Reigning Player of the Year named new UF assistant lacrosse coach

Posted Jul 27, 2010 by Aaron Oberlin

Updated Jul 27, 2010 at 09:55 PM

After recruiting the nation’s No. 1 class last year in its inaugural season, the Florida lacrosse team added another top player to its roster.

This time as a coach.

Florida coach Amanda O’ Leary announced today that Caitlyn McFadden, the reigning two-time ACC Player of the Year and the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, is the new assistant coach.

McFadden will be involved in all aspects of the team.

“She is one of the most decorated players in the history of collegiate lacrosse,” said O’ Leary, “and to have someone of her caliber join our program speaks to the quality of Florida athletics.”

Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said before the beginning of last season that the goal of the lacrosse team is to compete for championships and build successful students.

To accomplish that, he hired O’ Leary, a two-time All-American at Temple and the NCAA MVP in 1988. Before heading south, she coached Yale for 14 years and was named the 2003 Northeast Regional Coach of the Year.

She helmed a freshman-flooded Gators team to a 10-8 record last season, including a 14-3 victory over Johns Hopkins on May 6 in the first round of the American Lacrosse Championship tournament.

McFadden knows about winning, too.

She captained Maryland the last two years, culminating her college career with the 2010 National Championship. As a member of the United States Women’s Lacrosse National Team, she won a gold medal at the 2009 FIL World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic.

“I am honored to be a part of this young program, which has already experienced tremendous success, and so excited to work with its very talented players and coaches,” said McFadden.

Florida’s latest addition will give a young, maturing team someone who not only can relate to them age-wise, but also someone who can instill the virtues of ambition and hard work. McFadden started every game during her four years as a Terrapin and managed to make the ACC honor roll and her school’s dean’s list.

“As a player, I was fortunate enough to be part of a national championship team, and I know the amount of dedication and hard work that it takes to get there,” McFadden said. “I can’t wait to share that experience with the Florida players and translate to them what it takes to be successful both on the field and in the classroom.”

“Caitlyn’s numerous athletic and academic accolades not only speak to her abilities as a lacrosse player, but also as a person. She will be an incredible influence on our young ladies,” O’Leary said. “Her success in her collegiate career and with the National Team adds to the strength of this program and our outlook for the future.”