Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern Adds Two Assistants to Coaching Staff
9/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
Sept. 5, 2003
EVANSTON, Ill. - Danielle Shearer and Alexis Venechanos, a pair of standout lacrosse players who recently graduated from Notre Dame and Maryland, respectively, have been named assistant coaches for the Northwestern University women's lacrosse team. The announcement was made recently by head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller, who is entering her third season at NU.
Danielle Shearer comes to Evanston following an excellent career under the Golden Dome that saw her graduate as Notre Dame's all-time leader in goals (130) and points (198) while finishing second in assists with 68 in her career. She was the 2002 Big East Midfielder of the Year and a second-team All-America, and in 2003 she was a candidate for the Tewaarton Trophy (given to the top player in the nation). A two-time regional All-America and All-Big East selection, Shearer helped Fighting Irish to their first national ranking and its first NCAA Tournament appearance during her tenure.
"Danielle is the most decorated lacrosse player ever to come out of Notre Dame's program, and has playing experience in the NCAA tournament," said Amonte Hiller. "I am excited about her playing ability (currently still playing with the US team) as we will put her in the mix quite often in practice. Danielle is extremely versatile as a coach, and I hope to use her both on the attack and with the defense."
Alexis Venechanos was the 2003 recipient of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Award, given to the nation's top goalkeeper. She was also a consensus first-team All-America as well as first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and ACC Tournament MVP last season. Despite playing the second half of the season on a torn ACL, Venechanos posted 164 saves versus 121 goals allowed and was in the top 10 nationally in both save percentage (.575) and goals against average (6.62). A three-year starter for the Terps-and captain of last season's team-Venechanos backstopped Maryland's 2001 national championship team and three ACC championship squads.
"It is my hope that Alexis will be able to help convey her winning experiences to the team and take our program to the next level," said Amonte Hiller. "She will be in charge of the defense and goalies; having a goalie coach on staff is an invaluable resource that will help our goalies improve tremendously."
This will be the first college coaching experience for both Shearer and Venechanos, but both are veterans of the camp scene. Amonte Hiller is looking forward to their presence as the 2003-04 school year approaches at Northwestern.
"I could not be more thrilled with the two additions to my staff this season," said Amonte Hiller. "Both Danielle and Alexis have tremendous playing experience and knowledge of the game. Overall, I think that we have an extremely decorated and knowledgeable staff in place for our players to learn from on a daily basis."
