Women's Lacrosse Hires Nicole Graziano As Assistant Coach
Aug 17 | Women's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Rutgers women's lacrosse has hired University of Florida standout and U.S. Women's Lacrosse National Team member Nicole Graziano as the program's newest assistant coach, announced Wednesday by head coach Laura Brand-Sias. A 2016 Tewaaraton Award finalist and Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) All-American, Graziano was among the top players in the BIG EAST during her five-year career, earning two all-conference honors and the BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year Award as a senior.
"Certainly Nicole's athletic resume speaks for itself, but as soon as you meet her you can sense her competitive nature and her drive to win," Brand-Sias said. "We are at a critical point in the development of our program at the Big Ten and national level, and Nicole possesses the characteristics that will assist our players in the elevation of their game. That coupled with her undeniable work ethic promises great things for her career at Rutgers."
Graziano, an IWLCA All-South First Team selection, tallied at least 21 points in all four seasons played at Florida, saving her best performance for last in 2016 with 44 goals and 17 assists (61 points), 31 ground balls, 22 caused turnovers, and 45 draw controls. Her all-around dominance earned her one of five invitations as a finalist at the 16th Annual Tewaaraton Award Ceremony on June 2.
Off the field, the Gator captain and N.J. native remained highly involved in player development and coaching throughout her college career, serving as the head coach at STEPS Lacrosse in Chester, New Jersey. Graziano spent her summers mentoring young girls in women's lacrosse, also serving as a counselor at numerous lacrosse camps along the East Coast.
"I am beyond excited to start my collegiate coaching career under Laura Brand-Sias and Katie Hertsch and I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me to coach at Rutgers University," Graziano said. "I cannot wait to bring my knowledge and passion for the game to the Scarlet Knights."
Graziano earned a master's degree in management at Florida in 2016 after completing her undergraduate studies in 2015 with a degree in sociology.
Rutgers women's lacrosse closed last season in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals against No. 1 Maryland, losing by a 19-9 score to the eventual conference champions. The Scarlet Knights (6-12) won three of their final four games to close the year, including a pair of overtime wins against top-20 Ohio State. The program qualified for a conference tournament semifinal for the second time in three seasons.
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