NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Iona College Director of Athletics
Patrick Lyons has announced the appointment of
Michelle Mason as
the program's new head women's lacrosse coach. Mason comes to New
Rochelle from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire where she
held the same position for two seasons.
"I am extremely pleased
to introduce Michelle as the second head coach in Iona lacrosse
history," said Lyons. "Her passion and energy for the sport will be
great asset as the program continues its ascent in the MAAC Lacrosse
League and the Northeast."
"The opportunity to coach a Division
I lacrosse program has always been a dream of mine and Iona is a
perfect fit," said Mason. "I'm excited to be a part of a school with a
great academic reputation and a lacrosse program that has seen
tremendous growth over the last four years."
As head coach,
Mason led the Owls to two consecutive winning seasons including a 13-8
mark in 2008. She was 21-14 in her two seasons, the highest winning
percentage of the program's five head coaches. In 2005, Mason served as
an assistant coach before taking over the program.
As a player,
Mason had no rivals as a record-breaking attacker for the Owls. A
three-time All-LEC all-star, the Fairport, New York, native established
Keene State career goal (202), assists (82), and point (284) records.
She also rewrote the Keene State women's soccer record book during her
four seasons as the Owls' starting goalie. Mason holds a Keene State
women's soccer record for most wins (66) and saves (437) in a career.
The Fairport, NY native led KSC to a pair of NCAA women's soccer
tournament berths and was a four-time All-LEC and three-time All-New
England honoree.
Mason becomes the second lacrosse coach in Iona
history; a program that first competed in 2004. The team is coming off
its highest win total of eight from two seasons ago and its first-ever
MAAC Championship bid last year. The Gaels return 17 players from the
2008 squad and will host the MAAC Women's Lacrosse Championship for the
fourth year in a row in 2009.