Saratoga Springs, N.Y.—Skidmore College has named Elizabeth Ghilardi head women's lacrosse coach. Ghilardi comes to Saratoga after serving as an assistant at Division I Robert Morris University.

“Elizabeth is a rising star in women's lacrosse and we feel fortunate to have her joining the Skidmore community” said Gail Cummings-Danson, Skidmore athletics director. “Elizabeth's interests in the students she has coached extend well beyond the playing field and our student-athletes will be well served under her leadership. Her confidence and vision for the program will positively impact our players and the overall program.”

At Robert Morris, Ghilardi specialized in training goalkeepers and the attack. This past season, the Colonials had five Northeast Conference All-Conference players, the most in the program's history.

“I would like to thank Athletic Director, Gail Cummings-Danson and the search committee for this amazing opportunity,” Ghilardi said. “Skidmore is a tremendous institution with a lot tradition. From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew it would be a great fit, everyone made me feel extremely welcome.”

Prior to Robert Morris, Ghilardi was the assistant women's lacrosse coach at Connecticut College where she was responsible for on and off-campus recruiting, practice preparation and specialized in on-field coaching for the attack and goalkeepers.

While at Connecticut College she coached two All-NESCAC players, six Regional All-Americans, four NESCAC All-Academics, an IWLCA D III Academic Honor Roll Team and a NESCAC All-Academic Team. She was a member of the Regional All-American Committee in 2009 and the IWLCA Rules Committee in 2008.

In addition, Ghilardi was the Co-Director of the Connecticut College Lacrosse Camp, as well as the fall and winter lacrosse clinics from 2006-2009. She worked as a coach for the Nor'Easter Lacrosse Club, the Elite Lacrosse Program at Greenwich Academy and coached at several camps across the country, including the Amonte Sports Lacrosse Camp, the Princeton Lacrosse Camp and the Elite 180 Camp.

Ghilardi competed in lacrosse at Colby College and graduated in 2006 with a B.A. in human development and education. While at Colby she was named team MVP and first team Regional All-American in 2006. During that year she finished third on her team with 56 points, including 36 goals and 20 assists. She graduated with an M.A. in psychology from Connecticut College in 2009.

Skidmore finished the 2010 season with a 7-10 overall and 3-5 Liberty League record. The team returns 14 players, including Liberty League All-Stars Kimberly Segalas, Lauren Madden, and Lauren McCarthy.


Additional Ghilardi quotes:

Future of the Program

Immediate Goals - Having spent seven years coaching and playing in the NESCAC, I am prepared to hit the ground running in the Liberty League. Recruiting will be my primary focus, in addition to absorbing the culture of Skidmore College and the women's lacrosse program. Tradition is something I respect and value; therefore I will conduct myself and run my program in a way that echoes the mission of the college and the athletic department at Skidmore.

Short Term Goals – The short term success of the Skidmore women's lacrosse program hinges upon developing current players and pushing them to reach their maximum potential. In addition, I will continue to focus on recruiting players that can make an immediate impact.

Long Term Goals – Skidmore College breeds competitive and high-achieving athletic programs. The women's lacrosse program has experienced success in the past and is capable of greatness. Building off the current foundation, Skidmore should expect to compete for a conference championship. In the near future, given the strength of the Liberty League along with a competitive and balanced out of league schedule, the team will gain the experience to reach the ultimate goal of being a true contender at the national level in Division III.