Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/13/16
From Press Release
Widener University Director of Athletics Jack Shafer has announced Kate Slade (Central Bucks East) as the new head women’s lacrosse coach. Slade was most recently an assistant coach at Franklin & Marshall College for the past two years.
“We are very excited to have Kate join us at Widener as our new women’s lacrosse coach,” said Shafer. “She stood out among a talented pool of candidates and brings a wealth of experience and success in her sport as both a player and a coach. We are confident that Kate can help continue to elevate our women’s lacrosse program to achieve greater success, both on the field and in the classroom, while also living out our mission at Widener over the next several years.”
At Franklin & Marshall, Slade helped continue the Diplomats’ tradition of excellence by helping the program reach the NCAA Division III Final Four in each of her two seasons on the sidelines. She was responsible for assisting the head coach with all aspects of the program with an emphasis on the training and development of the team’s midfielders, attackers and draw specialists. During her tenure, Slade coached seven IWLCA All-Americans, 12 IWLCA All-Region selections and 16 student-athletes who earned Centennial Conference postseason recognition. She also mentored Paige Moriarty, who was named the 2016 IWLCA Division III Attacker of the Year.
“I am extremely excited and grateful to have the opportunity to coach at Widener University,” said Slade. “I look forward to building upon the existing program and doing everything I can to ensure the continued growth and success of Widener women’s lacrosse. I would also like to thank Jack Shafer and the entire athletics department for this opportunity.”
Prior to Franklin & Marshall, Slade served as an assistant coach at the University of Scranton for three seasons following four years as a standout player with the Royals. She served as the recruiting coordinator and also spent time as the interim head coach during a transition period. Scranton also advanced to the semifinal round of the Landmark Conference Tournament in each of her three seasons on the sidelines.
Slade was a successful student-athlete herself on the collegiate level as a four-year letterwinner at Scranton between 2008-11. She was an All-Landmark Conference selection every year, which included making the first team three times, and earned a place on the Landmark Conference All-Academic Team as a senior. Furthermore, she holds the school record for caused turnovers (123) while also contributing 100 points on 84 goals and 16 assists. She also ranks fourth in the program annals in ground balls (195) and sixth in draw controls (130).
Slade, who received a merit award for academic excellence and athletic achievement, earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Scranton in 2011. She will begin her duties at Widener later this month.
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