Fresh Off the Field, New LAX Coach to 'Stick With the Program'

She went from the college playing field to the coaching ranks in just one year. For new girls' lacrosse coach Lauren Leddy, it seems like the perfect transition.

The recent graduate of Villanova University is excited to have the opportunity to join Cougar nation.

"We have such a great support system," said Leddy. "Between the parents, our Athletic Director (Marc Taglieri), the whole school is very supportive of the lacrosse program, so I really think with that, we're going to do great things."

Leddy comes to Cranford after a stellar career with the Wildcats, holding several school records. Named captain her senior year, she holds the all-time school-record for assists in a season, game and career, and was leading scorer her senior season. The former three-time All-Conference star is adjusting to her new role just fine. 

"I am just out of college, so I was a little nervous," said Leddy. "I wasn't sure how the girls were going to handle that, but I think the fact that I did just get out of college ball, I can relate to them a lot. I have a lot of passion for the game. I know the game well. I'm just able to relate to them which I think is a good thing."

The program currently has 34 girls who play a full varsity schedule, and a junior varsity team which mixes in the freshmen.

"It's tough working with such a small group of girls," Leddy said. "The numbers were definitely not there that I was looking for, but a feeder program will definitely help. We've been working with the two co-founders of the Cranford Lacrosse Club and we're doing a summer clinic this summer. They haven't done one with the high school in the past. I think that's definitely going to help build it a little bit sooner than it has been in the past."

One thing Leddy is happy to see is how much her squad wants to not only work hard to improve, but they also want to reap the rewards of winning.

"The girls all want it really bad, so as long as that's in place, it makes the job a lot easier for the coaching staff," she said. "The seniors have been through a couple of different coaching styles the past couple of years, so they're ready for a coach who is ready to come in  and teach them all they can about the game. They're looking for a coach who is going to come in and stay, and that's definitely my plan, to build the program."

Her players are impressed by what they've seen and heard.

"She just came off of college lacrosse, and she has a more hands-on experience and knows how to deal with girls our age," said captain Dina Mansour. "She can relate to us."

"She brings out the best in all of us and in practice you can see that totally," said captain Shannon Slattery. "Nobody has an attitude. It's all about lacrosse."

"She's a brought a lot of positivity and a lot of knowledge because she really knows what she's talking about," said captain Katie Pijanowski. "We've definitely improved since last year and all the girls are really committed."

"We joined a new league, so we play some different teams. We can get some wins under our belt, hopefully," Leddy said. "We're looking for a .500 record. We have so much talent, I just think they need somebody to come in and re-teach them the fundamentals, the little things are what is going to make them a greater team. I tell them it's the simple fundamentals, the catching and the throwing, that all has to be in place, before you can go anywhere else. That's the difference between the great teams and the okay teams, so we need to get there. It will take a little time, but it's looking good so far."