Saint Michael's: 'Ashley Hughes Named Purple Knight's Women's Lacrosse Coach'

Information Provided By Saint Michael's Sports Information

COLCHESTER, Vt. – Ashley Hughes, the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Allegheny College women's lacrosse program, has been named the head coach of the Saint Michael's College women's lacrosse program.

Hughes, the ninth head coach in the 29-year history of the program, replaces Carla Hesler. Hesler, who amassed a program-record 64 victories in her 10 years as women's lacrosse head coach, will remain with Saint Michael's in a full-time capacity, as she will begin her 12th year as the head coach of Saint Michael's field hockey program this fall, plus add athletic department operational duties to her resume.

"I am thrilled that Ashley is joining the Saint Michael's athletic department as women's lacrosse head coach," said Saint Michael's Director of Athletics Geri Knortz. "Her playing and collegiate coaching experiences will be a valuable addition to our women's lacrosse program."

"I would like to thank Geri Knortz and the rest of the search committee for this wonderful opportunity," said Hughes. "I am excited to build upon the traditions of the women's lacrosse program and aspire to become a consistent competitor within the Northeast-10 Conference. I look forward to joining the Saint Michael's community and aiding in the academic and athletic success of the Purple Knights."

Hughes spent the 2009-10 academic year as an assistant coach for both the women's lacrosse and women's soccer programs at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt. She assisted the head coach of both programs with all daily operations, and helped the women's lacrosse team win the Great Northeast Athletic Conference championship, qualifying the team for the NCAA Division III Tournament. Hughes also served as a women's lacrosse assistant coach at Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y., during the 2008-09 academic year.

A native of Wexford, Pa., Hughes was a standout student-athlete at Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa., where she graduated in 2008 with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. She played both lacrosse and soccer at Allegheny, and was a four-year starter for both programs. In lacrosse, she is the program's all-time leader with 125 career goals, 54 career assists, and 179 career points. She was a three-time All-North Coast Athletic Conference First Team selection (and Second Team pick the other season), and a two-time NCAC All-Tournament Team pick. A two-year team captain, Hughes also earned All-West Region honors from the International Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Association twice.

In soccer, Hughes led the Gators in goals scored for two consecutive seasons, and was an NCAA honorable mention selection as a junior.

Hughes has experience working as a counselor at the week-long Saint Michael's girl's lacrosse camp held last month, and also worked at a similar camp at Allegheny twice while an undergraduate.

For Hesler, she steps down after 15 years as a women's lacrosse head coach, including a combined five years at NCAA Division I institutions (four years at Colgate University, one year at Old Dominion University). Hesler totaled 100 victories as a women's lacrosse head coach, and with Saint Michael's, led the program to six Northeast-10 Conference tournament appearances, including four trips to the semifinals. She guided the Purple Knights to four winning seasons, including a program record-tying nine victories in 2004, a total which she matched in 2008.

TRANSACTION: Saint Michael's – Named Ashley Hughes women's lacrosse head coach.