Elmira Hires Alexa Tardif as Head Coach of Women's Lacrosse
Elmira, NY – Pat Thompson, Elmira College Vice President of Athletics, announced the appointment of
Alexa Tardif as the head coach of the Elmira College women's lacrosse program on Tuesday morning. In addition to her head coaching responsibilities, she will also assist
Lauren Silva as the assistant coach of the field hockey program this fall.
"I am extremely honored to be joining the department and excited to take on my first head coaching appointment at Elmira College," Tardif said. "It is such a beautiful campus and I cannot wait for the athletes to return for the fall so we can get started."
Prior to joining the Soaring Eagles coaching staff, she spent the 2014-15 academic year at Daniel Webster College, where she served as an assistant coach of the field hockey and women's lacrosse programs. Under first-year head coach Bill Davidson, Tardif played a prominent role in recruiting and was responsible for devising and executing practice and game plans.
She helped to revitalize both programs, including the reestablishment of the women's lacrosse program after a lost season in 2014. Although the Eagles went 1-11 during the 2015 campaign, her impact on the program was evident in the steady improvement of the team throughout the season, culminating in a 12-6 victory over conference rival Mitchell in the squad's season finale. She showed excellent poise and composure during the fall season, as she was almost immediately thrust into the interim head coaching role for the field hockey program. She handled all coaching and administrative responsibilities during the opening month, before the appointment of Davidson. She will look to carry her positive energy to the Soaring Eagles, who are coming off a tough season in 2015.
"I am really looking forward to putting my stamp on the program," Tardif continued. "I am excited to work with the current team to install some of my philosophies and strategies; it should be an exciting season ahead!"
She also served as an assistant coach of the women's lacrosse program at her high school alma mater, Hollis Brookline, during the 2015 season. She handled both administrative and hands on coaching duties for the Lady Cavaliers, helping the squad to a 5-9 mark this past spring.
"For year one, I'm focused on taking things one day at a time and continuing to develop both the technical skills and mental awareness of our athletes," Tardif said. "Hopefully that will also result in an improvement in our overall record as well," she added.
Tardif is a 2014 graduate of New England College, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology. Her studies included specific research into: ADHD and misdiagnosis, parenting styles, child development, and art therapy. Her degree went hand-in-hand with her work as a home daycare provider during her undergraduate years.
She also was a dual sport athlete during her time at New England, playing three years of varsity lacrosse and one year of varsity field hockey. She appeared in 51 games over her three-year lacrosse career for the Pilgrims, tallying 22 goals and four assists in an attacking role. She had a breakout senior season, posting career bests with 13 goals and seven assists.