Nicole Graziano enters her third season as an assistant coach with the Rutgers women's lacrosse program after arriving "On the Banks" in August of 2016. The former University of Florida standout is currently a member of the U.S. Women's Lacrosse National Team and the New York Fight of the Women's Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL).
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.
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 16thAnnual 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.
Graziano earned a master's degree in management at Florida in 2016 after completing her undergraduate studies in 2015 with a degree in sociology.
