Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 7/21/22
From Press Release
Three Philly caches were named as IWLCA Regional Coaches of the Year in Division III for 2022.
Metro Region
Carole Cantele, Gettysburg College
Cantele (Nether Providence HS/now Strath Haven), who retired after the season after a glorious career, was named the Centennial Conference Coach of the Year for the third time in her career with the other awards coming in 2013 and 2015. Despite playing a schedule that included eight-straight games against nationally-ranked teams, Gettysburg continued to hold its status as one of the premier teams across the country. The Bullets posted 10 consecutive wins and owned a 16-3 overall record before entering the NCAA Tournament. Cantele led Gettysburg to a perfect conference regular season (9-0) and the Bullets captured the CC championship on their home turf with a win over Franklin & Marshall. Gettysburg advanced to the NCAA semifinals before falling to the eventual champions Middlebury. Cantele completed her 30th and final season at the helm with a 443-114 (.795) career record at Gettysburg.
Boardwalk Region
Sharon Pfluger, The College of New Jersey
Pfluger was named NJAC Coach of the Year after guiding the Lions to another undefeated league campaign. Her 555 career wins are the most in NCAA history at any level and she also ranks near the top at all levels for career winning percentage. Under her guidance, TCNJ has won 10 NCAA Division III Championships, six NCAA runner-up finishes, and seven third-place finishes. Her teams have qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each of her first 35 seasons, remarkably making it to at least the Elite Eight round every season. Since lacrosse was introduced as an NJAC sport in 2009, Pfluger has led the Lions to 11 conference championships out of the 12 won in the league.
Empire Region
Anne Phillips, William Smith College
Phillips (Henderson High, former coach at Owen J. Roberts) guided the Herons to an 18-2 record and their sixth consecutive Liberty League title in 2022. Entering the year, William Smith needed to replace half of its starting lineup, including the two-time Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year. With an infusion of youth, the Herons rattled off four straight wins to start the year. After falling to then No. 1 Salisbury, William Smith won 14 straight games, advancing to the third round of the NCAA tournament. The 18 wins this year are the second most in a season in program history. Herons were 10-0 in Liberty League play. Phillips’ charges earned a league- high six All-Liberty League honors including the Liberty League Offensive Player of the Year and The Rookie of the Year. The Herons finished the year sixth in the nation in winning percentage, 14th in scoring defense (7.45 gpg) 17th in scoring margin (+8.55) and 19th in assists per game (7.80).
