Goddard Steps Down; Maloney Elevated to Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach

Boston, Mass. – Following eight years with the program and six as Head Coach of the Emmanuel College Women's Lacrosse team, Liz Goddard has announced her decision to step away from the program following the conclusion of the 2019 non-traditional playing season. With the move, Emmanuel College Director of Athletics and Recreation Brendan McWilliams is pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Maloney to the Head Coaching position after Maloney served as Goddard's first assistant for five of her years at the helm.

"We are grateful for the work and commitment Coach Goddard put into the Emmanuel women's lacrosse program," said McWIlliams. "She was instrumental in helping the program win its first GNAC Championship to earn an NCAA tournament berth and has been a wonderful role model and mentor for countless female student-athletes at Emmanuel College."

Goddard served as an assistant coach for two seasons before being named the program's second Head Coach in 2014. Over her six seasons with the Saints, she posted an overall record of 54-42 (.542) including a 36-22 mark in GNAC play. In her first year, Goddard coached EC to a 10-0 mark in GNAC play en route to the 2014 GNAC Championship. Emmanuel finished the year with a program best 15-3 mark and Goddard was named the GNAC Women's Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

"I've had the pleasure of being part of the women's lacrosse coaching staff at Emmanuel for the past eight seasons," said Goddard. "Emmanuel is a special place and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such fine coaches, fellow staff, and administration. Most of all, I am thankful for the time that I was able to spend with the players, past and present"

Goddard landed 25 players on the GNAC All-Conference squad including the 2019 Rookie of the Year, 2017 GNAC Defensive Player of the year, the 2016 GNAC Offensive Player of the Year while also coaching two individuals to All-ECAC honors.

Thank you, Coach Goddard, for eight great years at Emmanuel!

Maloney takes over the program from her longtime friend and former collegiate teammate after serving as Goddard's lead assistant coach for five campaigns.

"Having coached alongside Liz [Maloney] for the past five seasons, I am thrilled that she will be taking over as Head Coach," said Goddard. "Her experience as a former athlete and as a coach, along with her familiarity with the team, will be invaluable to the program. She has what it takes to continue to grow the program and I am very excited to follow the team's future successes."

"I'm really excited for the opportunity to take on this role and feel lucky that I'm able to do so with a team I've been a part of for so many years," said Maloney. "Im looking forward to growing with the program, and though I have big shoes to fill, I'm ready for the challenge."

Prior to joining the EC staff, Maloney served as an Assistant Coach at her alma mater, Bentley University, for four years (2008, 2009, 2012, 2013).

"From being teammates with Liz [Goddard] at Bentley, to then coaching alongside her, we've had such an amazing run together over the years, and I'm so fortunate to have been able to work with my friend," added Maloney. "The leadership and dedication she's put into this program throughout the years is appreciated beyond measure."

While at Bentley, Maloney helped lead the Falcons to three appearances in the Northeast-10 Conference play-offs.  She was involved in all aspects of coaching a competitive Division II program, including direction, administration, organization and execution of practices, as well as recruitment and scouting.

Maloney received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing from Bentley in 2007.  The Dean's list student was a four-year starter on the defensive line for the Falcons Women's Lacrosse Team and captained the squad as a senior.  A standout on the field, Maloney received All-Northeast-10 honors as both a junior and a senior and was selected to the ECAC Division II New England All-Star Team.

Maloney and the Saints kick off the 2020 season in mid-March.