Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 8/9/18
From Press Release
University of Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens announced that Stanford assistant coach Chelsea Gamble (Moorestown-NJ) has been hired as the Ducks’ head lacrosse coach.
The offensive coordinator for the Cardinal the last four seasons (2015-18), Gamble helped lead Stanford to a pair of conference championships, including the inaugural Pac-12 Tournament title in 2018, and three NCAA appearances. Stanford had reached the NCAA Tournament just five times prior to Gamble’s arrival.
“We are excited about the future of Oregon lacrosse with Chelsea at the helm,” said Mullens. “Chelsea is one of the brightest offensive minds in the game and she has been a huge part of Stanford’s success over the last four years. She is committed to providing the best possible student-athlete experience and is more than ready to take this next step in her coaching career.”
“It’s a great honor and privilege to be named the next head coach of the Oregon lacrosse program,” said Gamble. “I am incredibly humbled and would like to thank Rob Mullens, Lisa Peterson and all of the wonderful people at the University of Oregon for this opportunity. Growing the game of lacrosse, especially on the West Coast, is something I am extremely passionate about. There is no better conference to compete in and grow this amazing game than the Pac-12.”
Under Gamble’s guidance, the Cardinal offense led the Pac-12 in points per game (21.25), goals per game (15.15) and assists per game (6.10) in 2018, while also pacing the league in ground balls (21.55) and draw controls per game (15.00). Nationally, Stanford tied for 14th in goals per game and was 10th in scoring margin (5.75). The Cardinal also thrived academically in 2018, leading the nation with 10 student-athletes on the IWLCA academic honor roll.
The Stanford offense ranked among the top 15 in the nation in scoring every year under Gamble’s direction, highlighted by a 2015 season that saw Gamble orchestrate the nation’s top scoring offense (16.00 goals per game) as 11 Cardinal scored 10 or more goals. Stanford also led the nation in draw controls that year (15.28 per game) en route to a perfect 9-0 conference record, an MPSF Conference title and an NCAA Tournament appearance.
Gamble arrived at Stanford from Connecticut, where she was an assistant the previous three seasons (2012-14). The Huskies enjoyed unprecedented success during her tenure, setting consecutive school records for victories in 2012 and 2013 and advancing to the program’s first NCAA Tournament in 2013.
As a freshman midfielder at George Mason, Gamble played under current Stanford head coach Amy Bokker and was named to the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie team. Gamble was named captain as a sophomore and held that post for three seasons, earning All-CAA honors along the way.
Gamble earned her bachelor’s in integrative studies, with a focus on elementary education, in 2011. She went on to earn her master’s from Connecticut in educational psychology, with a focus on cognition, instruction and learning technologies, in 2014.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Amy Bokker (Phoenixville) – Stanford Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach
“I’m thrilled for Chelsea and the University of Oregon! Becoming a head coach is something she’s prepared for and she has all the tools to put Oregon on the path to be a great program. Chelsea does an amazing job connecting with student-athletes and puts their experience and development at the forefront. She has been such a loyal friend and coach. I’m so happy for her to stay in the Pac-12 and help grow our conference into the best league in the nation.”
Katie Woods – UConn Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach
“Chelsea is a perfect fit for Oregon. I think her time at Stanford has put her in a position to excel in her first head coaching job. She has the right energy, personality, passion and knowledge to take Oregon where it wants to go.”
Amanda O’Leary (Temple, Spring-Ford) – Florida Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach
“Chelsea is a tremendous addition to the University of Oregon! Her knowledge of the Pac-12 will certainly allow Oregon to continue as a conference and national competitor. Since my daughter Madison had the opportunity to play for Chelsea at Stanford, I know firsthand the profound impact she had on her as a player, but more importantly as person.”
Shannon Williams – Oregon Senior
“After talking with coach Gamble, I am really excited to have her leading our program. She’s experienced within the Pac-12 and knows our conference really well. I think she will be able to connect with players and create a culture of family, competition and success within Oregon lacrosse.”
