After four successful seasons as a player, Rebecca Lane, former St. Joe’s women’s lacrosse player returns to her alma mater and join her old coach and teammates to take on a new role. Lane was captain of the team her junior and senior years and is now a student assistant coach.
During her senior season, Lane was sidelined from a season ending injury, tearing her ACL for the third time in her life.
According to NCAA rules, the game Lane was playing in was one too many to be eligible to redshirt, forcing her to end her career half a season too early.
“Hawk Hill has been my second home for the past four years,” Lane said. “I’m just happy to be able to contribute to the team in this new role.”
The opportunity to coach was a chance for Lane to remain involved in the sport she loves.
“Just getting any opportunity to stay on campus and stay in lacrosse,” Lane said. “Being cut off from lacrosse right away and not being able to do anything would be too much.”
Working under head coach Alex Kahoe as a player and now as a colleague has helped Lane grow and perfect her role as a coach.
“Especially as a player, listening to her run drills and give feedback” Lane said. “I took it all in and it really helped me in this new role.”
Coaching after college was not the immediate goal, Lane said.
“I always thought about it,” Lane said. “It was definitely a surprise when the opportunity came around.”
However it is nothing new to Lane though, she coached back home in Australia before moving to Philadelphia.
“I was coaching back in my teenage years,” Lane explained. “Coaching really helps any player break down the game and think differently about it.”
Former teammate senior Bridget Cerciello said she admired Lane as a player and now as a coach.
“I think from the moment I stepped on campus, she’s just been such an awesome role model and has always been a leader and has really grown in her confidence and abilities on and off the field,” Cerciello said. “Now seeing her as a coach it’s pretty much come full circle.”
Senior Julia Pash said how great of a coach Lane is, and explained how her careful, individualized coaching is key.
“She pays so much attention to detail and gives us the most individualized feedback to help us grow,” Pash said. “You learn so much from watching her. She’s been a leader every step of the way.
The Hawks now have the guidance of a former star player and of a familiar face.
“The fact I was able to coach after my injury really helped me come to terms with it,” Lane said. “I’m glad I’m still contributing and giving back to the team.”
