RIT Women's Lacrosse Assistant Coach Receives National Honor
Stephen Jaynes - Sports Information Director
12/9/2009 9:57:32 AM
NEW PORT, RI -- RIT women's lacrosse assistant coach, Melissa Pearsall, was named the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) outstanding assistant coach for Division III. The award was given at the honors dinner on Monday night in New Port, Rhode Island.
The purpose of the Outstanding Assistant Coach Award is to recognize an assistant women's lacrosse coach who has made a distinct impact on the success of their program demonstrated through hard work, commitment, dedication, and sportsmanship.
"Melissa has been a tremendous asset to our program," said Head Coach Jeff McGuigan. "She continues to set the bar high and gets the best out of our players."
Pearsall, now in her third season at RIT, helped the Tigers to one of their finest seasons in 2009. She helped RIT to a 13-5 record and a second place finish in the Empire 8 conference. Primarily working with the defense, Pearsall helped the Tigers hold their opponents to 8.72 goals per game and coached All-American goalkeeper Kesley Evans and All-Regiona selection Jerica Young.
Pearsall is a 2007 graduate of Syracuse University. She played in 63 career games with the Orange from 2004 to 2007, primarily as a midfielder. She recorded 10 points on six goals and four assists to go along with 81 ground balls. In Pearsall's four seasons at Syracuse, she helped the squad make two NCAA Tournament appearances (2005, 2007) and post a 43-24 mark. Pearsall earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Pearsall is currently working towards her master's degree in psychology at Roberts Wesleyan College.