Michelle Tumolo named Wagner head women's lacrosse coach

By Staten Island Advance Sports Desk

Staten Island, NY - Michelle Tumolo, an All-American player at Syracuse, member of the 2017 gold medal-winning U.S. National Team and, most recently, the top assistant at the University of Oregon, has been named head women's lacrosse coach at Wagner College. "We're thrilled to add Michelle Tumolo to the Wagner athletic family," said Seahawk athletic director Walt Hameline. "She has coached and competed at the absolute highest level of the game and I am confident that our student-athletes will benefit from her teachings and guidance."

Known for her dynamic attacking ability as a player, Tumolo coordinated an Oregon offense that set a host of school record and a helped the Ducks to pair of nine-win seasons. In 2018, the Oregon tallied 336 points, second-most in the program's single-season history, on 228 goals 108 assists. Under Tumolo's tutelage, Shannon Williams broke her own Oregon single-season record for points (74), one year after setting the single-season mark in goals (51). Cambi Cukar was the quarterback of the offense with 51 assists on her way to a school-record 175 career helpers. Tumolo inherits a Seahawk program that, under fellow former Syracuse standout Katie Rowan, claimed the Northeast Conference championship in 2016 and 2018. Rowan recently accepted the head coaching position at the University at Albany. "I would like to thank Brendan Fahey (senior associate athletic director) and Walt Hameline for this amazing opportunity!" said Tumolo. "I am extremely humbled and honored to lead this group of young women. "Wagner has a special place in my heart and I am beyond grateful to be a Seahawk," continued Tumolo, whose younger sister Kimmy was a top midfielder for the Seahawks from 2013-16. "I look forward to working alongside my staff and this administration to continue the success of this program. I can't wait to get started and create a bond with this team! Go Tumolo came to Oregon after three previous seasons as an assistant coach, spending 2016 with Syracuse, her alma mater. Under head coach and Hall of Fame player, Gary Gait, she coordinated an offense that tallied 314 goals, second-most in the nation. Prior to her one season as an assistant at Syracuse, Tumolo enjoyed a successful two-year stint at Florida where, in 2015, she helped the Gators lead the NCAA in scoring with a 15.52 goals per game average. From 2010-13, the Mullica Hill, NJ native enjoyed an outstanding playing career at Syracuse where she was a finalist for the Tewaaraton Award as college player of the year in 2012. Despite having her senior season cut short due to injury in 2013, Tumolo finished her collegiate career with 141 goals and 137 assists, ranking in Syracuse's career top 10 for goals, assists and points. Her assist total ranked ninth in NCAA history at the conclusion of her career. In 2016, Tumolo was selected by the Philly Force as the franchise's first-ever draft pick in the inaugural United Women's Lacrosse League Draft Tumolo also brings to Wagner experience as an attacker on the U.S. National Team where she helped lead Team USA to a gold medal at the 2017 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Cup in Surrey, England. Following Team USA's 10-5 championship game win over Canada, Tumolo, who tallied 12 goals and 17 assists in the tournament, was one of seven USA players named to the All-World Team. What They're Saying About Michelle Tumolo "Michelle is an amazing lacrosse talent that has shown an ability to make players better! She will be amazing as a Head Coach!" - Gary Gait, Syracuse University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach "Michelle is one of the young rising star coaches in our game. She is a dynamic, hard-working player who brings a similar approach to the sidelines. Michelle is a great role model on and off of the field, the players will really enjoy playing for her - Ricky Fried, Head Coach 2017 U.S. National Women's Lacrosse Team/Georgetown University Head Coach "Wagner is getting an exceptional coach and person. Michelle has a great passion for the game of lacrosse and is more than ready to be a head coach. Her experience as a player and coach has given her tremendous knowledge to be a successful head coach. Her passion is contagious and her players while thrive under her leadership. I am thankful to have worked with her the last two seasons and wish her the best on her next chapter." - Katrina Dowd, Former University of Oregon Head Women's Lacrosse Coach