ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. - The Bard College Department of Athletics and Recreation has hired Rachel Vallarelli as Head Coach of the women's lacrosse program, it was announced Friday.

Vallarelli is a coach, a professional women's field lacrosse player, a men's box lacrosse goalkeeper, a club director, a lacrosse business owner and a former member of the United States U19 National Women's Lacrosse team. Most recently she was the acting head coach for the women's team at Manhattanville College.

"I was immediately drawn to Bard after reading the mission and values that focus on inclusion, respect, communication, growth, and integrity, which so closely align to my own," Vallarelli said. "It became evident with each interaction how they are more than words on a page, and they form the foundation for every decision at Bard.  I was also drawn to the culture focused on academic and athletic excellence."

"Everyone who spoke with Rachel in this interview process was impressed by her readiness for the role," said Interim Athletic Director David Lindholm. "She's committed to academic success, community engagement, and empowering young people, in addition to her impressive track record as a coach and a player. We are thrilled to welcome Rachel into our department."

Vallarelli played collegiately at the University of Massachusetts, where as a senior, she led the team to 19-2 overall record and was named the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year. She finished her career there with a 48-6 overall record, a 6.77 goals-against-average, and a .461 save percentage.

"I am excited to get started working with such a talented and values-driven group of young leaders and help to develop them and reach their goals on and off the field," Vallarelli said. "I'd like to thank David Lindholm, Stefanie Carrington, and the rest of the Bard Staff and Search Committee for bringing me into the fold."

After graduating from UMass, Vallarelli played professional for the Baltimore Ride of the United Women's Lacrosse League. In box lacrosse, she was the first woman to ever play and start in the Interstate Box Lacrosse Association for the Cambridge Nor'Easters, and also the first woman ever invited to the National Lacrosse League U.S. Elite Combine and the NLL Toronto Combine in 2019. She is an NLL free agent right now.

Other coaching stops along the way include Purchase College, where she coached the men's and women's teams at the same time, Fresno State, Villanova and Wagner.

"I'm looking forward to working together with the players," Vallarelli said, "so we can immerse ourselves in our culture, to define where we want to be on and off the field. Then we'll work on a timeline to achieve our goals in conference play."

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Rachel Vallarelli is also a contributing writer for USA Lacrosse Magazine. Click here to learn more about her journey, in a story she wrote herself.