Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 10/22/13
From Press Release
Monmouth University women’s lacrosse head coach Denise Wescott has announced that Eileen Ghent has been promoted to Associate Head Coach and former Hawk standout Molly O’Brien (Unionville) has been hired as an assistant coach after spending last year as a volunteer assistant.
“I am so happy to be able to keep this staff together,” said Wescott. “We work well with each other and have fun doing all the things we need to do for our program to be more successful. I also know the players are comfortable with Eileen and Molly and respect them for the things they bring to Monmouth lacrosse.”
O’Brien spent last season as a volunteer, working mainly with the MU attack. Under her instruction, freshman Marial Pierce earned Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year after finishing first on the team in game-winning goals, second in goals (31) and fourth in points (33) despite missing three games with an injury. Pierce was also named to the NEC All-Rookie team and was a member of the 2013 All-NEC Tournament Team. Off the field, O’Brien is responsible for film breakdown, recruiting, academic advising for freshmen as well as alumni special event planning.
As a player, O’Brien was a prolific midfielder for the Hawks before her senior season was cut short due to injury after just four games. She started in 58 games for the Blue & White, scoring 75 goals and assisting on 32 others for 102 points. As a junior, the Kennett Square, Pa. native registered a point in every game.
“It is wonderful having Molly with the program as a paid assistant,” said Wescott. “She knows so much about Monmouth and our lacrosse program as a player and a coach. Molly was a great offensive player for us, and having her knowledge working with our attack definitely helps our level of play. She is a wonderful teacher and has done a lot to help our players’ stick skills improve. Her dedication to our lacrosse program has been incredible, and I know she will work hard to help us compete in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.”
Ghent has been an integral part of the Hawks recent success, which included back to back conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Last season the Hawks boasted the 21st best scoring defense in the country, allowing just under nine goals per game. Ghent also mentored the 2013 Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year in Gianna D’Urso, who was selected to the prestigious North-South All-Star Game. In 2012 the MU defense made conference tournament history when the unit allowed just seven goals over two games, including three in the Championship Game against Mount St. Mary’s. In her two seasons, two defensive players have earned All-Conference honors, three have earned spots on All-Tournament Teams and D’Urso was named MVP of the 2013 conference title game.
Since Ghent arrived in West Long Branch two seasons ago, MU’s exposure has seen significant growth through camps and clinics attendance, which has doubled during that time. She was instrumental in starting the elite night camp and increased the number of overall clinics as well. Ghent is also charged with overseeing the team’s academic progress, an area in which the Hawks have flourished recently. Last season the team enjoyed its highest grade point average to date.
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