On Wednesday, Rutgers gave Taralyn Naslonski a reason to celebrate. After serving as a volunteer assistant for Rutgers women’s lacrosse this past season, the Scarlet Knights announced that Naslonski had been promoted to assistant coach. While her new role comes with more responsibilities, head coach Melissa Lehman has high expectations.
This past season Naslonski mentored the goalies and was crucial to their success. Under her guidance, Sophia Cardello finished second in the Big Ten and 28th nationally in saves per game (9.06). She also earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week accolades.
Whether as a coach or as a player, Naslonski has been able to succeed at Rutgers. She holds the program records for career points with 226 and goals with 187. As a player, she was also named a Second Team All-American by the IWLCA and Honorable Mention All-American by USA Lacrosse Magazine.
“I am ecstatic about TT becoming a full-time member of our staff,” Lehman said. “TT demonstrated last year that she is one of the bright young minds in the sport. She is passionate about coaching and Rutgers University. We cannot wait to continue to work alongside her as we continue to take Rutgers lacrosse to the next level and build the program into a championship contender.”
Senior captain Taralyn Naslonski netted her 100th career goal over the weekend against No. 3 Northwestern. What a career TT has had during her time "On the Banks"!#BxB 🧱 | #GoRU pic.twitter.com/7AfdYTpZIb
— Rutgers Women's Lacrosse (@rutgers_wlax) March 23, 2021
While Nalonski’s success has been well documented, her new role is one she isn’t taking for granted.
“Rutgers has such a special place in my heart, and being able to continue to represent the ‘Block R’ as an assistant coach means everything to me,” Naslonski told Rutgers athletics. “Working with Melissa and having the trust and support from the rest of the staff is truly an honor. This program has seen tremendous growth within the last few seasons and has set the standard for years to come.”
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