Stevens names Karen Shaddock Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach
Charles O'Brien
HOBOKEN, N.J. (August 8, 2018) – Stevens Institute of Technology Director of Athletics
Russell Rogers announced Wednesday that Williams College assistant
Karen Shaddock has been hired as the Ducks' Head Women's Lacrosse Coach.
Under Shaddock's one season with the Ephs, four players earned All-Berkshire Region recognition from the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA), while then-senior Kat Fearey and current rising sophomore Claire Fitzpatrick were both named to the New England Small College Athletic Conference's Second Team.
"After an extensive search that involved a number of outstanding candidates, we are thrilled to have Karen joining the Stevens family," Rogers said. "Her rapport with our student-athletes during the process was exactly what I was looking for and she is an ideal fit for our program in every aspect. I look forward to working with Karen and providing any support I can to help our women's lacrosse team continue to enjoy a positive and healthy culture and reach even greater levels of success."
"I am honored and very excited to have the opportunity to lead the Stevens women's lacrosse program," Shaddock said. "I am incredibly grateful and would like to extend my appreciation to Russ Rogers and the entire search committee."
"I would also like to thank all of the amazing coaches that have mentored me over the years, including Alice Lee," Shaddock continued. "I am very excited to lead the next chapter for Stevens Lacrosse!"
Shaddock arrived at Williams from Lycoming College, where the Corning, New York native spent two seasons as head coach of the Warriors, piloting the team to 22 victories. Under Shaddock's tutelage, Meghann Jackson earned the program's first-ever Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Commonwealth Offensive Player of the Year award after setting a program record with 113 points (80g 33a) in 17 games. Shaddock also brings coaching experience from Medaille College and Rochester Institute of Technology with her to Castle Point.
As an undergraduate, Shaddock played four seasons at Buffalo State University and concluded her career as one of the most decorated scorers in NCAA history, compiling 457 points over 72 career contests. During her time as a Bengal, Shaddock earned four IWLCA All-Empire Region selections, was a four-time All-SUNYAC performer and received Second Team IWLCA All-American status as a senior.
After a strong freshman campaign, Shaddock was tabbed SUNYAC Rookie of the Year and also earned All-American honors from WomensLacrosse.com, becoming the first player in program history to earn All-American distinction. Still in possession of multiple Buffalo State scoring records, Shaddock currently ranks fourth in NCAA history, regardless of division, in career points. She also is tied for the third-fastest goal in Division III history (:06 seconds against SUNY Geneseo on May 1, 2009) and led Division III in points (150) as a senior. Shaddock will be inducted into her alma mater's Hall of Fame later this year.
A 2012 graduate of Buffalo State with a bachelor's in individualized studies, Shaddock is currently completing her master's in sports leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Shaddock, who will become the third coach in program history, inherits a team that finished 14-6 and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Ducks went a perfect 8-0 in Empire 8 Conference play. Rising junior Kyra Bednarski became the second IWLCA All-American in program history after finishing the 2018 season with 110 points (65g 45a) in 20 contests to earn first-team recognition. The Syracuse, New York native was also named E8 Player of the Year and led six other players in earning all-E8 accolades.
In addition to their abilities on the field, women's lacrosse was named an IWLCA/Zag Sports Academic Honor Squad and five student-athletes were named to the IWLCA/Zag Sports Academic Honor Roll.
In her addition to her coaching duties at RIT and Medaille, Shaddock also served in both school's Sports Information office.
What They're Saying
Alice Lee - Head Women's Lacrosse Coach, Williams College
"Karen is a standout coach and person, and I know she will continue to do great things at Stevens. Karen is passionate about teaching, and her enthusiasm for lacrosse is contagious. I could not be more excited for her, and I know her team will thrive under her leadership. During her short time at Wiliams, Karen has had a big impact on our recruiting efforts and skill development for our team. She is a teacher of the game and someone who is constantly seeking growth. I have known Karen since her playing days at Buffalo State and I am fortunate to have seen her evolve throughout the years."
Megan Clements - Assistant Women's Lacrosse Coach, Stevens Institute of Technology
"I am beyond excited that Karen will be joining the Duck family. Her background and prior coaching experiences will bring a new energy to our program, and I am looking forward to what the future holds for Stevens Women's Lacrosse under her leadership."
Mackenzie Metzler, Rising Senior, Stevens Women's Lacrosse
"The entire team is elated to have Karen join our family. We are looking forward to the high intensity and energy she will bring to the team, as well as her mutual hunger to win the E8 championship and make it back to NCAAs. She knows the hard work and dedication it takes to make it there and we are excited to get started on this journey together."
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