Women lacrosse equipment. Women’s Lacrosse Equipment and Rule Changes: Revolutionizing the Game

How have recent rule changes impacted women’s lacrosse. What new equipment options are available for female players. How have these changes affected game pace and player equality. Discover the latest advancements in women’s lacrosse gear and regulations.

The Evolution of Women’s Lacrosse: Recent Rule Changes and Their Impact

Women’s lacrosse has undergone significant transformations in recent years, with rule changes and equipment innovations reshaping the sport. These modifications have not only enhanced the game’s pace but also promoted player equality and advanced the level of play. Let’s explore the key changes and their effects on the women’s lacrosse landscape.

Major Rule Changes in Women’s Lacrosse

• Free movement after the whistle
• Introduction of a 90-second shot clock
• Modifications to the draw setup
• New equipment options, including mesh pockets

Accelerating the Game: The Impact of Free Movement

One of the most significant rule changes in women’s lacrosse is the introduction of free movement after the whistle. Previously, players were required to freeze in place whenever a whistle was blown. This new rule has dramatically altered the game’s dynamics and pace.

Benefits of Free Movement

• Reduced momentum-breaking pauses during games
• Increased strategic opportunities during dead balls
• Faster transitions between offense and defense
• Enhanced player decision-making and quick thinking

How has free movement affected game strategy? Coaches and players now need to adapt their tactics to take advantage of the continuous flow of play. Teams can quickly reposition themselves during stoppages, creating new offensive and defensive opportunities. This change has made the game more dynamic and exciting for both players and spectators.

The Shot Clock: Promoting Equality and Eliminating Stalling Tactics

The introduction of a 90-second shot clock has been a game-changer for women’s lacrosse, addressing long-standing concerns about stalling tactics and promoting a more aggressive, action-packed style of play.

Key Aspects of the Shot Clock Rule

• 90-second countdown starts when a team gains possession
• Clock resets after any shot on goal or change of possession
• Teams must attempt a shot within the allotted time

How has the shot clock impacted game strategy? Teams can no longer rely on possession-based tactics to maintain a lead. Instead, they must continuously work to create scoring opportunities, resulting in a more dynamic and engaging game. This change has leveled the playing field and encouraged a more aggressive style of play across all skill levels.

Equipment Innovations: Mesh Pockets and Their Advantages

The introduction of mesh pockets in women’s lacrosse sticks represents a significant advancement in equipment technology. This change has opened up new possibilities for players in terms of ball control and passing accuracy.

Benefits of Mesh Pockets

• Improved ball control and feel
• Enhanced throwing accuracy and power
• Greater consistency in pocket depth
• Better performance in varying weather conditions

How do mesh pockets compare to traditional stringing? While traditional pockets require frequent adjustments and can be affected by weather conditions, mesh pockets offer more consistent performance. The freer environment for the ball within the pocket allows for quicker releases and more precise passes, potentially elevating the overall level of play in women’s lacrosse.

Leveling the Playing Field: Changes to the Draw

Modifications to the draw setup have been implemented to promote fairness and reduce the potential for one player to gain an unfair advantage during this crucial aspect of the game.

Key Changes to the Draw

• Sticks must be aligned parallel to the centerline
• Elimination of angled stick setups
• Reduced potential for controlling the direction of the draw

How have these changes affected draw specialists? Players who previously relied on specific stick angles to gain an advantage must now adapt their techniques. This change has created a more level playing field and placed greater emphasis on pure skill and reaction time during the draw.

The Future of Women’s Lacrosse Equipment

As the sport continues to evolve, we can expect to see further innovations in women’s lacrosse equipment. Manufacturers are constantly developing new technologies to enhance player performance and safety.

Emerging Trends in Lacrosse Gear

• Lightweight and durable stick materials
• Advanced protective equipment designs
• Customizable stick and pocket options
• Performance-enhancing footwear

What can players expect from future equipment developments? As technology advances, we may see the introduction of smart gear that can track player performance metrics or provide real-time feedback. Additionally, continued research into materials science could lead to even lighter and stronger sticks, allowing for increased speed and precision on the field.

Adapting to the New Rules: Strategies for Success

With the implementation of these new rules and equipment options, players and coaches must adapt their strategies to maximize their chances of success on the field.

Key Areas for Strategic Adaptation

• Conditioning for increased game pace
• Developing quick decision-making skills
• Mastering new equipment options
• Refining offensive and defensive transitions

How can players best prepare for these changes? Focusing on cardiovascular fitness and agility training can help players keep up with the faster pace of play. Additionally, practicing situational awareness and quick decision-making drills can improve performance under the new free movement and shot clock rules. Players should also experiment with different stick and pocket configurations to find the setup that best suits their playing style.

The Impact of Rule Changes on Player Development

The recent rule changes in women’s lacrosse have had a significant impact on player development, from youth leagues to the collegiate level. These modifications have created new opportunities for skill advancement and strategic thinking.

Areas of Player Development Affected by Rule Changes

• Enhanced field awareness and spatial recognition
• Improved stick skills and ball control
• Greater emphasis on endurance and speed
• Increased focus on tactical understanding

How have these changes influenced coaching methods? Coaches are now placing greater emphasis on developing players’ ability to read the game and make quick decisions. Training sessions often incorporate more game-like situations to simulate the faster pace and continuous movement of modern women’s lacrosse. Additionally, coaches are working to help players maximize the benefits of new equipment options, such as mesh pockets, to enhance their overall performance.

The Role of Technology in Modern Women’s Lacrosse

As the sport evolves, technology is playing an increasingly important role in women’s lacrosse, both on and off the field. From advanced training tools to performance analysis software, technology is helping players and coaches push the boundaries of the game.

Technological Advancements in Women’s Lacrosse

• Video analysis software for technique refinement
• GPS tracking for player movement and positioning
• Virtual reality training simulations
• Advanced materials in equipment manufacturing

How is technology changing the way players prepare for competition? Many teams now use video analysis tools to break down game footage and identify areas for improvement. GPS tracking devices can provide insights into player movement patterns and energy expenditure during games and practices. Virtual reality simulations offer opportunities for players to practice decision-making and situational awareness in a controlled environment. These technological advancements are helping players and coaches gain a deeper understanding of the game and optimize their performance.

The Global Impact: How Rule Changes Are Shaping International Women’s Lacrosse

The recent rule changes in women’s lacrosse have not only affected the sport at the domestic level but have also had a significant impact on the international stage. These modifications are helping to standardize the game across different countries and continents, potentially leading to increased global participation and competitiveness.

International Implications of Rule Changes

• Harmonization of rules across different countries
• Increased appeal to a global audience
• Potential for faster growth in emerging lacrosse nations
• Enhanced opportunities for international competition

How are these changes affecting the global growth of women’s lacrosse? The standardization of rules is making it easier for players from different countries to compete on a level playing field. The faster pace and more dynamic nature of the game are also helping to attract new players and fans in countries where lacrosse is not yet a mainstream sport. As a result, we may see a more diverse and competitive international lacrosse landscape in the coming years.

The Economic Impact of Rule Changes and Equipment Innovations

The evolution of women’s lacrosse rules and equipment has not only affected the sport itself but has also had significant economic implications for the lacrosse industry. These changes have created new market opportunities and driven innovation in equipment design and manufacturing.

Economic Effects of Lacrosse Evolution

• Increased demand for new, rule-compliant equipment
• Growth in the women’s lacrosse equipment market
• Emergence of specialized training tools and services
• Potential for new sponsorship and broadcasting opportunities

How have these changes impacted the lacrosse industry? Manufacturers have had to adapt quickly to produce equipment that meets the new regulations while also catering to players’ evolving needs. This has led to increased investment in research and development, resulting in more innovative and specialized products. The faster, more dynamic nature of the game has also made women’s lacrosse more attractive to sponsors and broadcasters, potentially leading to increased revenue streams for the sport as a whole.

The Future of Women’s Lacrosse: Potential Rule Changes and Innovations

As women’s lacrosse continues to evolve, it’s natural to speculate about potential future changes that could further enhance the sport. While nothing is certain, there are several areas where we might see additional modifications or innovations in the coming years.

Potential Future Developments in Women’s Lacrosse

• Further refinements to the shot clock rule
• Introduction of new scoring zones or shot types
• Advancements in protective gear technology
• Integration of data analytics in real-time game strategy

What might the future hold for women’s lacrosse? We could see adjustments to the shot clock duration or implementation based on feedback from players and coaches. There might be experimentation with new scoring systems to add more variety to offensive play. Advances in material science could lead to even lighter, more protective equipment. Additionally, the integration of real-time data analytics could revolutionize in-game strategy and player substitutions. While these are speculative, they represent the type of forward-thinking that continues to drive the sport’s evolution.

As women’s lacrosse continues to grow and evolve, players, coaches, and fans alike can look forward to an exciting future filled with innovation, athleticism, and competitive spirit. The recent rule changes and equipment advancements have set the stage for a new era in the sport, one that promises to be faster, more strategic, and more engaging than ever before.

Women’s Lacrosse Rule Changes And Effects 

Last Modified: January 21, 2023 Posted By: Mary Manos

Benefits of the Women’s Lacrosse Rule Changes

After this season’s major changes to women’s lacrosse, we can take a step back and see how these changes have affected the game. Some major changes from our previous article Women’s Lacrosse Rules & Changes include free movement, 90-second shot clock, changes to the draw, and new equipment options. It was an adjustment for all players, but one that made women’s lacrosse more of a modern game. These changes have greatly progressed women’s lacrosse in three key areas: game pace, equipment advances, and equality.

Women’s lacrosse is now a faster paced game

Free movement after the whistle has been the biggest change for the pace of game. Before this season, players were trained to freeze any time a whistle was blown. Any call like a foul, time-out, or a ref’s call immediately meant stopping. With the new rule, players have the freedom to move and keep the game going.

Being able to move on the whistle has helped reduce long pauses that ruined momentum during games. The rule has also increased the need for strategizing during dead balls. With this rule in place, when refs call a foul, players that aren’t being penalized may move freely for a better position. Free movement can then help a team get back on D, or cheat up the field for an easy goal. This new rule has not only lessened the time breaks during the game, but has caused players to think quicker and strategize more efficiently.

Equipment is advancing the level of play in women’s lacrosse

The biggest equipment change in women’s lacrosse is women’s lacrosse mesh! Mesh pockets and stringing have been a big game changer for women everywhere. If you haven’t been able to pick up a piece of women’s lacrosse mesh, there are many possible options for you. Cutting men’s lacrosse mesh into a runner is one choice, or you could check out StringKing.

You must still follow the rules of pocket depth and ball movement, but mesh offers many advantages. The mesh creates a freer environment for the ball to rest in, and provides more immediate control. The mesh heads help the ball feel light with cradling and creates a bigger whip effect when throwing the ball.

The depth of a mesh pocket is also harder to change, which is an appealing feature to players. With traditional stringing, there are many factors that can contribute to a pocket size becoming illegal. Even if you just spent hours trying to tighten all your knots and have a legal pocket, a quick rainstorm can ruin all that.

For the most part, a mesh pocket upholds its form much better against weather and hard passes. In combination, the form and lighter feel that a mesh pocket offers is a whole new opportunity for success. This could just be the change you needed to become an elite player, or just another option for you.

Womens lax & equality among players

Seasoned players have all experienced that game when the other team’s strategy is to “stall” or play keep away from the other team. They never advance the ball to the cage, and they hang back for an easy win.

This strategy is officially revoked thanks to the new 90-second shot clock rule. Once possession is earned by a team, the clock starts a 90-second countdown that they must score within. Many were weary of the rule before trying it out, but quickly realized a minute and a half is a pretty large amount of time to score a goal. This rule evened the playing field, no longer allowing teams to stall for large amounts of time. The clock resets after any shot on goal, or change of possession.

There is also a new rule change to the set-up of the draw and how that will affect equality on the field. Sticks between players taking the draw now have to be aligned parallel to the centerline. This eliminates draw-takers setting up their sticks at an angle, which can give an advantage in controlling where the draw will go.

Women’s sticks and gear are Now Available at Stringers Lacrosse Shop!

Don’t wait any longer to get the best-in-class women’s lacrosse products – visit The Stringers Lacrosse Shop today to find the gear you need! Get ready for the season with top-of-the-line sticks, cleats, and more at unbeatable prices.

About Mary Manos

Lacrosse for me began as something all of my best friends did, so naturally, I took a plunge and joined to see what all the hype was about. Not long after, I found I was able to quickly and easily connect with the game and from there fell in love. I have continued my lacrosse career into college and feel blessed to still be enjoying and learning from the game every day.

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Missy Doherty – Women’s Lacrosse Coach

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Phone: 814-863-7476 | Email: mhd14@psu. edu | @CoachDohertyPSU

2015 BIG TEN COACH OF THE YEAR

2015 ECAC COACH OF THE YEAR

2015 IWLCA REGIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR

12 NCAA TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (8 AT PENN STATE)

5 CONFERENCE TITLES (2 AT PENN STATE)

36 IWLCA ALL-AMERICANS

44 IWLCA ALL-REGION SELECTIONS

58 ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

9 CONFERENCE MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

33 IWLCA HONOR ROLL SELECTIONS

 

Head coach Missy Doherty completed her 13th year at Penn State in 2023. Doherty’s guidance has seen Penn State reach eight NCAA Tournaments and four NCAA Quarterfinals in that time span, including Penn State’s first National Semifinal appearance in 17 years during the 2016 season. Doherty guided the Nittany Lions back to the National Semifinal in 2017.

Doherty coached the Nittany Lions to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018 in the 2023 season. Penn State finished 11-7 on the year with ranked wins over No. 17 Rutgers, No. 14 Princeton and No. 10 Maryland. The Nittany Lions had two first team All-Big Ten honorees, Kristin O’Neill and Ellie Hollin as well as four second team selections, Sammy Dupcak, Kayla Abernathy, Gretchen Gilmore and Meghan Murray. O’Neill (first team), Dupcak (second team) and Hollin (second team) also earned All-Region honors. O’Neill (third team), Hollin (honorable mention) and Gilmore (honorable mention) also garnered All-American status from USA Lacrosse.

O’Neill added to her honors by being named to the Tewaarton Watch List and was a IWLCA Mid-Season All-American along with Dupcak. The junior led the Nittany Lions in points (59) and goals (51), while earning her 100th career goal in a 15-12 win against Pittsburg on March 21, 2023.

Penn State finished the 2022 season 6-9 overall including a 14-10 win over No. 21 James Madison. On Feb. 23, Missy notched her 200th career win as Penn State defeated Duquesne 18-4 in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Nittany Lions had two All-Big Ten selections in Kristin O’Neill (First Team) and Sammy Dupcak (Second Team). Both student-athletes were tabbed All-Region selections as well, as O’Neill took First Team honors and Dupcak earned Second Team honors. 

 

The Nittany Lions went 4-9 in 2021 with three of their four wins coming against Top 20 opponents. Penn State earned victories over Rutgers (20-11), No. 7 Maryland (15-13), No. 13 Michigan (13-12) and No. 9 Maryland (16-9). Penn State finished the season ranked No. 21 in the IWLCA Poll, after being ranked the entire season and rising as high as No. 5. Penn State had the second-ranked offense in the Big Ten, averaging 12.77 goals per game.

 

Penn State had four All-Big Ten selections, including Olivia Dirks (First Team) and Maria Auth, Sammy Helgeson and Kristin O’Neill (Second Team). Auth led the Nittany Lions in points (46) and goals (34), while Helgeson had 14 ground balls and nine caused turnovers as a leader of the defense.

 

Dirks was named Penn State’s second Big Ten Midfielder of the Year and received three All-America awards: IWLCA First Team, Inside Lacrosse Second Team, and USA Lacrosse Magazine Second Team. She led the blue and white in draw controls (78) and caused turnovers (18) and adding 31 goals and 12 assists. Dirks was selected an Inside Lacrosse Midseason All-American and was a Tewaaraton Award nominee. She won two Big Ten Midfielder of the Week awards, one Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honor and was the IWLCA Offensive Player of the Week after leading Penn State to their February 21 win over Maryland.

 

O’Neill was tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Penn State’s second to win the award. O’Neill recorded 29 goals, eight assists and 15 caused turnovers in her first season in Happy Valley. She won Big Ten Freshman of the Week five times out of the nine weeks the award was given out.

 

Taylor Suplee ranked third in the Big Ten in saves per game (8.08) and save percentage (.408). She was also third in the conference in ground balls per game (2.83). Suplee had six games with 10 or more saves, including 14 saves in a win over Maryland on February 21. She also had 12 saves in a win against Rutgers (2/14) and 13 in a victory against Michigan (3/21). Suplee made 12 stops at Northwestern (3/13) and 10 in each game against Ohio State (3/26, 3/28). She was the IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week following the win over Maryland. She was also a two-time Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week selection.

Doherty led the Nittany Lions to a 5-2 record in 2020 before the season was canceled on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Nittany Lions began the season with four straight wins, defeating Towson (12-9), Lehigh (13-9), Duquesne (20-6) and Cornell (19-9).  Penn State finished the season with a 14-13 victory at Vanderbilt.

 

The Nittany Lions were very strong on the defensive end, ranking fourth in the nation in save percentage (.531).  Penn State was also 23rd in the country in caused turnovers per game with 10.0.  The Nittany Lions allowed 12.0 goals per game, ranking fourth in the Big Ten.

 

Penn State’s defense was led by sophomore goalie Taylor Suplee, who earned honorable-mention All-American honors from Inside Lacrosse. Suplee led the Big Ten and ranked second in the nation averaging 12.43 saves per game. She held fifth in the nation with 87 saves and seventh with a .527 save percentage. Suplee ranked fourth in the Big Ten with a 12.27 goals-against average.  Against Cornell, Suplee made 20 saves, becoming the first PSU goalie to record 20 saves since Cammie Jurkowsky made 20 saves against North Carolina on April 6, 2007.

 

On the offensive end, the Nittany Lions averaged 13.71 goals per game, good for third in the Big Ten. Penn State was also third in the conference averaging 5.29 assists per game. The Nittany Lions ranked 18th in the nation in shot percentage (.480) and 14th in the country in free position percentage (.544). 

 

Senior attacker Maria Auth ranked fifth in the Big Ten with 22 goals and third with 3.14 goals per game. She finished fourth in the conference with 33 points and 4.71 points per game. Auth led the Big Ten and ranked fifth in the country averaging 1. 57 free position goals per game.  Junior Sophia Triandafils ranked 10th in the Big Ten averaging 3.14 points per game.

In 2019, the Nittany Lions went 8-9, including a 3-3 mark in Big Ten play, and reached the Big Ten semifinals.  Penn State earned wins over No. 11 Towson and No. 21 Johns Hopkins. The Nittany Lions won four of their final six games of the regular season. 

Penn State played its first season in Panzer Stadium, opening the venue with a 15-5 win over Lehigh. The Nittany Lions won five games at home, including victories against Towson (13-7), Lehigh (15-5), Albany (11-9), Ohio State (21-5) and Rutgers (18-7).  Three Nittany Lions earned All-Big Ten honors, including junior Maria Auth and seniors Kayla Brisolari and Reilly Masterson. Brisolari and Masterson collected IWLCA All-Region selections. Brisolari was selected for the IWLCA Senior All-Star Game and was drafted No. 12 overall in the WPLL Draft by the WPLL Brave.

Brisolari led the Big Ten with 1.53 caused turnovers per game.   Auth led the Nittany Lions with 46 points (32 goals, 14 assists), while junior Quinn Nicolai led the squad with 34 goals.  Brisolari added 31 goals, while pacing PSU with 37 ground balls, 73 draw controls and 26 caused turnovers. Freshman Taylor Suplee ranked second in the Big Ten in saves per game (9.71), third in saves (165) and third in save percentage (.481). 

In 2018, Doherty led her team to an NCAA Tournament appearance for the seventh- straight year.  The Nittany Lions went 10-10 and reached the Big Ten Championship game.  Penn State went 3-3 in Big Ten play.  The Nittany Lions knocked off four ranked opponents, including No. 17 Cornell, No. 22 Johns Hopkins, No. 6 Virginia and No. 7 Northwestern.

The Nittany Lions tied the team record with 303 goals in 2018.  Three Nittany Lions earned IWLCA All-America honors, including senior Katie O’Donnell (first team), junior Madison Carter (second team) and Kayla Brisolari (third team).  O’Donnell was a second-team All-America selection by Inside Lacrosse and was named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year, the first in program history, before being drafted fourth overall by the New England Command in the WPLL Draft. O’Donnell finished her career fourth all-time at Penn State in goals (203) and sixth in points (227).  Carter and Brisolari joined O’Donnell as All-Big Ten and All-Region selections. Carter led PSU with 62 goals and Brisolari had 10 goals and 76 draw controls. Auth led the team with 71 points, including 54 goals.

In 2017, Doherty’s team went 17-4, finishing second in the Big Ten and securing the second-most victories in program history and the most since 1989 when Penn State went 19-1. Doherty coached three IWLCA All-Americans during the 2017 season including the program’s 43rd first-team All-American, Steph Lazo, and the first in 13 seasons. O’Donnell and Carter earned second-team recognition.

The Nittany Lions reached the NCAA Quarterfinals for the second straight season, making back-to-back appearances for the first time since a three-year span from 1995-97, and captured the program’s most wins since 1999.

The Nittany Lions set program records for goals with 303 and points with 427 while their 124 assists were the second-most in a single-season in program history. Penn State earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and hosted the first three rounds and advanced to its 11th Final Four in program history at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

In 2016, Doherty’s team went 14-7 finishing second in the Big Ten, but were upset in the first round of the Big Ten Championship Tournament by Northwestern, 9-6. Her squad earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and immediately caught fire outscoring their opponents 38-23 en route to the Final Four where they came up just one goal shy, bowing out to eventual National Champion North Carolina, 12-11. Doherty coached Carter to the 2016 Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor while two players earned IWLCA All-America status and five earned IWLCA All-Region accolades. Penn State finished fourth in the final IWLCA national poll.

Doherty led her Nittany Lion teams to double-digit wins each year her first eight seasons at the University Park campus including a 16-5 mark in 2015 while capturing the Big Ten Tournament Championship with a 13-11 victory over Ohio State.

During that 2015 season, Doherty earned Big Ten Coach of the Year, ECAC Coach of the Year and IWLCA Regional Coach of the Year accolades Penn State went 13-1 late in the season to reach the NCAA Quarterfinals and narrowly missed the program’s first national semifinal appearance in 16 years. Doherty coached three IWLCA All-Americans, six IWLCA All-Region players and five All-Big Ten honorees including Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Emi Smith.

PSU made seven-straight NCAA appearances, from 2012 to 2018, under Doherty’s watch, the most consecutive appearances at Penn State since 1993. The 16 wins in 2015 were the most since the 1989 National Championship.

Following a pair of NCAA Quarterfinals appearances in 2012 and 2013, Doherty guided her Nittany Lions to a 10-8 overall mark and a third NCAA Tournament showing in 2014.

During Doherty’s third year at the program’s helm in 2013, Penn State continued its national ascension. Penn State, which went 14-7, also claimed a share of its first American Lacrosse Conference (ALC) regular-season championship with a 4-1 conference mark.

Under her guidance, Penn State defeated its highest ranked opponent since 2007 with a 16-11 upset victory against then-No. 2 Florida. The Nittany Lions, who were ranked as high as No. 6 for the first time since 2007, also finished a perfect 9-0 at home to complete their first undefeated home campaign since 1991.

In 2012, Doherty led Penn State to a 12-7 record, earning the program’s most wins since 2005 and its third consecutive double-digit win season. Five of those wins came against ranked opponents, including three versus top-10 teams. Penn State excelled on the road in 2012, registering eight victories, the most by the Nittany Lions since the 1989 National Championship team. Penn State received an at-large bid to the 2012 NCAA Championship, advancing to the quarterfinals for the first time since 1999.

In her first season at the helm of the collegiate women’s lacrosse’s second-winningest program, Doherty led the Penn State to a 10-8 record and a second-place finish in the ALC. The Nittany Lions knocked off four ranked opponents during the regular season and advanced to the semifinals of the ALC Championship.

In seven years at Towson, Doherty built the Tigers into one of the top teams in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and into a nationally recognized and competitive program. At Towson, she posted an impressive 79-46 (.632) record, including five seasons with 13 or more victories, and led it to three CAA Tournament championships (2005, 2008-09) and a share of one CAA regular-season title (2008). Doherty coached six All-Americans during her tenure, including Towson’s first three-time honoree in program history.

In 2010, Doherty guided Towson to a season of unprecedented success, as the Tigers earned an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history and received their first top 10 national ranking in the IWLCA Division I poll.

Prior to arriving at Towson, Doherty had a successful six-year stretch as an assistant coach at three different schools. At Princeton University, she was an integral member of the coaching staff that led the Tigers to NCAA Championships in 2002 and 2003. During Doherty’s tenure, Princeton compiled a 49-9 record and captured three straight Ivy League crowns.

Doherty also served two seasons at Brown University (1999-2000) after starting her coaching career at Vanderbilt in 1998.

A 1997 graduate of the University of Maryland, Doherty (nee Holmes) was a four-year letter winning defender, helping the Terrapins claim three NCAA Championships. Maryland was a dominant force in collegiate women’s lacrosse during her career, amassing a remarkable 68-2 record, including an NCAA record 50-game winning streak. Also a standout in the classroom, Doherty was a three-time honoree on the ACC Academic Honor Roll. In 2010, Doherty earned a master’s degree in biology from Towson University.

The former Missy Holmes, she is married to Brian Doherty. The couple has two sons, Evan and Nathan.

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