
Pat McCabe, Adelphi University, East Region
Sarah Kellner, Regis University, Midwest Region
Clare Short, Queens University of Charlotte, South Region
Regional Coaches of the Year – Division III
Kim Williams, Wesleyan University, Berkshire Region
Chrissy Trescavage, University of Scranton, Boardwalk Region
Brooke O’Brien, Washington and Lee University, Chesapeake Region
Anne Phillips, William Smith College, Empire Region
Amanda Daniels, Denison University, Great Lakes Region
Jen Muston, York College, Metro Region
Kate Livesay, Middlebury College, Pilgrim Region
Susan Stuart Elliott, Colorado College, West Region
The Divisional chairs of the Online Video Exchange Committee (OVEC) presented with the IWLCA Service Award, for their contributions to the IWLCA during the previous academic year. Amy Altig (University of Delaware), Nora Boerger (Grand Valley State University), and Karrie Moore (Ithaca College) was presented the award by Samantha Ekstrand, IWLCA Legal Counsel, who works closely with the committee. “The OVEC committee is honored to be receiving the IWLCA Service award and to be counted among the many incredible people who have received this award before us,” said Altig. “We know that access to film has come a long way in the last few years and that it has helped move our game forward. We’re grateful for the patience and support the membership has given us through times of change, adaptation to new rules, and the ever-changing technology world.”
The President’s Cup Award is presented to a member of the lacrosse community who has exhibited distinguished contributions to the collegiate women’s lacrosse scene during the previous academic year. The IWLCA recognized Patty Daley, Executive Director of the Collegiate Women’s Lacrosse Officials Association, with the honor. Daley’s incredible leadership, vision and dedication to the CWLOA, and her work educating officials and developing strong communication and working relationships between coaches and officials has enhanced the sport. Through her efforts, the level and professionalism of collegiate officials has improved and the CWLOA has expanded the observation program, resulting in a deeper pool of qualified officials for our sport. “Running the field, working the games, teaching and supporting others, and growing with the Women's Game... I have loved serving officials on and off the field, during games, in the classroom, and at clinics and conventions,” Daley said. “29 years on the field with top-notch game and championship assignments provided me so many opportunities to grow my game. From focusing on being a good communicator and listener with officials, players and coaches, to being a diffuser of problems, I tried to be a good teammate and leader to my officiating crews. While I loved reffing the games, I was committed to making officiating crews feel supported before, during and after games, no matter their experience or rating. I am thankful for this award and for 29 great years of games and championships on the field. Without my wife, friends, officiating partners, coaching colleagues, and mentors all the way back to the University of Maryland, receiving this honor would not be possible.”
The IWLCA’s marquee honor, the Diane Geppi-Aikens Memorial Award, was presented to Georgetown head coach Ricky Fried. The award is named in honor of the legendary Loyola coach whose courageous battle with cancer inspired the nation and recognizes lifetime achievement to the women’s college game. Ohio State University head coach Amy Bokker, who served as an assistant coach with Fried in the US National Team program, presented the award to her colleague.
Fried currently serves as the IWLCA Vice-President and has previously served as Treasurer. He has been actively involved in the All-American committee, currently serving as chair of the Division I South Region and is a member of the Tewaaraton Award selection committee. Fried was the head coach of the US National Team from 209-2017 and led the squad to back to back World Cup gold medals in 2013 and 2017. Currently at Georgetown, Fried previously served as an assistant coach at Johns Hopkins University, at his alma mater, UMBC, and at the Gilman School.
“Receiving the Diane Geppi-Aikens Lifetime Achievement award is a bit surreal and extremely humbling for me,” said Fried. “Diane is an icon in our game, and I had the pleasure of knowing her and learning from her. Diane represented the best in coaching; she was supremely competitive, loved by her players and colleagues alike but never took herself too seriously. I hope to embody many of the same traits in my own way.”