What’s old is new again, when it comes to leadership at the NCAA for women’s lacrosse. A new coordinator of officials will be brought into the fold, as Melissa Coyne will re-assume a post she had previously from 2014 through 2019. Laura Herbert was in the role prior, but she resigned from the post earlier this year.
Melissa Coyne has been named NCAA national coordinator of officials for women's lacrosse.
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) October 18, 2021
This will be Coyne's second stint in the position. She previously held the role from 2014-19.
Coyne’s return to the role allows for a comfort level within the sport, and an ability to hit the ground running.
“Women’s lacrosse continues to evolve and grow, and I am looking forward to working with coaches, administrators, and officials as we pursue the very best for the student-athletes and fans,” she said. Via NCAA.org
In addition to being a rules savant, Coyne’s experience in lacrosse has also allowed to her contribute to the sport at the highest level. She was the director of the U.S. national team development program from 2017-2018, which allowed young women to develop their skills at the highest level the country has to offer.
In her playing days, Coyne was something of a prodigy. She had a stellar career playing for the University of North Carolina, but her brilliance began even earlier than that. Coyne was an amazing goalie for the U.S. Under-19 women’s team…as a 15 year old. She had the best save percentage of any goalie in the 1995 World championships, and was stifling girls with more experience than she had.
“She has maturity beyond her years on the field,” said USA assistant coach Wendy Kridel in August 1995. “She’s so smart and understands the game…she has all the skills she needs to be a phenomenal goalkeeper. Every (college) team is going to want her.” Via BaltimoreSun.com
With the level of passion and seasoning Coyne brings to the table, the NCAA would have been hard pressed to find anyone more qualified to recapture the coordinator of officials post than the former Tar Heel star.
The is a domestic (USA) rule only. US Lacrosse and NCAA legal...International, not.
— Melissa Coyne (@mcoyne3) January 2, 2018
