In an attempt to solidify the head coaching position and reverse the disappointment of last season, Suzanne Weinberg has been named the new head coach of the Lady Lions lacrosse team, Penn State Athletics Director Tim Curley said yesterday.
"We are very pleased that Suzanne will be returning to Penn State as head coach," Associate Athletic Director Ellen Perry said in a Penn State Sports Information press release. "Her experiences have prepared her well for the lacrosse team's future."
Weinberg was a four-time letterwinner at Penn State and an integral part of three Lady Lions teams that reached the NCAA tournament.
"My experience as a player and as an assistant coach at Penn State were exceptional and I look forward to a similar experience as a head coach," Weinberg said in the release.
For the past four seasons, Weinberg was the head coach at Drew. She compiled a 56-15 career record and led the Rangers to four straight MAC titles. Weinberg was named MAC coach of the year twice, and in 1997 was also named the South Atlantic Region coach of the year.
During the offseason, Weinberg has remained active in the development of youthful lacrosse players. She is the director of the Five Star Lacrosse Camp in Philadelphia, and chairs numerous committees, including the NCAA Regional Advisory Committee and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Association All-America Committee.
Weinberg, who still competes in lacrosse events yearly, said she has a positive outlook for the upcoming season.
"This year's team has a lot of potential and (assistant coaches) Tara (Rowlyk), Emmy (Hansel) and I are excited to get started toward realizing that potential in the 2001 season," Weinberg said. "I feel fortunate to return to Happy Valley in such an important role."
"I can't comment on anything," said Rowlyk, refusing to elaborate on the coaching change.
Weinberg will replace Karen Schnellenbach, who coached the Lady Lions to an 8-9 record in 2000, her only season as head coach. Penn State did not qualify for the postseason.
Schnellenbach took control of the team on an interim basis after Julie Williams resigned last summer because she was getting married.
As head coach, Williams brought significant respect to the women's lacrosse program, finishing with a 116-55 overall record. She coached 18 All-Americans in her nine-year career.
Penn State enters this season with six seniors, including first-team Mid-Atlantic Region All-American Christine Kenney.
Senior goalkeeper Megan Ames will look to build on a strong season last year, and junior B.J. Lucey, who also performed well last year, will flank Kenney. The team will surely miss the services of Julie Tice and Jenn Webb, first-team Mid-Atlantic Region All-Americans from last season.
"I am really excited," Rowlyk said.
