IWLCA Names 2024 Outstanding Assistant Coaches

NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The IWLCA has announced the 2024 Outstanding Assistant Coach awards for each Division. Molly Hulseman Palella and Colleen Smith (Yale), Nicole Belanger (New Haven), and Lindsay Magro (William Smith) will be recognized at the IWLCA Convention on November 21 for their achievements. 

The Outstanding Assistant Coach award recognizes an assistant coach from each Division who has made a distinct impact on the success of their program through hard work, commitment, dedication, and sportsmanship.

Molly Hulseman Palella and Colleen Smith have profoundly impacted the Yale women’s lacrosse program during their tenures. Over the past eight years, they have transformed the program into national contenders, achieving historic milestones in 2024, including an Ivy League championship and a record of 17-3.

"It’s an incredible honor for us as the coaching staff to win this award together! We are truly grateful for the opportunity to do what we love every day and to work alongside amazing mentors and inspiring young women. We look forward to celebrating this achievement with everyone in Florida!" — Colleen Smith and Molly Hulseman Palella

Palella, who focuses on draw control and offensive strategies, has also played a crucial role in breaking multiple school records for goals, assists, and points. Her organizational skills and ability to liaise with various departments have significantly streamlined operations and enhanced team performance.

Smith, as Defensive Coordinator and goalie coach, has spearheaded a notable improvement in the team’s defensive performance, elevating their national ranking from 77th in 2022 to third in 2024.

“Over the past (almost) decade, Colleen and Molly have shared their lives with Yale Women’s Lacrosse,” stated Yale head coach Erica Bamford. “It has become evident that they view their work as more than a job or career, it has become a lifestyle — a rarity in our profession. Their loyalty, commitment, and sacrifice have been among their greatest contributions to our program. Colleen and Molly are truly invested in the continued success of our program, measured in both on-field achievement and in enriching the lives of our student-athletes.”

Nicole Belanger, assistant coach and Athletics Wellness Coordinator at New Haven, has made a profound impact in her six years with this Division II program. Her multifaceted role includes coaching, wellness advocacy, and mental health support, stemming from her background as a licensed clinical therapist. Belanger has been pivotal in enhancing student-athlete experiences by bridging gaps between athletics and university support services. Her innovative initiatives, such as a comprehensive onboarding guide for incoming athletes, have significantly improved transitions for freshmen, leading to higher retention rates.

Under her guidance, the team achieved a 12-7 overall record last season and reached the NCAA tournament for the sixth and seventh times in 2023 and 2024.

“It is an incredible honor to receive the IWLCA 2024 Outstanding Assistant Coach Award for my Division. I am deeply grateful for this recognition and for the journey that has brought me here — from my days as a student-athlete at the University of New Haven, playing Division II lacrosse, to now serving as a full-time assistant coach and Athletics Wellness Coordinator. This journey has taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and the importance of mentorship, and I am truly proud to give back to the sport that has given me so much." — Nicole Belanger

Lindsay Magro, an assistant coach at William Smith, has made a remarkable impact in her two years with the program. With previous coaching experience at Canisius, RIT, and as defensive coordinator at Virginia, Magro has brought invaluable expertise and leadership. As a One Love facilitator, she emphasizes healthy relationships and timely intervention, contributing to a positive team culture.

“I am very honored and humbled to be receiving this award. I want to share my sincerest gratitude to all the coaches, teammates, support staff, players and family that are the true reflection of this award.” — Lindsay Magro

Her commitment extends beyond coaching; she is dedicated to player development, balancing academics and athletics, and has significantly influenced team performance, evident in the team's impressive GPA of 3.54 for Spring 2024.

A standout moment came in 2023 when she coached the team to the Final Four despite being due to give birth, showcasing her dedication and resilience. Under her guidance, William Smith achieved a 20-4 record last season, marking their second consecutive trip to the Final Four.

The 2024 IWLCA Convention will be held November 20-22 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida. For more details, visit IWLCA.org.