Oberlin, Ohio – Oberlin College Delta Lodge Director of Athletics Joe Karlgaard has appointed Liz Longley as Head Coach of Women's Lacrosse.
Longley comes to Oberlin from Lynchburg University where she has served as an assistant coach for the last three seasons.
Longley, who is taking over for Deb Ranieri and is remaining as Oberlin's field hockey coach, helped transform the Hornets from a perennial .500 level team into one of the top teams in the region in 2010 with a an overall record of 14-4 and a 6-2 mark in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference that features nationally-ranked Washington & Lee. This past season the Hornets' offense averaged 13.22 goals per game, which was third best in the ODAC.
“I am confident Liz will lead our program in the right direction,” Karlgaard said. “She has excellent experience as both a player and coach and has won in both roles. I would also like to thank Coach Ranieri for her work with the program for the last nine seasons.”
An IWLCA All-American and three-time All-Empire Region selection, Longley's career as a player at Hamilton University (NY) speaks volumes. She was the 2006 Liberty League Player of the Year and left the school as the all-time leader in assists and currently ranks second with 87 career helpers. She also ranks fourth all-time in points (197) and seventh in goals scored.
As a senior tri-captain in 2007, Longley led the Continentals to the Liberty League regular season and tournament titles and eventually all the way to the NCAA Division III Tournament Quarterfinals. In that season she started 18 of 19 games and finished with 32 goals and 31 assists.
Furthermore, for her efforts on the field throughout her career, Longley garnered Hamilton's Jack B. Riffle Award as the athletics department's Most Outstanding Female Senior Athlete.
“Liz's passion for the game and excitement for working with our student-athletes came through during her interview with the department and the players,” Associate Director of Athletics and Hiring Committee Chair Kiki Jacobs said. “We believe she will be a great fit here and are looking forward to having her as a member of the Oberlin community.
Longley earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Hamilton in 2007 and recently completed her master's degree in psychology from Lynchburg.
She will officially begin her duties on July 1.
Note: Photo and parts of this story are courtesy of the Lynchburg Athletics Department.
