LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Women's Lacrosse Head Coach Carissa Medeiros has announced the hiring of Forrest Stillwell and Carly O'Connell as the program's newest assistant coaches. Stillwell joins the River Hawks after having served as an assistant coach at UConn for two years, while O'Connell, a four-year standout at Oregon University, will look to use her playing experience as a tool to aid the third year program.
 
Stillwell's primary responsibilities at UMass Lowell will be working with the defensive and goalkeeping units, as the squad's defensive coordinator.
 
"Our program is supremely lucky to have snagged Forrest as our Defensive Coordinator," said Medeiros. "Someone with his experience and proven ability as a coach is exactly what we need as we enter our third year. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge of the X's and O's of coaching women's lacrosse, as well as a large network of mentors and connections in the Division I world. He will help elevate our program immediately."
 
As a member of the staff at UConn, Stillwell managed the Huskies defense, which led the BIG EAST Conference in caused turnovers and save percentage in back-to-back seasons (2015, 2016). Stillwell was also a part of the Huskies' coaching staff that was named the 2015 BIG EAST Coaching Staff of the Year and brought the Huskies to it's first ever conference tournament the same year.  During his tenure, Stillwell coached two All-Americans, eight All-Region selections, two BIG EAST Players of the Year, and multiple All-BIG EAST First Team honorees.
 
"I am very excited to be here and for the opportunity to help contribute to a rising program," said Stillwell. "Coach Medeiros and the team have an amazing chemistry and bond, and I am glad to be in the River Hawk family."
 
In addition to his coaching stint at UConn, Stillwell spent five years at Bucknell, headlining the squad's defensive system. During his five-year coaching campaign, the Bison led the Patriot League in caused turnovers in 2012 and 2013.
 
O'Connell comes to the River Hawks after wrapping up a stellar playing career at Oregon. The midfielder and four-year starter for the Ducks sits atop the program's record books for career draw controls per game (3.05), single season points (71), single season draw controls (77) and single game draw controls (10). O'Connell also ranks second all-time in career points (199), assists (86), draw controls (203), points per game (2.91), and assists per game (1.25).
 
"We are very excited to have Carly on board for our third year," explained Medeiros. "She has experienced Division I Athletics at one of the premier institutions in the country at Oregon and excelled as a player on offense and in the midfield. Her energy and enthusiasm for the sport will undoubtedly be a positive influence for our team. We look forward to her reorganizing and fine-tuning our offense."
 
The Southborough, Mass. native received 2015 All-MPSF First Team honors and was a two-time All-MPSF Second Team selection in 2013 and 2014. During her time at Oregon, O'Connell helped lead the squad to three consecutive conference playoff appearances. Off the field, she took part in analyzing and reviewing film of upcoming opponents, helping to create detailed scouting reports.
 
Prior to UMass Lowell, O'Connell was a Revolution Lacrosse Club coach where she turned the previous year's 1-7 record into championship status the following year. In addition to coaching, she coordinated camps and tournaments, each having over 250 participants.
 
"I am extremely excited and honored to be a part of the women's lacrosse team at UMass Lowell," said O'Connell. "It is going to be a great experience, an amazing opportunity and I am thrilled to be a River Hawk."