Chatnik named new women’s lacrosse assistant coach

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh head coach Jill Redfern announced on Friday the hiring of Lauren Chatnik as a new assistant coach. A former standout between the pipes at Fairfield, Chatnik will work extensively with the Mountain Hawks' goalkeepers and defensive unit, while also providing assistance in recruiting and administration. She comes to Lehigh following a pair of coaching stints in England and one at the University of Mary Washington.

“I'm really excited to start,” said Chatnik. “The Lehigh Lacrosse program has always been strong. They were some of our toughest competition when we played them and are a threat to every team they play.”

“[Associate head coach] Kelley [Putnam Necioglu] and I found Lauren to be not only a knowledgeable goalkeeping coach, but also a fierce competitor,” said Redfern. “We look forward to her contributions to Lehigh Women's Lacrosse, both on and off the field.”

Chatnik enjoyed a stellar career as a four-year starting goalie for the Stags. She capped it off as a senior captain by leading Fairfield to the MAAC Championship, the program's first title since 2001. The Stags went on to defeat Sacred Heart in an NCAA play-in game before taking Penn down to the wire in the NCAA Tournament. Chatnik was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year that season, while earning First Team All-MAAC in 2007 and '09 and Second Team in 2008.

Following her playing career, Chatnik coached at Berkhamsted School for Girls in Berkhamsted, UK and Abbots Hill School in Hemel Hempstead, UK.

Chatnik moved back to the United States this past season where she worked at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va. While there, she observed and evaluated opposing teams, while overseeing academics and playing a key role in recruiting. Chatnik helped guide the Eagles to a 13-8 overall record and NCAA Tournament berth.

At Lehigh, Chatnik will work with a talented group of goalies. In 2012, the team returns two talented goalkeepers in rising sophomore Alexandra Fitzpatrick and rising junior Mary Leah DiNisco, while incoming freshman Allison Fayans will round out the Mountain Hawks' tandem. Fitzpatrick was named a First Team All-Patriot League selection in 2011, while DiNisco returns following a strong campaign, which was highlighted by her dazzling performance at Navy that earned her Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week laurels.

Lehigh University Athletics

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Chatnik named new women’s lacrosse assistant coach

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