LaMonica Named Towson Women's Coach
from press release
|
TOWSON, Md. – Sonia LaMonica has been
named as the Head Women's Lacrosse Coach at Towson University. A
native of Darlington, South Australia, LaMonica succeeds Missy
Doherty. "Sonia is a perfect fit for Towson University," Interim
Director of Athletics Ted Zaleski said. "She has the experience to
be a firm leader and is young enough to relate to the young women
she will coach.
"She also provides Towson with continuity for our women's lacrosse
program," Zaleski added. "She helped recruit many of the players on
this year's squad. She will hit the field running."
As Mount St Mary's head coach, LaMonica led her team to an 8-9
record last year and a berth in the Northeast Conference (NEC)
semi-finals.
"Returning to the Tiger Family is a dream come true for me and my
family," LaMonica said. "I would like to thank Interim Director of
Athletics Ted Zaleski and Senior Associate Athletic Director Nance
Reed for this wonderful opportunity.
"I would also like to thank Mount St. Mary's Athletic Director
Lynne Robinson and University President Dr. Thomas H. Powell for
the time I had to work with them and their student-athletes and for
their support through this process," LaMonica added."
Prior to becoming the Mountaineers' head coach, LaMonica spent two
seasons as Towson's assistant coach and helped the Tigers win a
pair of Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championships. She
coached Hillary Fratzke, who was named as the 2008 CAA Player of
the Year and earned first team All-America honors, and Julie
Ondrako, who was named as the 2009 CAA Defensive Player of the
Year. In addition, five players earned first team All-CAA notice
while two players earned second team accolades. In addition to
Fratzke, the Tigers had three players earn IWLCA all-region honors
during her tenure at Towson.
Before joining the Tigers' staff, LaMonica was an assistant coach
at the University of Denver, helping the Pioneers to a 15-5 record.
She coached the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Player
and Rookie of the Year along with three all-conference selections
and the program's first-ever IWLCA All-West/Midwest honoree.
In addition to her success as a coach, LaMonica was a member of
the Australian National Team. She helped Australia win the gold
medal at the 2005 World Cup Championship and a silver medal at the
2009 World Cup Championship. Named to the 2005 IFWLA All-World
Team, she was also a member of the U-19 Australian National Team
that won the silver medal at the 1999 World Championships and was
the recipient of the U21 South Australian Sportswoman of the Year
award.
A 2003 graduate of the University of Maryland, LaMonica was a
three-year starter for the Terrapins. She earned first team
All-America honors and was a candidate for the Tewaaraton Trophy
during her senior season as a team captain she helped lead Maryland
to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship. She was a member of
three ACC championship teams and helped the Terrapins win the 2000
and 2001 national titles.
She scored 111 goals in her college career, including 49 goals as
a senior, along with 55 assists.
"I am charged with excitement and energy for this next chapter in
my coaching career and look so very forward to reuniting with the
student-athletes and staff at this outstanding institution and
continuing the growth this program has experienced over the last
few years."
The former Sonia Judd, LaMonica is married to former University of
Maryland men's lacrosse standout Michael LaMonica. The couple
resides in Parkton, Md. with their newborn son, Luca James.
Coach LaMonica will assume her duties as the Tigers' new women's
lacrosse coach on August 16.
Sonia LaMonica’s Coaching Record
Mount St. Mary’s University (2010) – Head Coach
2010
8-9
Reached Northeast Conference semi-finals
Towson University (2008-09) – Assistant Coach
2009
13-6
CAA champions; NCAA Tournament
2008
13-6
CAA champions; NCAA Tournament
University of Denver (2006) – Assistant Coach
2006
15-5
Pioneers set record for most wins in school history
Chronology of Towson University Women’s Lacrosse Coaches
Coach
Years
Record No. of
Seasons
Maggie
Faulkner
1977-1981, 1983-1985
71-62-4 8
seasons
Linda
DiColo
1982
10-7
1 season
Lisa
Pierce
1986
3-12
1 season
Sandy
Hoody
1987-1990
27-32
4 seasons
Alison
Williams
1991-1992
19-12
2 seasons
Charlotte
Hennan
1993-1994
9-18
2 seasons
Ashley
Duncan
1995-1998
31-33
4 seasons
Linda
Ohrin
1999-2003
30-38
5 seasons
Missy
Doherty
2004-2010
79-46
7 seasons
Sonia
LaMonica
2011-
0-0
1st season
