ERIE, Pa. – Head coach Cecil C. Pilson of the Mercyhurst College women's lacrosse team announced Tuesday afternoon that Jillian Howley will join the Lakers as an assistant coach this fall.

"I am very excited to welcome Jillian to the Laker family," said Pilson. "Her experiences playing Division I lacrosse and knowledge of coaching will benefit our team greatly."

Howley, a native of East Northport, N.Y., joins the Mercyhurst staff after earning her bachelor's degree in sports management from Robert Morris University, where she was a dual-sport athlete playing both lacrosse and field hockey.

A four-year starter for both teams, Howley excelled at the sport of lacrosse, guiding the upstart Colonials from a 3-14 record as a freshman to a 9-8 finish in 2009. She ranked in the team's top-10 in scoring each season, setting career-high marks in goals (28), points (32) and game-winning goals (2) as a senior.

While at Robert Morris, Howley spent her time away from school coaching with several local club and high school teams. She served as an assistant coach with Three Rivers Lacrosse, Intrepid and Sewickley Academy. During the summer months, she would act in the same role with the Long Island Elite Women's Lacrosse Yellow Jackets back home in New York.

Along with her coaching duties, Howley will also pursue a master's degree in organizational leadership at Mercyhurst.

2009-08-13