PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Laura Brand Sias, who directed the Rutgers women's lacrosse program to 133 victories over 17 seasons, has stepped down as head coach. A 1999 Rutgers University graduate, she mentored 39 all-conference and 37 IWLCA All-Region selections since assuming the position in 2003.
 
"Laura has established a lasting legacy through her years of investment and dedicated service to Rutgers and its student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs. "She has made a positive impact on the lives of many, and we are grateful for her effort, integrity and friendship."
 
"I am so thankful for my time at Rutgers," said Brand Sias. "To be able to establish a program at my alma mater is something of which I will always be proud. The opportunity to expand my Rutgers family over the years and watch the growth of my student-athletes is something I will always cherish. I'm looking forward to now focusing my attention on my own young family and raising them with Scarlet pride."
 
Brand Sias' victories total is the most for a head coach in the program's history. She guided the Scarlet Knights to five conference tournament appearances. During her tenure, 11 student-athletes eclipsed 100 career points, with three earning IWLCA All-America honors.
 
The program also excelled in the classroom, receiving public recognition from the NCAA for its multi-year Academic Progress Rate scores seven times, while boasting 57 Academic All-Big Ten selections from 2015-18. Nineteen student-athletes were recognized on the IWLCA National Academic Honor Roll from 2010-18. The team recently posted a program-best 3.43 grade point average in the fall of 2018.
 
As a student-athlete, Brand Sias was a four-year letterwinner at midfield and helped Rutgers to its first national ranking and NCAA Tournament appearance in 1999. She competed with the Canadian National Lacrosse Team from 1999-2004 and started for the 2001 squad that placed fourth at the World Cup.
 
A national search will begin immediately.
 
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